CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL
MEETING
AGENDA
March 10, 2026 - 6:00 PM
In Person
Members of the public may participate by being present at the Los Altos Council Chamber at Los Altos City Hall located at 1 N. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA during the meeting. Public comment is accepted in person at the physical meeting location, or via email to [email protected].
RULES FOR CONDUCT: Pursuant to Los Altos Municipal Code, Section 2.05.010 "Interruptions and rules for conduct": Understanding that the purpose of the city council meetings is to conduct the people's business for the benefit of all the people, in the event that any meeting of the city council is willfully interrupted by a person or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting impossible, the mayor, mayor pro-tem, or any other member of the city council acting as the chair may order the removal of the person or persons responsible for the disruption and bar them from further attendance at the council meeting, or otherwise proceed pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.0 or any applicable penal statute or city ordinance.
REMOTE MEETING OBSERVATION: Members of the public may view the meeting via the link below, but will not be permitted to provide public comment via Zoom or telephone. Public comments will be accepted in person, and members of the public may submit written comments by following the instructions below. https://losaltosca-gov.zoom.us/j/91815962106?pwd=wVJRE5ip63r94nnQie0zq6KcObuhFd.1 Telephone: 1-669-444-9171 / Webinar ID: 918 1596 2106 / Passcode: 520832 SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS: Prior to the meeting, comments on matters listed on the agenda may be emailed to [email protected]. Emails sent to this email address are sent to/received immediately by the City Council. Emails sent directly to the City Council as a whole or individually, and not sent to [email protected] will not be included as a public comment in the Council packet.
Please note: Personal information, such as e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, home addresses, and other contact information are not required to be included with your comments. If this information is included in your written comments, they will become part of the public record. Redactions and/or edits will not be made to public comments, and the comments will be posted as they are submitted. Please do not include any information in your communication that you do not want to be made public. The Mayor will open public comment and will announce the length of time provided for comments during each item.
AGENDA
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
ESTABLISH QUORUM
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Review of Commission Work Plans
Meet and Discuss the 2026 Commission Work Plans with the following Commissions:
• Senior Commission
• Complete Streets Commission
• Historical Commission
• Planning Commission
ADJOURNMENT
SPECIAL NOTICES TO THE PUBLIC
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Altos will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk 72 hours prior to the meeting at (650) 947-2610.
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Prepared By: Melissa Thurman
Approved By: Gabe Engeland
Subject: Review of Commission Work Plans
COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA
General Government
RECOMMENDATION
Meet and Discuss the 2026 Commission Work Plans with the following Commissions:
• Senior Commission
• Complete Streets Commission
• Historical Commission
• Planning Commission
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
None
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
This is an annual meeting to review Commission work plans.
BACKGROUND
The City Council meets annually with City Commissions to review their upcoming work plans.
The 2024 and 2025 work plans have been included as an attachment for reference.
ANALYSIS
None.
DISCUSSION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan
2. 2025 Senior Commission Work Plan
3. 2024 Senior Commission Work Plan
4. 2026 Complete Streets Commission Work Plan
5. 2025 Complete Streets Commission Work Plan
6. 2024 Complete Streets Commission Work Plan
7. 2026 Historical Commission Work Plan
8. 2025 Historical Commission Work Plan
9. 2024 Historical Commission Work Plan
10. 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan
11. 2025 Planning Commission Work Plan
Senior Commission
2025 - 26 Work Plan
(October 2025 - September 2026)
Goals Projects Due Date Priority/Source Status Assignment Notes In Progress
Ad Hoc
Subcommittee
Dixit, Olson
Date has been confirmed for
Friday, May 15
Working Pair
Gallagher
Thompson,
Olson
Marketing
Community Support
and Health Care
Services
Host a Health Fair September
2026
Commission In Progress
Include Emergency
Preparedness topics and
vendors
Date has been confirmed for
Tuesday, September 15
Increase participation in
Adult 50+ programs and
activities
Commission
Example: Chair Yoga at the Los
Altos Community Center which
has low participation
Market to increase
community awareness of
programs and services
Outreach to isolated seniors
with regard to emergency
preparedness and
engagement in activity and
service opportunities
Commission/
City Council
Outreach and
Marketing
