Palo Alto City Council
January 21, 2025

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Attachment E - MidPen
Housing Proposal

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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: January 21, 2025
Report #:2410-3573
TITLE
Final Summary Report on North County TRUST (Trusted Response Urgent Support Team) Augmentation Pilot and related Use of $2,000,000 Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2022 Award. CEQA Status – Not a Project.

RECOMMENDATION
This is an informational report and no Council action is required.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In September 2022, the City received a $2 million Community Project Funding grant for an alternative response program in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos. Since Santa Clara County had already set up an alternative response program (“TRUST”) serving the Palo Alto area, the City instead focused on a pilot augmenting TRUST with outreach and marketing, case management, and Mental Health First Aid trainings. Staff contracted with Resource Development Associates (RDA) Consulting to evaluate the augmentation and report on its performance in relation to the goals of the grant.1 The full report is available online2 and some highlights from it include:
•Community members, Police Departments, and staff from the three Augmentation Cities have developed new and enhanced awareness of how to respond in a mental health crisis, including awareness of the availability of TRUST as a resource. •Utilization of TRUST steadily increased over time.
•Case Management services resulted in positive client outcomes.

The pilot ran from July 2023 through August 2024.
1 April 3, 2023, Council Consent Report,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=1852&meetingTemplateType=2 2 TRUST Augmentation: Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos, Final Evaluation Report, 2024 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/intergovernmental-affairs/trust-augmentation- evaluation_final-report.pdf
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BACKGROUND
Following national discussions on policing, the City launched its Race and Equity framework, which included changes citywide and within the Police Department, as detailed in the April 3, 2023 Council report.3 In 2020, while establishing the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), the City Council sought to invest in alternative response programs for non-emergency calls, inspired by Oregon's CAHOOTS model.4 Relating to that interest in an alternative response program, on July 16, 2021, Representative Anna Eshoo secured $2 million for such an effort in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos.5 The following year, in September 2022, this was officially awarded to Palo Alto in the form of a one-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

In November 2022, Santa Clara County launched its own alternative response program, TRUST (Trusted Response Urgent Support Team). The new County TRUST program included a team operated by Momentum for Health in Palo Alto. Rather than set up a duplicative alternative response program, the City pivoted and proposed a pilot leveraging the SAMHSA grant to augment TRUST. In April 2023, the City Council approved the use of the SAMHSA grant and a contract with Momentum to add outreach, crisis support, mental health training, and follow-up services to TRUST in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos.6 In October 2023, SAMHSA granted Palo Alto a 12-month extension to spend the federal grant, moving the deadline from September 2023 to September 2024. In December 2023, the contract with Momentum was amended to align with this new deadline.7 The amendment also shifted invoicing from monthly to quarterly for greater efficiency, revised compensation language to better match SAMHSA’s guidelines, and adjusted staffing rates to address hiring challenges.

Additionally, the original Momentum contract that was approved by Council in April 2023 incorrectly indicated the full amount of $2,000,000. The amendment corrected that error and revised the Momentum contract to match the grant budget at a not-to-exceed amount of $1,931,706. The remaining $68,294 was awarded8 to RDA for evaluation of the services Momentum provided.
3 April 3, 2023, Council Consent Report.
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=1852&meetingTemplateType=2 4 https://www.eugene-or.gov/4508/CAHOOTS CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets) is a program providing alternative mental health response.
5 July 16, 2021 U.S. Rep. Eshoo, press release.
7 Council Consent Report, December 11, 2023
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=3460&meetingTemplateType=2&comp iledMeetingDocumentId=8692
8 Council Information Report, April 15, 2024
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=4710&meetingTemplateType=2&comp iledMeetingDocumentId=9592
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The TRUST pilot program developed through the grant, focused on augmenting TRUST with outreach and marketing, case management, and mental health first aid (MHFA) training in Palo Alto, Mountain View and Los Altos. The pilot ran from July 18, 2023 to August 31, 2024. The effort included eight "promotores" who conducted outreach to raise awareness about TRUST, with each aiming to make 480 contacts annually. Two case managers provided follow-up support, assisting individuals with mental health services, benefits, and system navigation.

Additionally, the pilot included training over 1,000 individuals in MHFA, equipping them to handle mental health crises and make appropriate referrals. The training also incorporated information on the TRUST program to boost community engagement.

ANALYSIS
Evaluation Findings
Staff contracted with RDA Consulting to evaluate the pilot and report on its performance from through April 2024 in relation to the goals of the grant. The following section highlights from the recently released report, the full report and data is available online. •Increased Awareness of How to Respond in a Mental Health Crisis Community members, Police Departments, and staff from the three Augmentation Cities have developed new and enhanced awareness of how to respond in a mental health crisis, including awareness of the availability of TRUST as a resource. The evaluation found that 59% of surveyed stakeholders felt prepared to handle some mental health crisis situations, while 40% recognize the TRUST program by name.

Despite the presence of two other mental health crisis programs in the County, this name recognition of TRUST is noteworthy.
•Increased Utilization of TRUST
TRUST usage steadily increased throughout the evaluation period. Countywide, the calls increased five-fold from 57 calls in November 2022 to 333 in March 2024. In the pilot cities, this was a much sharper increase of eleven-fold from 2 calls in November 2022 to 22 in March 2024.
•Case Management Resulting in Positive Client Outcomes
Case management services led to positive outcomes for clients. For example, one client who frequently called TRUST for support was connected to a case manager, who guided the client to other mental health resources. Now, the client calls less often and has ongoing support.

The evaluation also identified some challenges and areas for improvement. For example, Momentum for Health was unable to connect clients to case management during TRUST follow- up phone calls. Momentum indicated County Behavioral Health disallowed TRUST provision of case management referrals in the pilot cities (Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos) because it would create variation in the countywide TRUST service delivery. In response, Momentum Item 10
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adapted by sending case managers with the TRUST team for initial client contact and attending community events to reach potential clients. Another challenge related to meeting the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training goal of 1,040 participants. Momentum experienced staffing turnover and difficulty with the virtual curriculum's pre-work requirements, leading to low enrollment and cancellations in 2023. After stabilizing staff and shifting to more in-person trainings in 2024, enrollment improved significantly and fewer trainings were cancelled. In terms of ways to improve, the evaluation noted a need for a clearer understanding of what TRUST is/does, easier access to services, faster response times, and provision of services in Spanish.

Overall Performance in Relation to Goals
In addition to the evaluation, City staff monitored the pilot’s progress on a monthly basis and reported to the federal grantor on performance. From the beginning of the pilot’s activities on July 18, 2023 through the end of the pilot on August 31, 2024, some of the achievements include:
•Providing 74 clients with case management services, including connecting 26 clients to housing resources and 6 clients to substance use resources. •Training nearly 100% of sworn officers in Palo Alto and almost 80% of sworn officers in Mountain View to provide resources relating to TRUST/mental health. •Holding 34 MHFA trainings, resulting in 415 people trained. •Placing 25 ads about TRUST in multiple languages at bus and transit shelters in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos.
•Reaching 300,000 users and resulting in over 10,500 clicks through social media ads about TRUST.

Besides the above achievements and performance metrics, the pilot program was able to respond when a local loss of life impacted the community. In February 2024, the Momentum for Health CEO and TRUST leadership attended a faith-based roundtable to share information about TRUST and MHFA training. This event helped a wider group of North County faith leaders learn about services and training available in community during this time of heightened concern.

FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
As mentioned elsewhere, the original $2 million grant was intended for the creation of an alternative response program, including staffing and a van for the team to use. With the advent of a North County-dedicated alternative response program provided by the County, the City instead proposed a pilot augmenting that program. Through the course of the pilot, the City realized that the original number of staff proposed was ambitious given nationwide hiring challenges for mental health personnel. This resulted in being able to deliver the pilot at a slight Item 10
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cost savings of $1,738,753.54. The $2 million was administered by SAMHSA on a reimbursement basis, meaning the federal government retains the remaining $261,246.46.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
A significant portion of the pilot activities focused on engagement and outreach. This included in-person attendance at community events, meetings with key stakeholders, and marketing via advertising on bus and transit shelters, as well as on social media.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This item is presented only for Council’s information and therefore it is not a project subject to environmental review by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

APPROVED BY:

Ed Shikada, City Manager
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: January 21, 2025
Report #:2405-3072
TITLE
Property Agreements Entered into by City Manager Under Palo Alto Municipal Code Section

2.30.210(h) and Reported Per Section Code 2.30.710(b) for Fiscal Year 2024

RECOMMENDATION
This is an informational report; no Council action is required.

