Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE TO
GREG LIN TANAKA FOR SERVING ON CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, Greg Lin Tanaka was first elected to the Palo Alto City Council in 201 6 and was re-elected in 2020; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Greg maintained strong connections with diverse stakeholder groups such as the Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, Historic Resource Board, Human Relations Committee, Lytton Gardens, VTA Grand Blvd, Valley Water District, Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education, Rail Committee, Silicon Valley Board of Realtors, Art Commission, Art Center Foundation, Transportation Management Association, etc. while balancing neighborhood interests with economic vitality, demonstrating a clear ability to build consensus and drive positive change across multiple sectors of the community; and
WHEREAS, Greg demonstrated his commitment to transparency and accessibility by hosting weekly office hour sessions throughout his tenure to provide residents an open channel to engage with a councilmember, voice their concerns, share feedback, and discuss community issues in a collaborative and approachable setting ensuring their voices were heard in council deliberations; and
WHEREAS, in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Greg demonstrated steadfast leadership by advocating for innovative strategies to revitalize the local economy. Serving as Liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business and Professional Association, and other key organizations , fostering collaboration and growth in the cit y’s tech and innovation sectors. He supported data -driven decision-making processes to ensure optimal resource allocation, and championed financially responsible policies and directed his efforts toward restoring stability and resilience for the residents of Palo Alto; and
WHEREAS, Greg has consistently advocated for innovative engineering sciences that promote equitable access and drive Palo Alto toward the latest technologies. His work is focused on improving the quality of life for residents by advancing sustainable and inclusive solutions. He has solidified Palo Alto’s role as a technology and innovation hub by advocating for the inclusion of software development in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, opposing overregulation of emerging technologies like SB-1047, and hosting educational webinars to keep the community informed on advancements and challenges; and
WHEREAS, Greg’s transformative leadership in urban development has significantly enhanced Palo Alto's livability by spearheading the California Avenue Streetscape Project to improve pedestrian and bicycle access, and advocating for the closure of California Avenue to vehicular traffic, creating a vibrant public space that revitalized local businesses. He also led collaborative efforts with the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority to address environmental concerns and proposed innovative transportation solutions, including a scooter share program and a strategic partnership with Tesla to test the Cybercab robotaxi as a sustainable option for the City's Link program; and
WHEREAS, Greg demonstrated strong leadership as Chair of the Finance Committee and Policy and Services Committee, championing fiscal responsibility, transparency, and innovative governance. His unwavering dedication to residents of Palo Alto, his visionary approach to driving change, and his advocacy for fiscally responsible policies serve as a lasting inspiration to all who have had the privilege of witnessing his leadership.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby honor and expresses its deepest gratitude to Councilmember Greg Lin Tanaka for his outstanding public service, innovative leadership and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Palo Alto and records the appreciation of the Council, residents, and businesses for his meritorious service and commitment as a Palo Alto Councilmember.
ADOPTED: January 6, 2025
ATTEST: APPROVED:
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City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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City Manager City Attorney