Social Participation
Collaborate with Club 55 and
Adult 50+ Program to host a
Spring Fling in May
May 2026 Commission
Senior Commission
2025 - 26 Work Plan
(October 2025 - September 2026)
Host emergency
preparedness presentations
after luncheons (2-3)
Commission
Work with Adult 50+ staff to
schedule
Senior Commission
2025 - 26 Work Plan
(October 2025 - September 2026)
October 6, 2025 November 3, 2025 December - No Meeting January 5, 2026 February 2, 2026 March 2, 2026 No Meeting Reorganization Work Plan Work Plan Work Plan Work Plan Spring Fling Spring Fling
Health Fair
April 6, 2026 May 4, 2026 June 1, 2026 July - No Meeting August 3, 2026 September 14, 2026 Spring Fling Spring Fling Health Fair Health Fair Health Fair Health Fair Health Fair Outreach & Marketing Outreach & Marketing Outreach & Marketing Outreach & Marketing Outreach & Marketing
Senior Commission
2024 - 25 Work Plan
(October 2024 - September 2025)
Goals Projects Due Date Priority/Source Status Assignment Notes Outdoor Spaces and
Building
Transportation
Write a letter to El Camino
Healthcare District Board
regarding the RoadRunner
Program
November
2024 Community input Completed
Buchholz,
Gallagher
Thompson
Individual letters were written in
lieu of a formal letter due to
Council being the legislative
body that should approve a
letter being sent by the city
Housing
Collaborate with Adult 50+
staff to increase
participation in programs
and activities
October 2024 Completed Nagao, Olson
Collaborate with Club 55 and
Adult 50+ Program to expand
the October Club 55 event to
a Halloween themed Fall
Fling
October 2025 Commission In Progress Olson, Trapnell
Collaborate with Club 55 and
Adult 50+ Program to host a
Spring Fling in April
April 2026 Commission Planning of this event will be
based upon the Fall Fling
Respect and Social
Inclusion
Civic Participation and
Employment
Communication and
Information
Social Participation
Senior Commission
2024 - 25 Work Plan
(October 2024 - September 2025)
Community Support
and Health Care
Services
Host a Health Fair September /
October 2025
Commission In Progress
Basiji, Buchholz,
Gallagher
Thompson
Two dates have been reserved
at the Los Altos Community
Center
1. Tuesday, September 9
2. Tuesday, October 7
Final date will be based upon
availability of speakers and
vendors
Emergency
Preparedness
Senior Commission
2024 - 25 Work Plan
(October 2024 - September 2025)
October 7, 2024 November 4, 2025 December - No Meeting January 6, 2025 February 3, 2025 March 3, 2025 Reorganization Work Plan Work Plan Work Plan Health Fair Age Friendly Action Plan Meeting Schedule Health Fair Fall Fling Work Plan Health Fair
Transportation
Alternative Options to
RoadRunners
Age Friendly
April 7, 2025 May 5, 2025 June 2, 2025 July - No Meeting August 4, 2025 September 8, 2025 Health Fair Health Fair Health Fair Health Fair Health Fair Fall Fling Fall Fling Fall Fling Fall Fling Fall Fling
Senior Commission Updated February 5, 2024
SENIOR COMMISSION
2023-24 Work Plan
(October 2023 to September 2024)
Goal Projects Ad-Hoc Assignments Target Date Status
Recertify Los Altos as
an Age Friendly city
• AARP Age
Friendly Survey
outreach
• Present AARP Age Friendly Survey to the
multi-cultural group
Ad-Hoc subcommittee: Dixit
• Present AARP Age Friendly Survey to Adult
50+ lunch program (Community Center and
Grant)
Ad-Hoc subcommittee: O’Reilly & Nagao
• Present AARP Age Friendly Survey to Los
Altos Rotary
Ad-Hoc subcommittee: Basiji
January 2024
January 2024
February 2024
Completed
Completed
Completed
• Participate in Age
Friendly Task
Force
• Work with Center for Age Friendly Excellence
(CAFÉ) representatives to assist and support
outreach and research
Ad-Hoc subcommittee: Buchholz, Cohen, O’Reilly
December 2024
• Assist with Age
Friendly data
collection/analysis
• Note taking for
Age-Friendly focus
groups
• Senior Commission will provide support to
CAFÉ by attending the focus groups and taking
notes
Spring/Summer
2024
Senior Commission Updated February 5, 2024
Outdoor Spaces
and Buildings
• Grant Park
Community Center
Transportation
Improve Senior
Transportation options
• Host a workshop
connecting
Adult 50+ to
transportation
options
• Explore
resources and
options
Housing
Social Participation
• Collaborate with
Adult 50+ staff to
increase
participation in
programs and
activities
• Meet with Recreation Coordinator to understand
what programs and services are being offered,
and determine recommended areas of
improvement
Ad-hoc subcommittee: Nagao, Olson
March 2024
• Support and
enhance
community
connections
Respect and
Social Inclusion
Senior Commission Updated February 5, 2024
Civic Participation and
Employment
Communication and
Information
• Improve outreach
• Determine ways to
reach isolated
seniors
Community Support and
Health Care Services
• Educate and connect
seniors to resources
to allow them to age
in place
Complete Streets Commission
2026 Work Plan
Goal # Goal Project # Project Anticipated
Completion
Priority Source Status Assignment Notes
1 Complete Streets Master Plan
Stewardship
1 Track CSMP recommendations, metrics, and 5-year update a. Identify recommendations for designs/plans
b. Identify metrics of recommendation: planned, in-progress, completed, etc.
c. Determine recommendations to address for 2026+
Q3 Medium CSMP Ideation CSC + City
Staff
- Consier a for 5 year update. Or longer?