ANALYSIS
Pursuant to Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 2.30.210(h)1, the City Manager may award and sign contracts to rent, lease, or license city real property to other parties regardless of the price for a term not exceeding three years. Additionally, the City Manager may enter into and sign contracts for the rental, lease or licensing of real property at the Cubberley Community Center for a term of up to five years. Attachment A was prepared pursuant to PAMC Section 2.30.710(b)2 and reports to the Council of all leases, licenses, and rentals of city real property with third parties, approved by the City Manager during fiscal year FY 2024. The report excludes agreements approved by the City Council. Total revenue for FY 2024 from agreements authorized by the City Manager during the fiscal year totaled $318,301.

FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The lease amounts presented in this report are consistent with the rental income revenue assumed in the FY 2024 budget. The ongoing portion of these leases will be used in the annual budget process to determine rental income revenue for future fiscal years.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff coordinates with tenants on the execution of agreements and appropriate documents.

1 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-61881 2 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-62183 Item 11
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This item is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the report is for informational purposes only with no action required by the Council. CEQA Guidelines section 15378.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: FY 2024 List of Agreements
APPROVED BY:

Lauren Lai, Administrative Services Director
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NumberTenant Address Room Square FeetType of AgreementExecution DateExpiration DateRent Rent Cycle TOTAL FY23-24 RENT 1 Jasmine Valandani 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E6A 360 Artist Sudio Lease 7/27/2023 12/31/2023 432.00$ Monthly 1,728.00$ 2 Swickard Palo Alto Corporation (Audi)1925 Embarcadero Road Parking Lot 28,200 License Agreement 8/1/2023 7/31/2026 21,432.00$ Monthly 235,752.00$ 3 Leslie Terzian Markoff 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E6B 360 Artist Sudio Lease 8/31/2023 12/31/2023 385.00$ Monthly 1,540.00$ 4 Kitty Baker 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E6A 360 Artist Sudio Lease 10/10/2023 4/30/2024 432.00$ Monthly 1,728.00$ 5 Xiao He 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E6B 360 Artist Sudio Lease 12/21/2023 3/31/2024 432.00$ Monthly 1,296.00$ 6 GreenWaste of Palo Alto, LLC 1237 San Antonio Road N/A 52,272 License 1/4/2024 6/30/2026 -$ N/A -$ 7 Brittany Bradley 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E3 870 Artist Sudio Lease 2/12/2024 12/31/2024 1,044.00$ Monthly 6,264.00$ 8 Negar Fadaeidehkordi 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)U4A 360 Artist Sudio Lease 2/12/2024 12/31/2024 432.00$ Monthly 2,592.00$ 9 Robin Mullery 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)F5B 390 Artist Sudio Lease 2/12/2024 12/31/2024 417.30$ Monthly 2,503.80$ 10 Shannon Wright 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)F6 430 Artist Sudio Lease 2/12/2024 12/31/2024 516.00$ Monthly 3,096.00$ 11 Nina Krog Ekman 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)F4 480 Artist Sudio Lease 2/12/2024 12/31/2024 513.60$ Monthly 3,081.60$ 12 Chandrika Marla 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)F3 480 Artist Sudio Lease 2/12/2024 12/31/2024 576.00$ Monthly 3,456.00$ 13 Tara de la Garza 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)F2 480 Artist Sudio Lease 2/12/2024 12/31/2024 576.00$ Monthly 3,456.00$ 14 Charlotta Hauksdottir 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E4B 360 Artist Sudio Lease 2/12/2024 12/31/2024 385.20$ Monthly 2,311.20$ 15 Sang-ah Choi 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)F7 1,200 Artist Sudio Lease 2/13/2024 12/31/2024 1,440.00$ Monthly 8,640.00$ 16 Elizabeth Bennett 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)U2A 600 Artist Sudio Lease 2/14/2024 12/31/2024 720.00$ Monthly 4,320.00$ 17 Patrick Fenton 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E1 720 Artist Sudio Lease 2/14/2024 12/31/2024 770.40$ Monthly 4,622.40$ 18 Jaya Griscom 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)U4B 360 Artist Sudio Lease 2/14/2024 12/31/2024 385.20$ Monthly 2,311.20$ 19 Eric Fei Guan 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E4A 568 Artist Sudio Lease 2/20/2024 12/31/2024 607.76$ Monthly 3,646.56$ 20 Darryl Dieckman 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)F5A 390 Artist Sudio Lease 2/20/2024 12/31/2024 468.00$ Monthly 2,808.00$ 21 Cynthia Brannvall 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)U5A 480 Artist Sudio Lease 2/20/2024 12/31/2024 576.00$ Monthly 3,456.00$ 22 Adrienne Defendi 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)U2B 360 Artist Sudio Lease 2/20/2024 12/31/2024 385.20$ Monthly 2,311.20$ 23 Harumo Sato 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)F1 760 Artist Sudio Lease 2/20/2024 12/31/2024 912.00$ Monthly 5,472.00$ 24 Mikael Gaspay & Maybeline Gaspay4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)U5B 520 Artist Sudio Lease 2/27/2024 12/31/2024 556.40$ Monthly 3,338.40$ 25 Ala Mohseni & Nasim Moghadam4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)U1 720 Artist Sudio Lease 2/27/2024 12/31/2024 770.40$ Monthly 4,622.40$ 26 Martha Sakellariou 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E7 480 Artist Sudio Lease 3/4/2024 12/31/2024 513.60$ Monthly 3,081.60$ 27 Simon Tung Tran 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E6A 360 Artist Sudio Lease 3/21/2024 8/31/2024 432.00$ Monthly 864.00$ 28 Alma Bazo Landeta 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley)E6B 360 Artist Sudio Lease 4/10/2024 10/31/2024 1.00$ Monthly 3.00$ 29 Judicial Council of California 250 & 350 Sherman AvenueN/A 3,793 License 6/17/2024 6/16/2027 -$ N/A -$ TOTAL 318,301.36$

CITY OF PALO ALTO

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT/REAL ESTATE DIVISION FY2024 Annual Report – Agreements Entered Into
By City Manager Under PAMC Section 2.30.210(h)
Item 11
Attachment A - FY 2024 List of
Agreements

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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: January 21, 2025
Report #:2412-3862
TITLE
Surplus Property Donated by the City to Nonprofit Agencies; CEQA Status: Not a Project

RECOMMENDATION
This is an informational report and no Council action is required.

DISCUSSION
Section 2.31.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) allows for the donation of unusable or obsolete City property and equipment to nonprofit or other organizations and to provide a report on such donations. The following are excerpts from the PAMC:
(b) Property with No Commercial Value. The city manager may authorize the abandonment, destruction or donation to public bodies, charitable, civic or nonprofit organizations, of city property which has no commercial value or of which the estimated cost of continued care, handling, maintenance or storage would exceed the estimated proceeds of sale. Such determination shall be made in writing and countersigned by the director of administrative services.
(c) Donations to Nonprofit Support Organizations. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the city manager may adopt policies and procedures authorizing the donation of surplus property that is no longer suitable for use by the city to nonprofit organizations that are formed for the purpose of supporting city programs.

The city's donation of surplus property shall be contingent on a written agreement that any profits from the sale of such items shall be used for the purchase of equipment, books or capital expenses related to the program supported by the nonprofit organization.
(d) Annual Report to Council. The city manager shall identify all property donated to nonprofit agencies pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) above. In January of each year, the city manager shall provide a report to the city council that includes an inventory of the items donated by the city and all contributions made to the city from nonprofit Item 12
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organizations that have received surplus city property.

