January 29, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org
FOCUS ON THE
FUTURE
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
2024
2 AGENDA
5:30 pm Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
5:40 Discuss 2023 City Council Priorities & Objectives
6:00 Key Inputs: Community & Council Feedback
6:20 Public Comment
7:00 BREAK
7:10 Selection of 2024 Priorities & Strategies to Achieve Priorities 9:30 BREAK
9:40 Discuss City Council Norms for 2024
10:10 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
10:30 Adjournment
TO ENSURE A PRODUCTIVE DAY
We allow time for candid and honest feedback
We seek to hear ideas and perspectives of residents in our public comments before deliberations
We will adhere to schedule and allow the facilitator to move the conversation along
3 Greer
Stone
Mayor
City Council
Ed
Lauing
Vice
Mayor
Pat
Burt
Council
Member
Lydia
Kou
Council
Member
Julie
Lythcott-
Haims
Council
Member
Greg
Tanaka
Council
Member
Vicki
Veenker
Council
Member
4 COUNCIL PRIORITIES OVERVIEW
• Since 1986, this Council has established Policy Priorities • Policy anticipates between 1 - 3 Council identified topics will receive, unusual and significant attention. Topics may
remain priorities for up to 3 years
• At the recommendation of the Policy & Services Committee and with Council approval, this session recommends
continuing the 2023 priorities and focusing on strategies to accomplish the goal(s) within them.
5 AGENDA
5:30 pm Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
5:40 Discuss 2023 City Council Priorities & Objectives
6:00 Key Inputs: Community & Council Feedback
6:20 Public Comment
7:00 BREAK
7:10 Selection of 2024 Priorities & Strategies to Achieve Priorities 9:30 BREAK
9:40 Discuss City Council Norms for 2024
10:10 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
10:30 Adjournment
6 INTRODUCTION TO ANNUAL GOAL PROCESS
PROGRESS OF 2023 PRIORITIES & OBJECTIVES
JANUARY 29, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org
2023 COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
Economic Recovery & Transition
Climate Change & Natural
Environment- Protection &
Adaptation
Housing for Social & Economic
Balance
Community Health & Safety
9 ECONOMIC RECOVERY
& TRANSITION
(ER&T)
2023 Council Priorities
& Objectives Status
10 Support Economic Recovery and Business Transition
a Adopt a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
b Implement or upgrade electronic plan review software without interruption to the permitting process (ERT 9) c Implement recommendations in Building and Permit Review Report conducted by the City Auditor*** d Begin stakeholder engagement and implementation of new business tax (Measure K) Focus on Commercial Corridors, Downtown and California Ave e Begin implementation of next phase of parklet regulations to the community f Evaluate opportunities for New Parking Facilities in the University Ave Downtown and direct next steps (ERT 10) g Align Business Improvement District (BID) priorities and investments to the Comprehensive ED Strategy(ERT1)*** h Select consultant to conduct a study that informs the development of a permanent car-free streets ordinance (ERT 6 & 7) i Approve concept plan for University Ave streetscape and provide direction on capital project funding (ERT 5) j Extend temporary closure for car free streets (ERT 6 & 7) k Provide direction on citywide retail zoning code changes including retail preservation and neighborhood commercial district specific regulations and CUP thresholds (ERT 4, 12, 13)*** Key: Dark = Complete; Medium = On Track; Light = Behind/Not started/Drop 2023 Council Priorities &
Objectives Status
11 CLIMATE CHANGE & THE
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
(CC&NE)
Climate Change Protection
l Implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) through purchase of meters/equipment for installation (CCPA7)*** m Approve consultant to update Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Plan n Approve municipal code amendments for advancing S/CAP goals (specifically facilitate photovoltaic, energy storage system, electric vehicle charging station, and heat pump (water/furnace) installations) (CCPA1) o Approve S/CAP Update and 3-year workplan (CCPA4)
p Begin first phase construction for grid modernization and consultant resources to plan for gas transition*** q Install first 1,000 heat pump water heaters through the advanced pilot program and approve expanded full-scale program*** r Approve advanced pilot program for whole residential home electrification by the end of 2023 (targeted areas)*** s Approve commercial rooftop HVAC electrification advanced pilot program*** t Accept Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan***
u Accept Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan***
v Review preliminary draft S/CAP study discussing workplan resource needs and project funding opportunities*** 2 Engage youth in implementation of climate change initiatives, objectives, and goals 7 Discuss plans for commercial dewatering requirements
Climate Change Adaptation: Flood Protection
w Advance the San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) by the end of 2023, through Council’s JPA representation and any Council approvals involved.***
x Secure funding and approve construction for the Newell Bridge replacement project; advocacy with State legislators educating on project funding needs (CHS10)***
5 Determine next steps for sea level rise and adaptation plan* Natural Environment