- Track + log CIP / safety recommendations plus
public comment
- Critical safety project repository
2 Improve Pedestrian & Multimodal Paths 2 Develop and implement wayfinding maps in 1-2 locations a. Identify and install new street signage
b. Work with community organizations to educate/engage
students (Greentown Los Altos, Safe Routes to Downtown LA, Los Altos PD, Los Altos school district, and PTAs, etc.) C. Evaluate historical SafeRoutes.org mobile app program Q1, Q2, Q3 High SRTS Ideation CSC + City
Staff
- Multimodal Transportation- explore how public
transportation can be leveraged
- Increased bike + pedestrian participation
2 Improve Pedestrian & Multimodal Paths 3 Downtown Accessibility a. Bike safety and racks
b. Walking improvement
c. Incorporate Los Altos CSMP to plan for redesign of city streets
Q1, Q2 Medium General Plan / CSMP Ideation CSC + City
Staff
Encourage biking to downtown
2 Improve Pedestrian & Multimodal Paths 4 Bike, Walk, and Wheel Safety and Programming Q2, Q3 High General Plan / CSMP Ideation CSC + City Staff
- Encourage biking to downtown
- Ebike programs
2 Improve Pedestrian & Multimodal Paths 5 Create a report regarding the current conditions of the road shoulders and parkways
Q2 Medium Community Input and
Commissioner Walking
Survey
Ideation CSC + City
Staff
Review current city policy, conduct field inspections,
and create a report on findings
3 Address Public Safety Locations of
Concern
6 Identify top 5 locations for speed review leveraging the New City Wide Radar Survey results to determine traffic calming measures
>2027 Low Radar Survey / AB43 Planned CSC + City
Staff
Focus on speed reduction, if possible leverage AB43
for a tool to improve safety
4 Manage Capital Improvement Projects 7 San Antonio Road redesign & re-visioning >2027 Low CSMP Planned CSC + City Staff
- Understand short and longer impacts on adjacent
road networks
- Plan for communty engagment strategy
4 Manage Capital Improvement Projects 8 Identify and fix top 5 unsafe streets a. Use the SRTS and annual resurfacing with public comments Q1, Q2, Q3 High CSMP Ideation CSC + City
Staff
- Short and long-term impacts
- Traffic calming mechanisms (mini roundabouts,
bulb-outs)
- Targeted location (spot) specific safety
improvements - road elements
- Removal of slip lanes
4 Manage Capital Improvement Projects 9 Road impact planning for New Developments a. Future traffic rates, under/over parked streets, and mitigation opportunities
b. Parking Management
c. Use Los Altos General Plan to plan for redesign of city streets
Q3, Q4 Low CSMP Ideation CSC + City
Staff
Places:
- LAHS
- El Camino Real
- Distel Road/Circle
2025 Los Altos Complete Streets Commission Work Plan
Goal # Goal Projects (14 Total) Anticipated
Completion
Priority Source Status Assignment Notes
1 Implementing and Improving
Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
Updating SRTS Infrastructure - implement where applicable to 2025 CIP project listQ2, Q3 2025 Complete Streets Master Plan & Safe Routes to School
City staff in collaboration with
commission
- Advance complete streets projects for
high priority areas around Los Altos
schools.
- Work will include getting community
input on projects.
SRTS Education Ongoing work Complete Streets Master Plan & Safe Routes to School
City staff in collaboration with
commission & external group
Work with local schools and groups to
educate the community on how to stay
safe while getting around town. Wayfinder Maps & Signage - SRTS TBD - end of 2025
Complete Streets Master Plan & Safe Routes
to School
City staff in collaboration with
commission
Explore the value of wayfinding and
signage, such as for intended Safe Routes to School.
2 Downtown Safety Improvements Review Traffic Calming Measures and Speed Limit Mechanisms
Q2 2025 Community, Commission, and Staff Input City staff in collaboration with commission
Evaluate opportunities for traffic
calming and speed limit changes for
downtown Los Altos.
Review Bike Parking locations; supporting
additional bicycle types
Q2 2025 Community, Commission, and Staff Input City staff in collaboration with commission
Find areas for bike parking to make it
easier for Los Altans to bike in and
around downtown.
3 Multimodal Transportation
Safety
Complete E-Bike Ordinance Q1 2025 Community, Commission, and Staff Input City staff in collaboration with commission
Finalize a proposed ordinance
clarifying the use of e-bikes in Los Altos.
San Antonio Road improvements
(w/improve bike lanes)
Ongoing work Complete Streets Master Plan & Safe Routes to School
City staff in collaboration with
commission
Develop a proposal for San Antonio Road street improvements and secure associated federal grant.
Create Partnerships with Neighboring Agencies (County & Cities): Benchmark, Coordinate, and Fix Public Safety Gaps Based on City Boundaries/JurisdictionOngoing work Community, Commission, and Staff Input City staff in collaboration with commission
Foster communication with neighbors
(such as Palo Alto, Mountain View,
Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County) in order
to learn from them and coordinate
better on projects.
Update/Conduct a city wide radar survey Q1 2025 Staff Plan City Staff Evaluate benefits of radar survey for enforcing local speed limits.
4 Road Maintenance and
Improvements for Public Safety
(and Implement Safe Routes to
School Where Possible)
Implement 2025 Project List Q2, Q3 2025 Street Condition Study; CIP Budget & Plan City staff in collaboration with commission Work through the 2025 project list for
road maintenance and safety, while
building in SRTS.
Review and Update long term CIP project
list
Q2, Q3 2025 Street Condition Study; CIP Budget & Plan City staff in collaboration with commission
Build out the list of long-term CIP
projects.
5 CSC Strategic Plans Identify Gaps in Priorities - with respect to SRTS and CSMP Items in Past Budgets
Q1 2025 Complete Streets Master Plan & Commission
Input
CSC in collaboration with City
Staff
Uncover any gaps from recent prior
years in SRTS and CMPS priorities, and
address them for future plans.
Leverage Traffic Calming Plan (AB 43) TBD - end of
2025
Commission & Community Input CSC in collaboration with City Staff
Evaluate how AB 43 could help Los Altos.
Long-term & 2026 CSC work plan Q4 2025 Complete Streets Master Plan & Commission Input
CSC Subcommittee + CSC in
collaboration with City Staff
Create 2026 CSC work plan, and plan
for out-years as well (think about ~5
year plan).