Items donated during 2022-2024 are included in the following table.

RESOURCE IMPACT
The donated items are accomplished with existing staff in city departments. No other resource impacts are identified with this report.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Administrative Services Department collaborated with City departments to prepare the donation information contained in this report.

APPROVED BY:

Lauren Lai, Administrative Services Director
City of Palo Alto Donations to Nonprofit Agencies
Donated Items Receiving Organization Municipal code
Reference Estimated Value
2009 Green Waste of Palo
Alto Garbage Semi-
automated side loader,
Unit 5465
Municipio de Oaxaca de
Juarez

2.31.010 (b) $3,000.00
2 Cushion Benches,
1 Toy Kitchen set
Achieve Kids 2.31.010 (b) $110.00
Short Story Dispenser San José Public Library
Foundation (SJPLF)

2.31.010 (b) No est.
resale value
Total for CY 2022-2024 $3,110.00
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: January 21, 2025
Report #:2501-3968
TITLE
2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q4 Report

RECOMMENDATION
This is an informational report that provides progress updates on the 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives approved by the City Council on March 25, 2024. No action is needed.

BACKGROUND
On January 29, 2024, the Council held its annual retreat to approve the 2024 Council Priorities.1 The Priority Setting Guidelines define a priority as a topic that will receive unusual and significant attention during the year. At the conclusion of the retreat, the City Council approved the following priorities:
• Economic Development and Transition
• Climate Change and the Natural Environment: Protection and Adaptation • Housing for Social and Economic Balance
• Community Health, Safety, Wellness and Belonging
Over a series of meetings, the Council reviewed the proposed Objectives and on March 25, 2024, Council approved all the 78 Objectives meant to reflect potential Council actions, be measurable and time-bound to make real progress in advancing Council Priorities.2 These are summarized in Attachment A of the report.

ANALYSIS
1 City Council Retreat January 29, 2024
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13339 2 City Council Meeting March 25, 2024
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=15043 Item 13
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Progress on Council Priorities is measured by the accomplishments of its subset objectives and reported on a calendar quarterly basis. Calendar Q4 spans the months October through December 2024. A summary table of all 78 objectives is listed in Attachment A, including an estimated completion date, which is also measured in calendar quarters. A narrative on each objective update is found in Attachment B, it includes:

Project Description- Describes overall project goals and outcomes which may span beyond the calendar year.
2024 Milestone- Describes activities and outcomes planned for the calendar year as some projects are multi-year in length and are broken up into phases.

Project Status-
•Completed - Project as described in the 2024 milestone is overall complete, though some minor/non-substantive follow-up may still be needed. •On-Track- Project is expected to be completed as specified. Any changes in project scope or timing due to Council direction or action will remain labeled On Track with the new estimated timeframe.
•Behind Schedule/Not Started - The project estimated completion date may be delayed due to operational issues, capacity constraints (such as vacancies in staffing), or project has not started by the estimated completion date.
•On Hold/Dropped - Project is not actively in progress or will no longer move forward in the current year. Reasons may include the issue is no longer relevant, operational constraints, or is stalled/dropped due to council direction.

Estimated Completion - The calendar quarter in which the objective is expected to be completed.

Department Lead - Identifies the lead department and project manager responsible for coordinating progress.

Quarterly Update - a brief progress update on the project describes work reflected in the respective calendar quarter. Any delays or project issues will be reflected in this section.

The year-end review of the 78 Council objectives supporting Council priorities, in the fourth quarter, a total of 60 (77%) have been completed or are on track with new Council direction, 17 are behind schedule (22%), and 1 (1%) is on hold. Objectives with a revised estimated completion date are notated with an asterisk (*) in the revised estimated completion quarter and explanation in the Quarterly Update section of the objective summary in Attachment B.

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Council Priority Area Completed
On
Track
Behind
Schedule
On Hold/
Dropped Total
Economic Development & Transition
(ED&T)
9 0 3 0 12
Climate Change and the Natural
Environment: Protection and
Adaptation (CC&NE)
17 0 6 0 23
Housing for Social and Economic
Balance (HSEB)
15 2 4 1 22
Community Health, Safety, Wellness
and Belonging (CHSW&B)
15 3 3 0 21
TOTAL 55 5 17 1 78
The highest number of objectives was accomplished in the Economic Development and Business Transition priority, boasting a 75% completion rate, followed by Community Health, Safety, Wellness and Belonging priority with 71%. As noted in the table above, 5 objectives (6%) remain categorized as On Track. These objectives are labeled as On Track either because they represent ongoing efforts or because the scope of the project was revised due to Council direction, which subsequently impacted the estimated completion date. These objectives are On Track based on the revised scope and timeline.

One objective was placed On Hold in the Housing for Social and Economic Balance priority for reasons outside of the City’s control. Objective HS&EB 56. Finalize development plan to maintain affordability and improve conditions at Buena Vista Mobile Park was placed on hold due to actions taken by the Housing Authority. Staff is working with the Housing Authority to better understand its reasons for pausing the redevelopment and to determine next steps.

The Behind Schedule category makes up 22% of objectives for a total of 17, with the majority in the Climate Change & Natural Environment: Protection and Adaptation. However, almost 65% of those are estimated to be completed by Q1 2025.

FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Resource impacts for the objectives’ 2024 milestones have been identified and resourced through the FY 2024 and FY 2025 budget processes; however, any changes to scope may result in additional resources needed. Staff will assess any scope changes and bring forward recommendations for additional resources if needed as part of the FY 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
In March 2024, Council was presented with community engagement strategies based on the Item 13
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approved 2024 Priorities and Objectives.3 There are various levels of community engagement and communication strategies to support each project, including internal coordination among City departments.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Council informational report on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because the Council review of 2024 Priority Objectives is continuing administrative or maintenance activity.

CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b)(2).

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q4 Summary Table Attachment B: 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q4 Update APPROVED BY:

Ed Shikada, City Manager
3 Community Engagement Strategies:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=97ef19a0-2521-4f09-aa0b-a804f7dad50c Item 13
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#O b j e c t i v e Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
1 Facilitate  the establishment of sustainable business organization in the Cal Ave, DT, and Midtown districts x 2 Engage Cal Ave merchants on high priority, rapid implementation projects, i.e. barrier replacement, street cleaning, maintenance, access, signage and outdoor dining guidelines x* * 3 Develop  permanent Cal Ave car‐free steetscape design through engagement with Cal Ave mer chants  and community stakeholders  (h) x ** 4I n i t i a t e preliminary analysis and stakeholder engagement on a car‐free streetscape design for Ramona Street x 5 Approve  prefrerred alternative for the University Ave Streetscape Plan in preparation for environmental review and funding options (i) x * 6 Develop  pre‐approved parklet designs with stakeholder outreach, for Council approval x 7 Implement  ongoing par klet  program in compliance with adopted parklet standards, leveraging pre‐approved designs (e) x 8A d v a n c e Downtown Parking garage in conjunction with advancement of affordable housing in the Downtown x 9A d v a n c e complete build out of fiber pilot phase 1 with grid modernization ** 10 Establish regular engagement with retail brokers in the area to create stro nger  connections and understand how the City may be able to help promote available spaces x 11 Research  and evaluate options for implementing a public‐private small and local business and incubation and vacant storefront program connecting landlords experiencing vacancy with small and local‐businesses that may be seeking brick and mortar spaces x* 1 2 Conduct  business stakeholder outreach and present to Council recommendations for a citywide retail zoning strategy and receive direction for zoning ordinance implementation (k) x * 13 Deploy  65,000 residential Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters by end of 2024 (l) ** 14 Conduct  community engagement and data collection and analysis to develop a Safe Streets for All (SS4A )  Safety Action Plan for Council approval in 2024 x 15 Continue  community engagement efforts to inform the update and receive Council feedback on the 2025 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) characteristics in preparation for next steps including environmental review and adoption in 2025 (m) ** 16 Complete  initial pilot area of electric grid moderniz ation (p) ** 17 Initiate  development of a model to transition gas utility including community outreach and policy discussions x 18 Continue  to improve the Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot Program in preparation for a full‐scale program (q) x 19 Adopt  a residential whole home electrification pilot program (r) x 20 Refine  existing HVAC pilot program to encour age  participation as a next step toward a 2025 Council approved commercial rooftop HVAC electrification advanced pilot program(s) x 21 Develop  and approve an Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan (t) x 22 Develop  an EV Replacement Program for the City Fleet x 23 Develop  and initiate implementation of a Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan (u) x 24 Develop  draft S/CA P  funding study with Council input (v) x 25 Evaluate  and report out Palo Alto Link pilot performance and consider continuation and/or expansion of future services x * 26 Begin  community engagement to consider parking policy updates that enhance customer satisfaction, improve program sustainability, and aligns with S/CAP mobility goals x ** 27 Amend  local building regulations to establish a "one Mar gin"  energy efficiency standard, to allow installation of natural gas plumbing while imposing more stringent energy efficiency and all‐electric readiness requirements to all new buildings x 28 Initiate  the 2026 California Building Standards Code update, including the California Green Building Standards Code x 29 Complete  community engagement for the Airport’s Long‐Range Fa cilities  & Sustainability Plan in accordance with Federal requirements and hold a study session with Council on the draft plan x
30 Council  selection of a locally preferred alternatives for City Rail/Grade Separation project at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Rd x 31 Advocate  for the San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) th rough  Council’s JPA representation and any Council approvals involved (w) x 32 Complete  design and right‐of‐way acquisition, obtain regulatory permits, finalize project funding needs including potential Council advocacy with State legislators, and approve construction contract for the Newell Road Bridge Replacement project (x) x* * 33 Coordinate  with Federal and regional partners on a pat h  forward exploring the development of a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan (5) x 34 Approve  stream/creek corridor setback ordinance (4) x* * 35 Approve  a bird safe glass and wildlife light pollution protections ordinance (6) x ** 36 Approve  project funding and a consultant contract to develop and identify housing opportunity sites through the Downtown Housing Pla n,  including community outreach (dd) x 37 Submit  a compliant Housing Element to the state department of Housing and Community Development (ee) x 38 Approve  final North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) (ff) x* 39 Receive  Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student‐led concept plan for San Antonio Corridor x 40 Approve  consultant contract to initiate a Specific Plan fo r  San Antonio Road Corridor including project goals and outcomes (8) ** 41 Initiate  a review and make recommendations for a possible extension of the Housing Focus area to other geographic locations along El Camino Real x 42 Evaluate  sources and methods for raising significant funding to support affordable housing x 43 Conduct  a policy review with criteria fo r  Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) x* 44 Approve  a consultant contract to assess housing development impact fees for the conversion from a per unit to per square foot basis x 45 Refine  implementation of City’s SB9 objective development and urban lot split standards (HSEB 14) (ll) x 46 Adopt  an ordinance that implements Housing Element Program 3. 4  related to the housing incentive program ** 47 Amend  the municipal fee schedule and prepare economic feasibility analysis that implements Housing Element Program 3.1 related to fee waivers and adjustments x 48 Initiate  a study implementing Housing Element Program 6.5 related to alternative housing types x 49 Adopt  an ordinance implementing various Housing Element Programs x 50 Initiate  anal ysis to amend the zoning code to implement Housing Element Program 3.9 related to commercial floor area x 51 Partner  with Santa Clara County Housing Authority to achieve 2024 milestones on construction timeline for Palo Alto Homekey project to provide transitional housing and services for unhoused residents (pp) **
52 Conduct  a gap analysis of hous ing  and services for the unhoused in Palo Alto, considering Council direction, City activities and work, and County activities and work x 53 Initiate  research to understand Palo Alto unhoused population and explore feasibility of expanding safe parking options on Geng Road x 54 Council  discussion of possible ordinance related to fair chance renter policy x* * 55 Council  discussion of possible anti‐rent gouging policy x * 56 Finalize  development plan to maintain affordability and improve conditions at Buena Vista Mobile Park x * 57 Approve  a service contract to initiate Renter Registry implementation (cc) x 58 Complete  reopening of libraries to budgeted level (rr) x 59 Approval  of multi‐year agreement for provisions of animal sh elter  services (ss) x 60 Develop  a workplan to enhance community special events with focus on inclusion (tt) x 61 Reach  a tentative agreement with PAUSD on long term use of the Cubberley property (uu) x* 62 Evaluate  Recreation Wellness Center Feasibility (vv) x* 63 Evaluate  HSRAP funding allocation as a percent (%) of the General Fund (11) x 64 Facilitate  a loc ation for La Comida in North Palo Alto (12) x 65 Increase  support and funding for youth mental health (13) x 66 Complete  Trusted Response Urgent Support Team (TRUST) Augmentation pilot and evaluate the effort x 67 Support  visible police presence by ensuring stable staffing (recruiting and retention) through hiring ahead program (ww) x 68 Initiate  upgrade of Polic e  Department field based video hardware x 69 Approve  vendor selection for 911 dispatch system (CAD provider) (yy) x * 70 Approve  updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (aaa) x 71 Update  Foothills Fire Management Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (bbb) x 72 Complete  construction of the new Public Safety Building including department move‐in (ccc) x* * 73 Council  award of a cons truction  contract for Fire Station No. 4 Replacement (ddd) ** 74 Enhance  Caltrain Safety and security x
75 Approve  consulting contract to initiate work, including stakeholder engagement, related to the Seismic and Resiliency Ordinance (eee) ** 76 Initiate  work to conduct a Quiet Zone study at Churchill Ave, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Rd and begin init ial  analysis and regional stakeholder outreach x 77 Implement  strategies for promoting unleaded fuel and phasing out leaded fuel (ggg) x 78 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 (iii) x
Total 78  Objectives
* Objectives  with a revised estimated compl etion  date are notated with an asterisk (*) in the revised estimated completion quarter ** Objectives  with a revised estimated completion date in 2025 are noted with two asterisks (**) Invest in Reliable Safety Infrastructure and Systems
Reduction of Noise and Air Quality Pollution
Advance Housing Plans
Implement Housing Production Policies
Support Unhoused Service I nitiatives
Advance Renter Protection Policies
COMMUNITY HEALTH, SAFETY, WELLNESS & BELONGING (CHSW&B) Mental & Physical Health and Belonging
HOUSING FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC BALANCE (HS&EB)
2024 City Council Priorities and Objectives: Q4 Update
Estimated Completion
Economic Development & Transition (ED&T)
Focus on Commercial Corridors, Downtown and California Ave Support Economic Development and Business Transition
CLIMATE CHANGE & THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: PROTECTION & ADAPTATION (CC&NE) Climate Change Protection
Climate Change Adaptation: Flood Protection
Natural Environment

ATTACHMENT A
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Council Priorities &
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2024 City Council Priorities & Objectives
Calendar Q4 Update
Overall
The year-end review of the 78 Council objectives supporting Council priorities, in the fourth quarter, a total of 60 (77%) have been completed or are on track with new Council direction, 17 are behind schedule (22%), and 1 (1%) is on hold.

Economic Development & Transition
ED&T 1. Facilitate the establishment of sustainable business organization in the Cal Ave, DT, and Midtown districts
Project Manager: Steve Guagliardo Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Work to meet monthly with local businesses on a ‘by district’ basis to increase communication, collaboration, and foster business organizing in each district. 2024 Project Milestones:

Actively work with stakeholders in the California Ave, University Avenue Downtown, and Midtown districts to convene on a regular basis and enhance communications between the City and business stakeholders.

Quarterly Update:

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California Avenue has met regularly since December 2023. Staff convened University Ave Downtown stakeholders in May and continued engagement through the University Avenue Streetscape stakeholder meetings. Midtown met monthly beginning in the fall of 2023 but have asked for a pause so they can explore options to better organize themselves. This is an ongoing objective, as staff will continue to partner with businesses in these districts to promote shared stewardship of the City’s commercial districts.