y Approve operations and maintenance agreements with Valley Water purified water facility at LATP Area B (CCPA3)*** z Adopt appropriate changes to the revised Tree Protection Ordinance*** 4 Initiate zoning changes consistent with the Comprehensive Plan regarding creek corridor setbacks 6 Initiate evaluation of strategies to protect natural habitats such as bird safe glass, wildlife protection from light pollution, etc Key: Dark = Complete;
Medium = On Track;
Light = Behind/Not
started/Drop
2023 Council
Priorities &
Objectives
Status
12 HOUSING FOR
SOCIAL &
ECONOMIC
BALANCE
(HS&EB)
Advance Renter Protection Policies
aa Approve access to rental units by establishing security deposit limits bb Provide protections to renters by considering expansion of the just cause eviction ordinance (HSEB16) cc Implement a rental registry to inform future renter protection policies (HSEB15) Advance Housing Plans
dd Expand housing opportunities through the initiation of a Downtown Housing Plan: approval of project funding and a consultant contract (HSEB10)***
ee Advance local and state housing interests through a HCD-compliant Housing Element (HSEB5)*** ff Advance vision for North Ventura Coordinated Area by adopting a coordinated area plan (HSEB4)*** gg Create new affordable housing opportunities through funding such as a housing land trust, in particular, CalCHA*** hh Explore opportunities to regulate short term-rentals with Council committee* 8 Construct preliminary schedule for starting new coordinated area plans for San Antonio Road, California Ave, Downtown, and El Camino Real***
Implement Housing Production Policies
ii Codify permanent standards related to the City local SB9 implementation ordinance (HSEB 14) jj Approve adjusted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations to facilitate production and meet HCD requirements (HSEB9) kk Respond to various Grand Jury recommendations related to Housing (HSEB 6, 17, 24)*** ll Refine implementation of City’s SB9 objective development and urban lot split standards (HSEB 14)*** mm Adopt an ordinance amending the development standards for Stanford-owned housing opportunity sites nn Rezone carryover housing opportunity sites for by-right development when developed with 20% lower income affordable housing units***
oo Adopt an ordinance to implement revised development standards for certain properties located in the GM/ROLM to allow for densities up to 90 units/acre
9 Evaluate RHNA housing allocation and encourage housing production that reflects the needs of the community 10 Establish an ad hoc committee on housing to review housing policies Support Unhoused Service Initiatives
pp Begin construction in partnership with LifeMoves for Palo Alto Homekey project to provide transitional housing and services for unhoused residents (HSEB13)
qq Develop a citywide strategy to connect unhoused residents to housing and services* 2023 Council Priorities & Objectives Status
13 COMMUNITY HEALTH
& SAFETY (CH&S)
Mental & Physical Health and Belonging
rr Complete reopening libraries to budgeted level (remains below pre-pandemic levels) (CHS5)*** ss Approval of multi-year agreement for provisions of animal shelter services (CHS1)*** tt Expand and enhance community special events with focus on inclusion (linked to activities in ERT) uu Approve agreement with PAUSD on long term use of the Cubberley property (CHS2)*** vv Evaluate Recreation Wellness Center Feasibility (CHS14)*** 11 Evaluate increasing HSRAP funding during the FY 2024 budget process** 12 Facilitate a location for La Comida in North Palo Alto 13 Increase support and funding for youth mental health* Invest in Reliable Safety Infrastructure and Systems
ww Support visible police presence by ensuring stable staffing (recruiting and retention) through hiring ahead program (CHS6)***
xx Support a diverse community through extension of the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) program services to the community through affirmation of continued City financial support yy Update without interruption 911 dispatch system (CAD provider) once selected through procurement process (CHS4)*** zz Begin construction of the Gas Main Replacement Project 24B*** aaa Approve updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CHS15)*** bbb Implement Foothills Fire Management Plan (CHS3)
ccc Advance final construction phase of Public Safety Building and begin preparations for move-in (CHS9)*** ddd Approve next steps for the rebuild of Fire Station No. 4 project (specifically design and entitlements) (CHS17) eee Approve resources and consultant to study and develop seismic and resiliency ordinance (CHS20)*** Reduction of Noise and Air Quality Pollution
fff Update gas-powered leaf blower ordinance and enforcement plan (CHS16) ggg Implement a strategy for the provision and promotion of unleaded fuel at Palo Alto Airport (CHS12) hhh Approval of quiet zone implementation (rail/train crossings) iii Continue engagement with San Francisco Airport on SFO's Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) project and other potential opportunities to decrease SFO noise impacts on Palo Alto (CHS11)
INTRODUCTION TO ANNUAL GOAL PROCESS
KEY INPUTS: COMMUNITY & COUNCIL FEEDBACK
JANUARY 29, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org
Council Feedback on Priorities
At its Jan. 16 meeting, Council affirmed P&S Committee
recommendations that the Council reselect the 2023
Priorities and have a deeper discussion on the strategies required to advance each priority area.