Planned
Planned
Planned
Planned
Planned
Planned
Planned
Planned
Planned
Planned
In progress
In progress
In progress
In progress
COMPLETE STREETS COMMISSION
CITY OF LOS ALTOS
2024 WORK PLAN
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
(TRANSPORTATION DIVISION)
COMPLETE STREETS
COMMISSION GOAL
To align its goals with the City
Council’s Strategic Goals for 2024:
Safe Routes to School
Annual Street Resurfacing
Implement the CIty’s policies as
expressed in the Complete Streets
Master Plan to improve circulation,
safety, and efficiencies, with an
emphasis on improving Safe
Routes to Schools.
GOALS
Complete Streets are
planned, designed, and
operated for safe mobility
for all users...
CATEGORY COMPLETE STREETS GOAL STATEMENT
Activity
Increase the share of people walking, biking, and riding transit to work to 10% by 2030 and 20% by 2040.
Increase the share of students walking and biking to school by 10% by 2030.
Safety
Reduce the number of collisions in the community involving people walking, biking, and/or driving by 50% by 2030.
Work to eliminate all collisions resulting in severe and fatal injuries by 2030.
Reduce before and after traffic speeds and cut-through rates on projects aimed to address those issues.
Connectivity
Implement at least 10 high-priority projects by 2030.
Decrease the number of gaps in pedestrian and bicycle networks by 50% by 2030.
Climate
Change
Reduce the number of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per capita to meet the goals of the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
Community
Input
Ensure all projects include pre- and post- engagement and evaluation with community members by 2022.
Increase opportunities for community members to share additional feedback and insights on methods for improvement. Implement a feedback process by 2022.
Evaluation
Collect and publish multimodal transportation counts on arterials once every five years.
Ensure all City sponsored transportation projects include before and after multimodal transportation counts by 2025.
SOURCE: LOS ALTOS COMPLETE STREETS MASTER PLAN: AN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FRAMEWORK_V9, 2022
TRANSPORTATION DIVISION’S
PERFORMANCE IN 2023
Reorganization of the department and division.
Award of On-Call contract for Transportation Engineering Services.
Three (3) new hires for the department.
Evaluation of Jardin Dr completed construction and determination to develop an improved design with extensive community engagement.
Three (3) concept plans prepared for review and comments - sent to Santa Clara Fire Department for review (end of December 2023).
Damaged lighted crosswalk at San Antonio Rd and Loucks Ave was replaced with a fully operational, double sided LED, audible system.
Field inspection and evaluation of all Los Altos lighted crosswalk systems to determine locations in need of immediate improvements.
Response and improvements to outstanding resident complaints.
Response and meetings with schools seeking traffic operations improvements.
Review of permit applications in queue and preparation of response letters to applicants.
Review of funded projects, additional funding needs, and determination of projects the department can focus on and deliver in 2024.
Preparation of the 2024 Work Plan and staff assignments.
DEPARTMENT ACHIEVEMENTS
NEW STAFF (OCTOBER-DECEMBER)
PREVIOUS STAFF
San Antonio Ave Improvements Project
Safe Routes to School - Encouragement & Education
2024 WORK PLAN
PROJECT NAME BRIEF DESCRIPTION
San Antonio Road
Improvements
Advertise RFP in Q4 of FY 2023-2024
Jardin Drive Road
Improvements
Outreach, redesign, and construct
Safe Routes to School Evaluate plans and engage with schools Annual Street Resurfacing Street resurfacing on select streets Annual Street Striping Street striping on select streets Annual Street Slurry Seal Slurry or micro seal select streets Annual Traffic Sign
Replacement
MUTCD compliant signs to replace existing traffic signs Maintenance of Crosswalk
Systems
Maintain non-operational systems at uncontrolled
crosswalks not a part of grant funded projects
Fremont Ave Pedestrian
Bridge Rehabilitation
Rehab existing bridge for various issues
Intersection Access Barrier
Removal
Removal of barriers to provide ADA access to the Hetch
Hetchy Trail
El Camino Real Improvements
Pavement rehabilitation, ADA improvements, and new
bike lanes installation
ALMOND ELEMENTARY
COVINGTON ELEMENTARY
GARDNER BULLIS ELEMENTARY
LOYOLA ELEMENTARY
OAK AVENUE ELEMENTARY
SANTA RITA ELEMENTARY
SPRINGER ELEMENTARY
BLACH MIDDLE SCHOOL
EGAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
MONTCLAIRE ELEMENTARY
STEVENS CREEK ELEMENTARY
WEST VALLEY ELEMENTARY
CUPERTINO MIDDLE SCHOOL
KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL
HOMESTEAD HIGH SCHOOL
LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL
MONTA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Safe Routes to School refers to a variety of multi-disciplinary programs aimed at both increasing the number of students walking and bicycling to school and reducing the number of vehicle trips associated with school travel on a national or statewide level. Our list of schools are:
NOVEMBER 2023
RECEIVED INITIAL FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY AT CSC MEETING (11/29/2023) JANUARY 2024
DESIGN CONCEPTS WERE SHARED AT THE COMMUNITY MEETING (1/25/2024), RECEIVED FEEDBACK, AND PRESENTED TO CSC (1/31/2024)
FEBRUARY 2024
NEW DESIGN CONCEPTS WILL BE SHARED AT THE SPECIAL CSC MEETING (2/22/2024)
PREPARED IN CONSIDERATION OF THE INPUT RECEIVED FROM THE COMMUNITY AND CSC CSC RECOMMENDATION OF FINAL DESIGN (2/28/2024)
MARCH 2024
PRESENT CSC RECOMMENDED FINAL DESIGN TO CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL (3/12/2024)
APRIL 2024
PREPARE CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS AND BID PACKAGE TO PUT CITY PAVEMENT
PROJECT OUT TO BID
MAY 2024
GO TO CITY COUNCIL TO AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AND EXECUTE
AGREEMENT WITH AWARDED CONTRACTOR
(5/14/2024)
JUNE 2024
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS AFTER (6/6/2024 – LAST DAY OF SCHOOL) FOR JARDIN DRIVE
AND OTHER PAVEMENT REHAB STREETS
AUGUST 2024
REDESIGNED JARDIN DR. OPENS TO THE PUBLIC BEFORE THE START OF SCHOOL (8/12/2024)
UPDATE ON JARDIN DRIVE
REDESIGN TIMELINE
AIM ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC.