ED&T 2. Engage Cal Ave merchants on high priority, rapid implementation projects, i.e. barrier replacement, street cleaning, maintenance, access, signage and outdoor dining guidelines Project Manager: Bruce Fukuji Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion Q2* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description: Work with California Avenue stakeholders on immediate improvements to the street in parallel to the long-term car-free streetscape design. 2024 Project Milestones:

Project goals include Barrier Cover Replacement, enhanced street cleaning and maintenance, and signage off El Camino Real directing folks to California Avenue parking garages, and outdoor dining guidelines.

Quarterly Update:

On December 16, 2024, City Council approved contract to enable paving work to start early next year at the El Camino Real, Ash Street and Birch Street intersections along California Avenue. Paving work consists of street grinding and resurfacing, new colored stamped asphalt paving, bollards, bike lane striping and bicycle signage. A second contractor will install planters and plantings after paving work completes. Staff is simultaneously coordinating with Caltrans for approval of an encroachment permit to reconfigure the eastbound bicycle lane; the permit has been delayed due to additional Caltrans information requests. Urban Field Studio is preparing a draft outdoor dining guidelines for staff review early 2025.
*Revised estimated completion date is now Q1 2025.

ED&T 3. Develop permanent Cal Ave car-free streetscape design through engagement with Cal Ave merchants and community stakeholders (h)
Project Manager: Bruce Fukuji Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion Q3* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Develop a feasible, achievable community and business supported street design concept to modify and permanently designate California Avenue as a car-free, bicycle friendly, outdoor dining, shopping and public space environment, including guidelines for outdoor dining, signage and wayfinding. 2024 Project Milestones:

Develop near and long-term signage and wayfinding concepts; conduct merchant, resident, and stakeholder engagement; analyze existing mobility and circulation; develop preliminary and alternative streetscape design concepts and probable cost estimates; select and refine a preferred design; evaluate legislative options; assess CEQA needs; and develop implementation plan.

Quarterly Update:

Urban Field Studio has completed a preliminary signage and wayfinding plan and is preparing draft outdoor dining guidelines for staff review early next year. Staff and Urban Field Studio organized merchant and community feedback into design goals, objectives and evaluation criteria and are Item 13
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developing two street space allocation alternatives for community input and feedback early next year.

Staff and M-Group are preparing CEQA documentation for Council action to permanently close California Avenue.
*Based on current progress, this objective will likely complete in Q2 2025.

ED&T 4. Initiate preliminary analysis and stakeholder engagement on a car-free streetscape design for Ramona Street
Project Manager: Ashwini Kantak Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Conduct environmental analysis and bring forward permanent closure of street for Council action.

Engage stakeholders and develop outdoor dining standards, wayfinding signage, and street enhancements that reflect the historic designation of this portion of Ramona Street. 2024 Project Milestones:

Engage a consultant for CEQA and a consultant for the design and outdoor dining standards. Conduct stakeholder engagement, perform environmental analysis to support permanent closure of a portion of the street to vehicular traffic, and begin development of outdoor dining standards.

Quarterly Update:

Urban Planning Partners Inc. (UPP) was selected as the design consultant in late August. City Council approved the design consultant contract on December 16, 2024. UPP will initiate stakeholder engagement and development of outdoor dining standards and a street design for near-term improvements on Ramona Street in early 2025, with completion of outdoor dining standards anticipated in spring 2025 and street design in summer 2025. Concurrent to this work, Staff and M Group are working on CEQA analysis, and a General Plan amendment will be brought forward for Council consideration in March 2025.

ED&T 5. Approve preferred alternative for the University Ave Streetscape Plan in preparation for environmental review and funding options (i)
Project Manager: Holly Boyd Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: Completed
Project Description:

Develop and implement a streetscape plan for University Avenue that is approved by Council and supported by property owners.
2024 Project Milestones:

Following approval of consultant contract amendment, approve concept plan and next steps to secure capital funding.

Quarterly Update:

Staff will continue to engage the stakeholder working group and the community at large. A stakeholder working group meeting was held on November 13 and a community survey was conducted from October through November. Input gathered through this outreach informed the concept plan approved by the Council on December 9, 2024. At that meeting, Council also directed staff to bring back a consultant contract amendment to proceed to the design phase, which will occur in 2025.
* Revised estimated completion is now Q4.

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ED&T 6. Develop pre-approved parklet designs with stakeholder outreach, for Council approval Project Manager: Ashwini Kantak Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q2 Status: Completed
Project Description:

To support business operations during the pandemic, outdoor dining and retail were allowed to extend outdoors. A temporary parklet program within City rights-of-way was adopted by Council to facilitate economic recovery efforts and provide guidance on structure regulations. The next phase of the program formalizes the parklet program and creates an ongoing parklet ordinance. 2024 Project Milestones:

Develop a parklet prototype, conduct business engagement for Council adoption.

Quarterly Update:

Pre-approved parklet designs were approved by the Architectural Review Board in May 2024. On June 10, the City Council approved revisions to the ongoing parklet program regulations and the parklet designs and draft user guide. Pre-approved parklet design shop drawings and associated user guide were made available for use in mid-August.

ED&T 7. Implement ongoing parklet program in compliance with adopted parklet standards, leveraging pre-approved designs (e)
Project Manager: Ashwini Kantak Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

To support business operations during the pandemic, outdoor dining and retail were allowed to extend outdoors. A temporary parklet program within City rights-of-way was adopted by Council to facilitate economic recovery efforts and provide guidance on structure regulations. The next phase of the program formalizes the parklet program and creates an ongoing parklets ordinance. 2024 Project Milestones:

Develop pre-approved designs and user guide, conduct business engagement, and prepare an ordinance for Council adoption.

Quarterly Update:

Updated standards for the ongoing parklet program were adopted by Council on June 10, 2024.

Through the summer the City worked with parklet operators to implement the ongoing parklets program. Implementation and phased enforcement of the ongoing parklets program were carefully coordinated to minimize disruption of outdoor dining in existing parklets through the summer months and to allow re-built or new parklets to leverage the pre-approved designs. Full enforcement of the ongoing parklet program began on November 1.

ED&T 8. Advance Downtown Parking garage in conjunction with advancement of affordable housing in the Downtown
Project Manager: Julia Knight Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Resume work on a new parking structure in the Downtown core on a City surface parking lot to help attract visitors downtown. Pursue refined proposals for potential affordable housing development on the Lytton / Kipling Lot T at 450 Lytton Avenue, or elsewhere, with parking for residents and the public. 2024 Project Milestones:

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Staff anticipates continuing through creation of a Request for Refined Proposals to identify a development partner for this work.

Quarterly Update:

A request for refined proposals was sent in late September to the two firms that responded to the initial request for information and responses were received in late October. A report including the responses and a recommendation of development partner is anticipated to be brought forward for Council consideration in January 2025. The timeline for the project was adjusted due to end of year scheduling conflicts, and to allow additional time for analysis.

ED&T 9. Complete build out of fiber pilot phase 1 with grid modernization Project Manager: Alex Harris Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

The City is advancing a pilot phase 1 of fiber with grid modernization to bring reliable and faster broadband, high-speed internet services directly to companies and homes, supporting business and remote workers. The City recently completed the pilot design for the Palo Alto Fiber project and aligned with the electric grid modernization to capitalize on economies of scale and reduce neighborhood disruptions.
2024 Project Milestones:

Complete buildout of fiber and grid modernization pilot. Issue RFP for Operating Support Systems/Business Support Systems (OSS/BSS) and invitation for construction bids for phase 1 implementation.

Quarterly Update:

The start of fiber construction in the pilot areas depends on two key milestones: the installation of the fiber hut at the Colorado power station and the completion of pole replacement and preparation work. Staff is still finalizing the fiber hut design, which has taken longer than anticipated with our vendor/partners. Once the design is completed, staff can finalize the internal building and fire permits for review. The fiber hut is still expected to be installed by the end of Q1 2025. Electric pole work, including pole replacements and hanging messenger wires, is currently underway and on track for completion by Q1 2025. Fiber cables can be strung once this work is finished. The RFP for the fiber OSS/BSS software is also in progress and staff will be interviewing vendors starting in the middle of Nov 2024 thru Jan 2025. Existing fiber construction and IT networking equipment contracts will be utilized to build out the pilot area, while new RFPs for the remaining areas in Phase 1 will be issued 2025.
*Based on estimated progress, the objective may be completed by Q3 2025.