Community Feedback on Priorities
• An online survey seeking community input on 2024
Council priorities garnered a total of 396 responses.
• A variety of perspectives were provided, and all
responses are submitted as part of the retreat packet.
• Topics gaining most community focus included seven
themes or areas.
COMMUNITY & COUNCIL FEEDBACK
15 AGENDA
5:30 pm Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
5:40 Discuss 2023 City Council Priorities & Objectives
6:00 Key Inputs: Community & Council Feedback
6:20 Public Comment
7:00 BREAK
7:10 Selection of 2024 Priorities & Strategies to Achieve Priorities 9:30 BREAK
9:40 Discuss City Council Norms for 2024
10:10 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
10:30 Adjournment
16 PUBLIC COMMENT
www.cityofpaloalto.orgJANUARY 29, 2024
AGENDA
5:30 pm Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
5:40 Discuss 2023 City Council Priorities & Objectives
6:00 Key Inputs: Community & Council Feedback
6:20 Public Comment
7:00 BREAK
7:10 Selection of 2024 Priorities & Strategies to Achieve Priorities 9:30 BREAK
9:40 Discuss City Council Norms for 2024
10:10 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
10:30 Adjournment
18 SELECTION OF 2024 PRIORITIES &
STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE
www.cityofpaloalto.orgJANUARY 29, 2024
2023 COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
Economic Recovery & Transition
Climate Change & Natural
Environment- Protection &
Adaptation
Housing for Social & Economic
Balance
Community Health & Safety
STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE PRIORITY GOALS
1) How does the Council envision its engagement in
advancing each Priority area? If involving ad hoc
committees, are there specific goals to be assigned
to each committee?
2) What are the key community engagement needs
to support and enhance the City’s progress toward
these goals?
3) What resources (staff and Council time, financial,
partner, other) are needed to achieve Council’s
vision for each priority?
AGENDA
5:30 pm Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
5:40 Discuss 2023 City Council Priorities & Objectives
6:00 Key Inputs: Community & Council Feedback
6:20 Public Comment
7:00 BREAK
7:10 Selection of 2024 Priorities & Strategies to Achieve Priorities 9:30 BREAK
9:40 Discuss City Council Norms for 2024
10:10 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
10:30 Adjournment
22 DISCUSS CITY COUNCIL NORMS
Forum to discuss how the Council prefers to work as a
team during 2024 ensuring productivity, collegiality,
and efficiency.
This is a separate conversation than the formal Council protocols and procedures review that will come before the Council separately schedule in the first quarter of 2024 as previously referred by the Council.
23 AGENDA
5:30 pm Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
5:40 Discuss 2023 City Council Priorities & Objectives
6:00 Key Inputs: Community & Council Feedback
6:20 Public Comment
7:00 BREAK
7:10 Selection of 2024 Priorities & Strategies to Achieve Priorities 9:30 BREAK
9:40 Discuss City Council Norms for 2024
10:10 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
10:30 Adjournment
24 NEXT STEPS
www.cityofpaloalto.orgJANUARY 29, 2024
26 COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
SELECTION
QUARTERLY
PROGRESS
UPDATES
WORKPLAN
APPROVAL
2024
PRIORITY
OBJECTIVES
BOARD,
COMMITTEE,
COMMISSION
WORKPLANS
MID-YEAR
BUDGET
REVIEW
OTHER
UPDATES/
ACTION AS
NEEDED
NEXT STEPS
www.cityofpaloalto.org/connect
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