www.aimeci.com
(925) 495-1234
5424 Sunol Blvd, Ste 10-256,
Pleasanton, CA 94566
CITY OF LOS ALTOS
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
&
AIM ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
PREPARED BY
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
2026 Work Plan
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes Improve
Awareness
Conduct the
Margaret
Thompson
Essay Contest
Begins in
December
each year
Ends in May
each year
The priority is
related to the
Historic
Commission’s
purpose to
encourage public
knowledge,
understanding, and
appreciation of the
City's past, and
foster civic and
neighborhood pride
and sense of identity
based upon the
recognition and use
of the City’s historic
resources.
In Progress The Commission and
staff in coordination
with the Los Altos
History Museum.
Commissioner
Maguire-Negus is the
primary commissioner
assigned to work with
staff.
The Ice Cream
Social is scheduled
to take place on
the same day as
the first Council
meeting in May.
Improve
Awareness
Conduct the
Historic Plaque
program
Begins in
December
each year
Ends in May
each year
The priority is
related to City
Council Resolution
No. 2013-05 and the
Historic
Commission’s
purpose to
encourage public
knowledge,
understanding, and
appreciation of the
City's past, and
foster civic and
neighborhood pride
and sense of identity
based upon the
recognition and use
In Progress The Commission in
coordination with City
staff. Commissioner
Scussel is the primary
commissioner assigned
to work with staff.
Evaluate and
respond to
applications for
historic
designation, as
well as
applications for
permits related to
historic alteration
and historic
advisory reviews.
(All
Commissioners)
2026 Historical Commission Work Plan Page 2
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes of the City's historic
resources.
Improve
Infrastructure
Rehabilitation
of the Historic
Landmark
Apricot
Orchard
No Due Date,
the Goal is
implemented
year-round
The priority is
related to City
Council Resolution
No. 2013-05 and the
Historic
Commission’s
purpose to
encourage public
knowledge,
understanding and
appreciation of the
City's past, and
foster civic and
neighborhood pride.
In Progress The Commission in
coordination with City
staff and the Los Altos
History Museum.
Review
Historic
Preservation
Entitlements
Process and
evaluate
applications
for, historical
alteration
permits or
advisory
review, historic
landmark
designation or
historic
resource
designation and
Mills Act
applications
No Due Date,
the Goal is
implemented
year-round
The priority is
related to the
Historic
Commission’s
purpose to (1)
Safeguard the
heritage of the city
by providing for the
protection of
historic resources
representing
significant elements
of its history; and
(2) encourage
public knowledge,
understanding, and
appreciation of the
City's past, and
foster civic and
In Progress The Commission in
coordination with City
staff
Evaluate and
respond to
applications for
historic
designation, as
well as
applications for
permits related to
historic alteration
and historic
advisory reviews.
(All
Commissioners)
2026 Historical Commission Work Plan Page 3
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes neighborhood pride
and sense of identity
based upon the
recognition and use
of the City’s historic
resources.
Improve
Awareness
Historic
Preservation
Award
Begins in
December
each year
Ends in May
each year
The priority is
related to City
Council Resolution
No. 2013-05 and the
Historic
Commission’s
purpose to
encourage public
knowledge,
understanding and
appreciation of the
City's past, and
foster civic and
neighborhood pride
and sense of identity
based upon the
recognition and use
of the City’s historic
resources.
In Progress The Commission in
coordination with City
staff.
1) Review
nominations and
vote on the
historic
preservation award
recipient at the
April Historical
Commission
meeting. (All
Commissioners)
2) Staff will
provide a status
report at the
Historical
Commission
meeting in April.
Maintain
Compliance
with Certified
Local
Government
Status
Complete
Certified Local
Government
Report
January each
year
The Certified Local
Government
Program encourages
the direct
participation of local
governments in the
identification,
evaluation,
registration, and
preservation of
In Progress The Commission in
coordination with City
staff
Historical
Commission
reviews and
approves CLG
annual report (All
Commissioners).
2026 Historical Commission Work Plan Page 4
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes historic properties.
The priority is
consistent with Goal
6 of the Community
Design & Historic
Resource Element
of the General Plan.
The Certified Local
Government
Program encourages
the direct
participation of local
governments in the
identification,
evaluation,
registration, and
preservation of
historic properties.
Foster
Partnership
with Los Altos
History
Museum
Hold an annual
joint meeting
with the
Museum Board
of Directors
Seek
opportunities to
partner with the
Museum on
historic
education and
outreach
Summer each
year
The priority is
related to the
Historic
Commission’s
purpose to
encourage public
knowledge,
understanding and
appreciation of the
past, and foster civic
and neighborhood
pride and sense of
identity based upon
the recognition and
use of the city's
historic resources.