ED&T 10. Establish regular engagement with retail brokers in the area to create stronger connections and understand how the City may be able to help promote available spaces Project Manager: Steve Guagliardo Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Strengthen relationships with commercial brokers, address perceived deficiencies identified by brokers in City processes, and work with brokers to reduce vacancies and increase economic vitality. 2024 Project Milestones:

Create a directory of commercial brokers operating in Palo Alto and develop a calendar of regular outreach to brokers. Address information gaps that brokers identify through conversations.

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Quarterly Update:

Staff has met with brokers numerous times on an ad hoc, issue-by-issue basis and raised the idea of a more formal meeting with different brokerages. This has been met with interest and staff will develop options to convene brokers with City staff to further strengthen relationships. This could include a ‘broker breakfast’ or similar event.

Staff also conducted semi-structured interviews with several brokers. These interviews gave brokers a forum to discuss how the City could better support their efforts. These discussions have already produced positive outcomes, including increased broker engagement at our Retail Committee meetings. This is an ongoing objective.

ED&T 11. Research and evaluate options for implementing a public-private small and local business and incubation and vacant storefront program connecting landlords experiencing vacancy with small and local-businesses that may be seeking brick and mortar spaces Project Manager: Steve Guagliardo Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: Completed
Project Description:

Explore options for activating vacant spaces, either through short-term activations of vacant storefronts or coordinating longer-term public/private partnerships 2024 Project Milestones:

In 2024, staff will be researching other cities’ programs, including Santa Cruz Downtown POPS! as well as San Francisco’s “Vacant to Vibrant” program.

Quarterly Update:

Staff has begun preliminary research and has discussed similar programs with counterparts in other cities. Most recently, staff met with a representative of San Francisco’s ‘Vacant to Vibrant’ program to discuss lessons learned and how the program might be adapted for Palo Alto’s circumstances. In November, this topic was also discussed with the ad hoc Retail Committee. Following the November meeting, staff developed some options and considerations for short-term activations that were discussed with the Retail Committee in December.
*Revised estimated completion date is Q4
ED&T 12. Conduct stakeholder outreach and present recommendations to Council for a citywide retail zoning strategy and receive direction for zoning ordinance implementation.

Project Manager: Jonathan Lait Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q2* Status: Completed
Project Description:

Prepare a report identifying recommendations for Council consideration and direction to support a thriving retail environment through zoning code changes related to retail land use definitions, permitted or conditionally permitted uses, the retail preservation ordinance and related recommendations from the Streetsense Economic Development Strategy Report.

Following acceptance of a consultant-prepared findings and strategy report, prepare an ordinance amending the City’s zoning code as directed by Council. 2024 Project Milestones:

Continue consultant and staff work that involves evaluating the City’s current land use zoning regulations in commercial areas, conduct outreach to learn more about local business experiences Item 13
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and best practices regionally, prepare associated analysis, and review and incorporate Streetsense Economic Development Strategy Report recommendations. Present findings and obtain a recommendation from the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC). Present findings and strategy report to City Council and receive implementation direction. (Phase I: Q2) Quarterly Update:

The Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and Council Retail Ad Hoc made recommendations that were transmitted to the City Council for review on November 18, 2024. The City Council approved the recommendations and staff to work with the PTC on continued refinement of the retail-like land use definition to establish a performance-based criteria that promotes pedestrian activity in commercial areas; expand permitted uses in the ground floor (GF) and retail (R) combining districts and standards to allow non-retail like uses in certain circumstances; and, to review and recommend whether to amend retail preservation ordinance and evaluate changes to the geographic extent or applicability of the City’s retail preservation ordinance. The Council also directed staff to include a comprehensive update to the City’s zoning code as an objective for Council consideration in 2025 work plan.
*Revised estimated completion date is now Q4.

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Climate Change & Natural Environment: Protection & Adaptation CC&NE 13. Deploy 65,000 residential Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters by end of 2024 (l)
Project Manager: Dave Yuan Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is upgrading the City’s utility metering system with electronic meters to utilize grid technology called Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). AMI is becoming a standard in the utilities industry, enabling interval utility usage data and time-of-use rates for homes and businesses to the benefit of electric, natural gas, and water utility customers. CPAU will replace old legacy electric meters with new advanced electric meters and retrofit existing water and gas meters with AMI radios, starting with residential meters. 2024 Project Milestones:

Staff is working to deploy all 65,000 residential AMI meters by end of 2024, but this work may extend into the first half of 2025.

Quarterly Update:

The AMI project is now more than 70% complete. There have been significant manufacturer shipping delays for electric meters. However, if the City receives electric meters in January 2025 as scheduled, we expect to be able to upgrade all electric meters to AMI by June 2025. Approximately 90% of all water and gas meter installations are expected to be complete by the end of December 2024. The remaining 10% of meters throughout the City are in difficult areas to access or otherwise challenging to schedule shutdowns for replacement, the City will coordinate with these customers to complete installation.
*Based on current progress, this objective is estimated to be completed in Q2 2025 CC&NE 14. Conduct community engagement and data collection and analysis to develop a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan for Council approval in 2024 Project Manager: Sylvia Star-Lack Lead Dept: OOT
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

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Pursuing the City's Comprehensive Plan goal for roadway safety, the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan, will target eliminating traffic deaths and life-changing injuries on local streets.

Safety Action Plan development is critical to reaching Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) goals because improving safety for vulnerable road users is key to reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and increasing green travel.
2024 Project Milestones:

Conduct community engagement and data collection/analysis to develop SS4A Safety Action Plan with a goal of reducing severe traffic injuries to zero and align City practices, projects, and policies with the Safe System Approach.

Quarterly Update:

On April 29, 2024, the Council received an informational report on collision data analysis as part of the ongoing development of the City’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan. Staff began community engagement efforts at the Earth Day Festival on April 21, and the project team tabled at the May Fete Fair on May 4. These events provided an opportunity to engage with community members before preparing the Draft Safety Action Plan. The community feedback gathered will help prioritize projects and integrate the Safe System Approach into the City’s existing policies and guidelines. A draft Safety Action Plan is currently being reviewed by staff and will be posted for public review in early December 2024 in anticipation of final plan adoption in Spring 2025. The 2024 milestones for this objective have been completed.

CC&NE 15. Continue community engagement efforts to inform the update and receive Council feedback on the 2025 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) characteristics in preparation for next steps including environmental review and adoption in 2025 (m) Project Manager: Ozzy Arce Lead Dept: OOT
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Update the existing 2012 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) to evaluate progress, reflect current community needs and desires, adjust recommendations for new policies, facilities, and programs, and to address changes in bicycling and pedestrian planning and design. The City Council’s adoption of the BPTP Update is anticipated for Fall 2025. 2024 Project Milestones:

Starting in summer 2024 and through Fall 2024 the project team will develop criteria that will lead to identifying and prioritizing project, program, and policy recommendations and community engagement in Fall 2024 to refine the recommendations. Staff will then bring draft recommendations for Council consideration and review by the end of 2024.

Quarterly Update:

Phase 3 of 5 of the project, titled Recommended Bicycle Network, Projects, and Programs is currently underway. The project team continues to make progress on developing the materials to present for the project’s third phase, including the proposed draft bicycle network, the draft projects list and scoring criteria framework, and the updated project Vision, Objectives, and Performance Measures.