In Progress The Commission in
coordination with City
staff. Commissioner
Atkinson is the
primary commissioner
assigned to work with
staff.
Coordinate the
annual joint
meeting with the
Museum Board of
Directors
Actively
coordinate with
the Los Altos
History Museum
on current and
future education
and outreach
programs
Coordinate with
the Los Altos
2026 Historical Commission Work Plan Page 5
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes History Museum
the establishment
of an Apricot
Orchard Festival
Advocate for
Good
stewardship
of city-owned
historic
properties
Keep informed
on the status of
city-owned
historic
properties.
No Due Date,
the goal is
implemented
year-round
The priority is
related to City
Council Ordinance
No. 2011-363 and
the Historic
Commission’s
purpose to support
the preservation,
maintenance, and
appropriate
rehabilitation of the
City's historic
resources.
In Progress The Commission in
coordination with City
staff.
Evaluate the
current status of
city-owned
historic properties.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
2025 Work Plan
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes Improve
Awareness
Conduct the Margaret Thompson Essay Contest
Begins in December each year Ends in May each year
The priority is related to the Historic Commission’s purpose to encourage public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the City's past, and foster civic and neighborhood pride and sense of identity based upon the recognition and use of the City’s historic resources In Progress
The Commission and staff in coordination with the Los Altos History Museum Commissioner Atkinson is the primary commissioner assigned to work with staff The Ice Cream Social is scheduled to take place on the same day as the first Council meeting in May.
Improve
Awareness
Conduct the Historic Plaque program
Begins in December each yearEnds in May each year
The priority is related to City Council Resolution No. 2013-05 and the Historic Commission’s purpose to encourage public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the City's past, and foster civic and neighborhood pride and sense of identity based upon the recognition and use of the City's historic resources In Progress
The Commission in coordination with City staff. Commissioner Adams is the primary commissioner assigned to work with staff Staff will provide status report at the Historical Commission meeting in April.
2025 Historical Commission Work Plan Page 2
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes Improve
Infrastructure
Rehabilitation of the Historic Landmark Apricot Orchard No Due Date, the Goal is implemented year-round
The priority is related to City Council Resolution No. 2013-05 and the Historic Commission’s purpose to encourage public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the City's past, and foster civic and nei ghborhood pride.
In Progress
The Commission in coordination with City staff and the Los Altos History Museum.
Review Historic
Preservation
Entitlements
Process and evaluate applications for, historical alteration permits or advisory review, historic landmark designation or historic resource designation and Mills Act applications No Due Date, the Goal is implemented year-round
The priority is related to the Historic Commission’s purpose to (1) Safeguard the heritage of the city by providing for the protection of irreplaceable historic resources representing significant elements of its history; and (2) encourage public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the City's past, and foster civic and neighborhood pride and In Progress
The Commission in coordination with City staff
Evaluate and respond to applications for historic designation, as well as applications for permits related to historic alteration and historic advisory reviews. (All Commissioners)
2025 Historical Commission Work Plan Page 3
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes Facilitate a forum for public discourse on the preservation of the City's herita ge
sense of identity based upon the recognition and use of the City’s historic resources.
Improve
Awareness
Historic Preservation Award
Begins in December each year Ends in May each year
The priority is related to City Council Resolution No. 2013-05 and the Historic Commission’s purpose to encourage public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the City's past, and foster civic and neighborhood pride and sense of identity based upon the recognition and use of the City’s historic resources.
In Progress
The Commission in coordination with City staff.
1) Review nominations and vote on the historic preservation award recipient at the April Historical Commission meeting. (All Commissioner 2) Staff will provide a status report at the Historical Commission meeting in April.
2025 Historical Commission Work Plan Page 4
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes Improve
Compliance with
City program
Complete Quinquennial Inspections of Mills Act Properties Begins in December each year Ends in May each year
The priority is related to City Council Ordinance No. 2011-363 and the Historic Commission’s purpose to support the preservation, maintenance, and appropriate rehabilitation of the City's historic resources In Progress
The Commission in coordination with City staff. Commissioner Coe is the primary commissioner assigned to work with staff Review staff’s ongoing efforts on Mills Act compliance. Staff to provide annual report to the Historical Commission in the Sprin g.
Maintain
Compliance with
Certified Local
Government
Status
Complete Certified Local Government Report
April each year
The Certified Local Government Program encourages the direct participation of local governments in the identification, evaluation, registration, and preservation of historic properties. The priority is consistent with Goal 6 of the Community Design & Historic Resource Element of the General Plan. The Certified Local Government Program encourages the direct participation of local governments in the identification, evaluation, registration, and preservation of historic properties. The priority is consistent with Goal 6 of the Community Design & Historic Resource In Progress
The Commission in coordination with City staff
Historical Commission reviews and approves CLG annual report (All Commissioners)
2025 Historical Commission Work Plan Page 5
Goal Projects Due Date Priority Source Status Assignments Notes Foster
Partnership with
Los Altos
History Museum
Hold an annual joint meeting with the Museum Board of Directors Seek opportunities to partner with the Museum on historic education and outreach Summer each year
The priority is related to the Historic Commission’s purpose to encourage public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the.
In Progress
The Commission in coordination with City staff
Coordinate the annual joint meeting with the Museum Board of Directors Actively coordinate with the Los Altos History Museum on current and future education and outreach programs Coordinate with the Los Altos History Museum the establishment of an Apricot Orchard Festival Advocate for
Good
stewardship
of city-owned
historic
properties
Evaluate the current status of city-owned historic properties.
No Due Date, the Goal is implemented year-round
The priority is related to City Council Ordinance No. 2011-363 and the Historic Commission’s purpose to support the preservation, maintenance, and appropriate rehabilitation of the City's historic resources.
In Progress
The Commission Commissioner Maguire-Negus is the primary commissioner assigned to work with staff Evaluate the current status of cityowned historic properties.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
2024 Work Plan
Goal Projects Assignments Target Date City Related Priority Status 1) Administer
the annual
Margaret
Thompson
Essay
Contest
Administer the
essay contest and
coordinate with
the Los Altos
History
Museum’s
Education
Committee
• Coordinate outreach to Los
Altos schools once an essay
topic is established
(Commissioner Lang)
• Receive and judge essay
entries, and determine
winners for each grade (LA
History Museum)
• Prepare the award
certificates (staff)
• Administer the Ice Cream
Social to recognize winners
(Commissioner Lang)
Implementation:
• Update the city website to
post the documents
provided from the Museum.
• Contact the sends a press
release to the Los Altos
Town Crier announcing the
contest.
• Share the Contest
information with the
Historical Commission in
January; Chair should
participate in the judge of
the contest?
• Begins in
December
each year
• Ends in May
each year
The priority is related
to the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to encourage public
knowledge,
understanding, and
appreciation of the
City's past, and foster
civic and neighborhood
pride and sense of
identity based upon the
recognition and use of
the City’s historic
resources.
The Historical
Commission
is currently
administering
the project.
Historical Commission Work Plan Page 2
Goal Projects Assignments Target Date City Related Priority Status 2) Implement
the Historic
Plaque
Program
Administer the
Historic Plaque
program and
coordinate with
the Los Altos
History Museum
• Coordinate outreach to
historic resource property
owners to solicit interest in
receiving a historic plaque
• Coordinate the ordering of
plaques for historic resource
properties
• Report to the HC for the
plaque program update of
2024.
• If there is an event, contact
the historic museum and
HC for the event details.
• Begins in
February
each year
• Ends in May
each year
The priority is related
to City Council
Resolution No. 2013-
05 and the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to encourage public
knowledge,
understanding, and
appreciation of the
City's past, and foster
civic and neighborhood
pride and sense of
identity based upon the
recognition and use of
the City's historic
resources.
The Historical
Commission
is currently
administering
the project.
• Museum the installation of
historic landmark plaques in
the City’s Historic
Landmark Orchard
3) Review
Ongoing
Efforts to
preserve the
Historic
Landmark
Apricot
Orchard
• Receive an
informational
report from the
Orchard
Commons
Committee on
the
rehabilitation of
the Historic
Landmark
Apricot
Orchard.
• Coordinate informational
reports and presentations
from the Los Altos History
Museum Orchard Commons
Commission
(Commissioner Lang)
Year-round
The priority is related
to City Council
Resolution No. 2013-
05 and the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to encourage public
knowledge,
understanding and
appreciation of the
City's past, and foster
civic and neighborhood
pride,s.
The Historical
Commission
is actively
administering
the project.
Historical Commission Work Plan Page 3
Goal Projects Assignments Target Date City Related Priority Status 4) Provide a
venue for
public
engagement
regarding the
city's heritage
by
safeguarding
historic
resources.
• Process and
evaluate
applications for
historic
landmark
designation or
the listing of a
historic resource
in the historic
resources
inventory.
• Receive and
Review
applications for
historical
alteration
permits or
advisory
review.
• Facilitate a
forum for public
discourse on the
preservation of
the City's
heritage.
• Evaluate and respond to
applications for historic
designation, as well as
applications for permits
related to historic alteration
and historic advisory
reviews. (All
Commissioners)
Year-round
The priority is related
to the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to (1) Safeguard the
heritage of the city by
providing for the
protection of
irreplaceable historic
resources representing
significant elements of
its history; and (2)
encourage public
knowledge,
understanding, and
appreciation of the
City's past, and foster
civic and neighborhood
pride and sense of
identity based upon the
recognition and use of
the City’s historic
resources.
The Historical
Commission
is actively
administering
the project.
Historical Commission Work Plan Page 4
Goal Projects Assignments Target Date City Related Priority Status 5) Administer
the annual
Historic
Preservation
Award
Review
nominations, hear
testimony, and
hold a vote to
determine the
award recipient
• Coordinate outreach by
publicizing the historic
preservation award (staff)
• Review nominations and
vote on the historic
preservation award recipient
(All Commissioners)
Implementation:
1. Update the Los Altos
Historic Preservation
Award Website including
the flyer and the nomination
form if needed.
2. Working with the assigned
commissioner and send a
notification to the Town
Crier for public interest.
The notification shall
include a link to the
nomination form.
3. Agendized to the April
Regulation HC Meeting for
the award.
4. The Proclamation should be
scheduled in a City Council
Meeting in May. Work with
the City Clerk Office to put
it on the agenda (and ensure
it will be on the agenda!)
• Begins in
February
each year
• Ends in May
each year
The priority is related
to City Council
Resolution No. 2013-
05 and the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to encourage public
knowledge,
understanding and
appreciation of the
City's past, and foster
civic and neighborhood
pride and sense of
identity based upon the
recognition and use of
the City’s historic
resources.