Another series of engagement will begin in Fall 2024 and go through early 2025 to help refine the draft recommendations for the Draft Plan Update. This will include meetings with the City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC), local parents, the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC), the Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC), the Rail Committee, and a community meeting. A City Council meeting is also anticipated for Spring 2025. *Based on progress, this objective may be completed by Q1 2025 Item 13
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CC&NE 16. Complete initial pilot area of electric grid modernization (p) Project Manager: Jorge Silva Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

The City’s planned project includes the modernization of the systematic grid and incorporates the goals and key actions from the Grid Modernization Study to prepare for widespread electrification in support of the S/CAP goal of an 80 percent carbon reduction by 2030. This project is coordinated with the Fiber to the Home pilot. Staff has identified an initial pilot area bounded by Louis, Amarillo, 101, and Embarcadero that includes about 1200 homes. Upon completion, there is a larger “Phase 1” area of about 6,200 homes.
2024 Project Milestones:

By the end of 2024 staff intends to complete upgrades to the initial pilot area.

Quarterly Update:

As of November 2024, the engineering design work has been completed and project construction has begun. The target completion date for the Pilot Project has been moved to March 30, 2025. Staff continues to work with vendors and distributors of poles, transformers, and secondary wire to ensure a continuous supply of materials, and to ensure the Pilot Project is completed in time and on budget.

To date, 60 of 75 poles (80%) have been replaced, 51 new transformers have been installed, and a significant portion of the planned tree trimming work has been completed. Additionally, 554 (61%) out of 908 residences in the Pilot Area now have sufficient electrical capacity to support electrification. The Pilot Area project has been delayed and the new target completion date is March 30, 2025.
*Estimated completion date is now Q1 2025
CC&NE 17. Initiate development of a model to transition gas utility including community outreach and policy discussions
Project Manager: Matt Zucca Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

A study is planned to assess the infrastructure needs and financial implications of managing the gas utility as gas sales decline. The first phase involves using consultant resources to develop a gas system model that simulates changing flows as electrification advances. This model will help identify which sections of the gas system can be decommissioned first.

The current system is a grid network of pipes, with larger pipes delivering gas to remote or high-usage areas. The model will evaluate the impact of removing large portions of the gas system, such as residential areas that have transitioned to electrification, and assess the remaining network's ability to meet demand during the transition.

The gas model will determine the minimum future gas grid needed to support reduced demand and estimate the capital and operational costs of system retirement. These costs will be used to model the rate impacts of declining gas sales and to develop policy options to mitigate the impact on customers who have not yet electrified.
2024 Project Milestones:

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Approve consultant contract to develop the gas model.

Quarterly Update:

A consultant has been approved and hired to develop the balanced gas system model, which is expected to be completed by January 2025. After the model is received from the consultant, staff will begin analyzing alternatives for scaling down the gas distribution system. Initial results of the staff analyses are anticipated in Q3 of 2025.

CC&NE 18. Continue to improve the Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot Program for a full- scale program (q)
Project Manager: Jonathan Abendschein Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Launch the Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot Program approved by Council and achieve a significant increase in the installation rate year over year, converting to a full-scale program if warranted.
2024 Project Milestones:

In 2024 staff will continue to improve the Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot program operations and marketing with the goal of significantly increasing the installation rate by the end of 2024 if supported by demand.

Quarterly Update:

Staff was tasked with increasing participation in the Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Pilot Program. In 2024 staff worked to improve the program and increase signups:
• Innovative outreach: targeted online and social media advertisements, community canvassing, in-person events, and mailers in addition to traditional outreach. Mailers were the most effective.
• A customer feedback outreach effort to improve customer satisfaction was completed in early 2024 and several program improvements were implemented. On average customer satisfaction surveys consistently show 8.1/10 rating on "likeliness to recommend the program" • Kept pricing low using Council-approved budget (April 2024) after State incentive expired • Expanded outreach to income-qualified residents
• Launched emergency replacement program (Sep 2024)
• Establishing electrification expert program to help with complex installations

The installation rate has stayed at about five installations per week (about 250 per year), about 150- 200 per year through the full-service program and 50-100 through the rebate program. This is about 20% of the estimated annual turnover of HPWH in Palo Alto and 5-10 times the rate of installation at other top HPWH programs in the State, adjusted for population. If the emergency replacement program were to add another 100 installations per year, that could increase the percentage of estimated annual turnover to about 30%. Counting new construction and major remodels, which represent 100-200 new heat pump water heaters per year, the City may be reaching as much as 35% or more of the estimated annual water heater turnover. However, it is far from the goal of 1,000 or more per year (80% of estimated annual turnover).

CC&NE 19. Adopt a residential whole home electrification pilot program (r) Project Manager: Jonathan Abendschein Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

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To achieve the S/CAP goals staff will expand the City’s residential program services to include electrification of space heating, cooking, and other appliances in addition to water heaters. 2024 Project Milestones:

Seek Council approval for a whole home electrification pilot program.

Quarterly Update:

The Whole Home Electrification program will roll out in two phases. The first phase, which will include rebates, financing, and home electrification assessments, is being launched in December and January.

This will be followed by the launch of a full-service program option in mid-2025 to help homeowners who prefer to use a trusted contractor that has been pre-screened by the City. Adequate funding for the program was approved by the City Council in the FY 2025 Adopted Budget, and information about the program and tentative rebate levels for the first phase was provided to Council at the November 12, 2024 Council meeting. Additional approvals will be needed for the second phase of the program.

CC&NE 20. Refine existing HVAC pilot program to encourage participation as a next step toward a 2025 Council approved commercial rooftop HVAC electrification advanced pilot program(s) Project Manager: Jonathan Abendschein Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q3 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Continue to run the existing pilot program to replace a limited number of aging rooftop gas pack units with heat pump HVAC systems (commercial rooftop packaged heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units). Design an advanced pilot program focused on rooftop HVAC meant to prove a scalable, high participation business model.
2024 Project Milestones:

Modify the existing rooftop HVAC pilot to enhance its ability to assist businesses and generate more participation in the program.

Quarterly Update:

In September, staff launched an update to the rooftop packaged HVAC pilot with the goal of collecting additional data to inform the design of an advanced pilot program. To achieve this, staff are offering enhanced incentives to a limited group of 10 customers. In return, these customers are required to gather and provide detailed cost and project information to the City. Businesses that prefer not to collect this data can still participate in the program at the original incentive level.

Outreach efforts are ongoing through various channels to encourage participation. So far, seven building owners have applied to join the program, with two permits issued and one project successfully completed.

CC&NE 21. Develop and approve an Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan (t) Project Manager: Jonathan Abendschein Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Develop a strategic plan for the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support EV growth in Palo Alto. Define the City’s role and funding needs. Evaluate strategies for efficient electrification and EV charging to reduce grid impacts. Coordinate with the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan on the electric grid impacts and benefits of EV charging and strategies to mitigate the impacts and take advantage of opportunities.
2024 Project Milestones:

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Complete preliminary EV Strategic Plan and review with Council Ad Hoc Climate Protection Committee.

Quarterly Update:

In September, staff presented a preliminary outline for the EV Strategic Plan—now titled the E- Mobility Strategic Plan—to the Climate Protection Ad Hoc Committee. In early November, staff also shared preliminary results of the EV Charger Needs Assessment, a key component for finalizing the Strategic Plan. A review of electric grid impacts, EV charging benefits, mitigation strategies, and opportunities has been incorporated into a consultant contract approved by Council in September to support implementation of the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan (approved in April).

Using insights from these studies and feedback from the Ad Hoc Committee, staff aim to finalize the E-Mobility Strategic Plan for policymaker and stakeholder review, with Council approval targeted for the first half of 2025.

CC&NE 22. Develop an EV Replacement Program for the City Fleet Project Manager: Danitra Bahlman Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Convert Palo Alto municipal vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) when feasible and when the replacement is operationally acceptable. Install EV Charging infrastructure to support increased EV usage.
2024 Project Milestones:

Identify internal combustion engine vehicles that can be potentially replaced with EVs, with a goal of adding nine EVs to the fleet in 2024 and six EV chargers in the City Hall Level C parking garage for fleet vehicles. Develop an all-electric FY 2025 vehicle replacement program and track GHG emissions of fleet vehicles by Department.