The Historical
Commission
is actively
administering
the project.
Historical Commission Work Plan Page 5
Goal Projects Assignments Target Date City Related Priority Status 6) Review the
ongoing staff
efforts to
ensure the
Mills Act is
advancing
the
preservation
of historic
properties in
Los Altos
Review Mills Act
agreements for
compliance.
• Review staff’s ongoing
efforts on Mills Act
compliance (Commissioner
Lang)
• Staff to provide annual
report to the Historical
Commission on October 28,
2024
• Begins in
September
each year
• Ends in
November
each year
The priority is related
to City Council
Ordinance No. 2011-
363 and the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to support the
preservation,
maintenance, and
appropriate
rehabilitation of the
City's historic
resources.
The Historical
Commission
is initiating its
administration
of the project.
7. Maintain the
City’s
Certified
Local
Government
Status
Review and
approve the
annual CLG
report that is
submitted to the
State Office of
Historic
Preservation
• Coordinate the preparation
of the Certified Local
Government (CLG) annual
report (Commission Chair)
• Historical Commission
reviews and approves CLG
annual report (All
Commissioners)
The Historical
Commission
approves the
CLG in April.
The Certified Local
Government Program
encourages the direct
participation of local
governments in the
identification,
evaluation, registration,
and preservation of
historic properties. The
priority is consistent
with Goal 6 of the
Community Design &
Historic Resource
Element of the General
Plan.
The Historical
Commission
is actively
administering
the project.
Seek historic
education
opportunities,
with a focus on
the local
community
activities and
educational
opportunities,
• Actively pursue historic
education and training
opportunities (All
Commissioners)
• Begins in
October
• Ends in
September
Historical Commission Work Plan Page 6
Goal Projects Assignments Target Date City Related Priority Status
8. Foster
Partnership
with Los
Altos History
Museum
Hold an annual
joint meeting with
the Museum
Board of
Directors
Seek
opportunities to
partner with the
Museum on
historic education
and outreach
• Coordinate the annual
joint meeting with the
Museum Board of
Directors
(Commissioner Lang)
• Actively coordinate
with the Los Altos
History Museum on
current and future
education and outreach
programs
(Commissioner Lang)
• Coordinate with the Los
Altos History Museum
the establishment of an
Apricot Orchard
Festival.
Summer each
year
The priority is related
to the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to encourage public
knowledge,
understanding and
appreciation of the.
The joint
meeting will
occur in the
fall.
9. Brochure for
Historical
Plaque
Program
Houses
Create a
Historical Plaque
Program brochure
to publicize the
program and
recipients
• Develop a brochure for the
Historical Plaque program
houses and orchard in
coordination with the Los
Altos History Museum (All
Commissioners)
• Begin in
November
• End in
January
The City priority is
related to the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to encourage public
knowledge,
understanding and
appreciation of the
City's past, and foster
civic and neighborhood
pride and sense of
identity based upon the
recognition and use of
the City's historic
resources.
Pending
Historical Commission Work Plan Page 7
Goal Projects Assignments Target Date City Related Priority Status
10. Advocate for
good
stewardship
of city-owned
historic
properties
Evaluate the
current status of
city-owned
historic
properties.
• Evaluate the current status
of city-owned historic
properties.
Ongoing - (All
Commissioners)
The priority is related
to City Council
Ordinance No. 2011-
363 and the Historic
Commission’s purpose
to support the
preservation,
maintenance, and
appropriate
rehabilitation of the
City's historic
resources.
Ongoing
Goal Project Description Anticipated
Completion Priority Source Status Assignment Notes
Housing Element Implementation
Review and provide recommendation to Council on code amendments or other policy documents necessary to implement the 6th Cycle Housing Element (2023-2031)
As needed Powers and Duties In Progress City Staff
Development Project Review Provide recommendation or decision on development projects. As needed Powers and Duties In Progress City Staff Minor Code Amendments
Review and provide recommendation to Council on minor code amendments intended to comply with State law, useability, or inconsistencies.
As needed Powers and Duties In Progress City Staff
Comprehensive General Plan Update
Review components of the draft General Plan. The City’s current General Plan has a horizon from 2002-2020 necessitating a comprehensive update
2027 Powers and Duties In Progress City Staff and
Consultant
Objective Design Control Standards
Amendments
Evaluate the need for potential revisions to the objective design control standards in the Zoning Ordinance. 2027 Powers and Duties Process to be
started in
2026
City Staff and
Consultant
2026 Los Altos Planning Commission Work Plan
Goal Projects Anticipated
Completion Priority Source Status Assignment Notes
Housing Element Implementation
Review and provide recommendation to Council on code amendments or other policy documents necessary to implement the 6th Cycle Housing Element (2023-2031)
As needed Powers and Duties In Progress City Staff
Development Project Review Provide recommendation or decision on development projects. As needed Powers and Duties In Progress City Staff General Plan Safety Element
Review and provide recommendation to Council on the comprehensive update to the City’s Safety Element. State legislation requires that the Safety Element be reviewed and updated as necessary alongside the Housing Element. The City’s Housing Element was last adopted in January 2023.
2025 Powers and Duties In Progress City Staff and
Consultant
Comprehensive General Plan
Update
Review components of the draft General Plan Elements. The City’s current General Plan has a horizon from 2002-2020 necessitating a comprehensive update
TBD Powers and Duties
Process to be
started in
2025.
City Staff and
Consultant
2025 Los Altos Planning Commission Work Plan