Quarterly Update:

Eight EVs have been added to the fleet in 2024. The City Hall Level C EV charger project was completed in September. As part of the Capital Budget, Council approved an all-electric FY 2025 vehicle replacement program, except for Police pursuit vehicles. Staff has ordered an EV Police pursuit vehicle as a pilot that is expected to be delivered by the end of December. Rincon Consultants calculated vehicle GHG emissions by department as part of the 2022 GHG inventory.

CC&NE 23. Develop and initiate implementation of a Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan (u) Project Manager: Jonathan Abendschein Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q2 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Develop a strategic plan for the integration of new technologies such as distributed energy resources (solar, battery to grid, battery storage, and self-forming grids), load management and control technologies, and advanced grid automation and protection into the City’s electric distribution system with the goal of improving electric grid reliability and utility customer and neighborhood resiliency.

Coordinate with the EV Strategic Plan to identify the role of EV charging (including EV to grid and EV to home) in electric grid reliability and resiliency.
2024 Project Milestones:

Staff will seek Council acceptance of the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan and begin implementation.

Quarterly Update:

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Council accepted the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan on April 15, 2024, and its implementation is now underway. A contract for professional services to assist with various aspects of implementation was approved by Council on September 23 and the study is underway. Staff is working on a partnership to complete a distribution analysis focused on other parts of the plan. Staff is also pursuing investigations of various microgrid designs at and in the vicinity of the airport, as well as energy storage at substations.

CC&NE 24. Develop draft S/CAP funding study with Council input (v) Project Manager: Jonathan Abendschein Lead Dept: UTL
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Complete an analysis of the funding needs for full scale implementation of the S/CAP Climate Action goals and key actions, including identifying and estimating costs for additional emissions reductions to achieve the 80x30 goal. Identify potential funding sources. 2024 Project Milestones:

Complete preliminary draft S/CAP Funding study and review with Council Ad Hoc Climate Protection Committee.

Quarterly Update:

The S/CAP Funding Study continues. Completion of the Funding Study depends in part on completion of other complementary studies, including an EV Charger Needs Assessment, Building Sector Study, and the Funding Source Survey. All studies are being completed by the same group of consultants and all are in progress in parallel. Preliminary results from all studies were generated in Q4 2024. Staff discussed scenarios to model in the Funding Study with the Climate Protection Ad Hoc Committee in October 2024. The consultant generated preliminary results based on those scenarios and staff reviewed key insights and outputs with the Ad Hoc Committee and Working Group in December.

CC&NE 25. Evaluate and report out Palo Alto Link pilot performance and consider continuation and/or expansion of future services
Project Manager: Nathan Baird Lead Dept: OOT
Estimated Completion: Q2* Status: Completed
Project Description:

Since its launch in March 2023, analyze the effectiveness of the Palo Alto Link pilot program and consider providing on-demand transit services through at least June 2025. Finance Committee to review options for program continuation and/or expansion of transit services beyond June 2025 in October 2024.
2024 Project Milestones:

Council to evaluate the pilot program’s effectiveness and consider continuation and/or expansion, with service considerations to extend to 7AM to 7PM in July 2024, and fare increase to $4 for all riders by September 2024.

Quarterly Update:

With funding secured through June 2025, and standard fares adjusted by Council to $4 in December 2024 and service hours extended to 7AM to 7PM, staff will continue to pursue grant and partner funding to potentially extend the service into future out years. *Revised estimated completion date is Q4
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CC&NE 26. Begin community engagement to consider parking policy updates that enhance customer satisfaction, improve program sustainability, and align with S/CAP mobility goals Project Manager: Nathan Baird Lead Dept: OOT
Estimated Completion: Q2* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description: Evaluate and provide options for updating parking policy objectives and implementing operations improvements, beginning with the University Ave. parking district and surrounding commercial areas.
2024 Project Milestones:

Initiate community engagement to gauge customer satisfaction and support future updates to parking policies. Select a parking vendor to provide expanded permit types, time extension options, and mobile payment.

Quarterly Update:

Community engagement has begun on this project. However, staff is planning on continuing community engagement efforts through the spring to gauge customer satisfaction and support future updates to parking policies. A soon to be selected parking vendor will help inform options for expanded permit types, time extension options, and mobile payment. City staff will select a parking permit vendor by January 2025, and work with the selected vendor to recommend options for improvements as well as policy changes and implementation by June 2025. *Estimated completion is Q1 2025.

CC&NE 27. Amend local building regulations to establish a "One Margin" energy efficiency standard, to allow installation of natural gas plumbing while imposing more stringent energy efficiency and all-electric readiness requirements to all new buildings Project Manager: George Hoyt Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q2 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Amend the California Energy Code as codified in Title 16 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Building Regulations establishing a ‘One Margin’ standard, which would allow for installation of natural gas plumbing while imposing more stringent energy efficiency and all-electric readiness requirements to all new buildings, which incentivizes the additional efficiency and lower emissions of all electric equipment using clean electricity.
2024 Project Milestones:

Engage a consultant to work with staff to review and implement the One Margin standard. Present findings and an ordinance to the City Council for final action.

Quarterly Update:

The City Council adopted the One Margin code ordinance on June 3, 2024. As required by state law, the ordinances have been sent to the California Energy Commission for review and approval. The Energy Reach Code “One Margin” ordinance was reviewed and approved at the Commission’s September 11, 2024 business meeting, and the ordinance became effective October 4, 2024. The ordinance will remain in effect until it is replaced with the 2026-2028 Energy Code, with any local amendments adopted for that code cycle (see CC&NE 28).

CC&NE 28. Initiate the 2026 California Building Standards Code update, including the California Green Building Standards Code
Project Manager: George Hoyt Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
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Project Description:

Adopt the California Building Standards Commission’s model technical building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, existing buildings, fire, energy, residential building, historic building, and green building codes, with local amendments as appropriate, including standards to advance the City’s carbon reduction and electrification initiatives, in compliance with federal regulations. 2024 Project Milestones:

Engage a consultant and begin initial research and analysis.

Quarterly Update:

Staff has completed the process of engaging professional services, identified project staffing, and begun designing the 2025 process for City Reach Code adoption, which includes stakeholder feedback. Additionally, staff is actively engaged in Statewide Energy and Green Building Code adoption efforts. A Development Services Contract Services RFP was released in September 2024, and the City Council approved the contract on December 16, 2024 CC&NE 29. Complete community engagement for the Airport’s Long-Range Facilities & Sustainability Plan in accordance with Federal requirements and hold a study session with Council on the draft plan
Project Manager: Andrew Swanson Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q3 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Develop a long-range planning document that aligns the Airport with City goals and objectives ensuring safe and sustainable operations at the Palo Alto Airport. 2024 Project Milestones:

Conduct meetings with the public to receive guidance to update the Airport’s Long-Range Facilities & Sustainability Plan in accordance with Federal requirements. Conduct a Study Session with the City Council to receive feedback on a draft plan.

Quarterly Update:

An online survey requesting input on planning alternatives was initiated in July and closed in August 2024. The project team conducted a fifth public outreach meeting on June 20 to receive further comments on alternatives for future airport improvements. Staff held a study session with City Council on September 16 and received valuable input from public speakers and the Council that will be used to develop a planning alternative that does not include runway expansion or modifications that could encourage larger aircraft. Additional community engagement is anticipated once a new alternative is available. The next steps for this project are currently on hold while staff prioritizes addressing noise and leaded fuel community concerns.

CC&NE 30. Council selection of a locally preferred alternatives for City Rail/Grade Separation project at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Rd Project Manager: Ripon Bhatia Lead Dept: OOT
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

The project involves implementing rail grade separations along the Caltrain Corridor. Currently, the City is in the process of developing conceptual plans for three crossings: Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. Staff is actively engaged with the Rail Committee to evaluate alternatives for recommendation to the City Council. The objective is to identify a locally preferred alternative and advance the project into the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Phase.

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2024 Project Milestones:

Continue to advance and develop conceptual plans for various alternatives in consideration for each of the three crossings, based on the guidance and direction provided by the Rail Committee. The objective is to present recommendation to the City Council for consideration and approval of locally preferred alternative(s) at these three crossings.

Quarterly Update:

On June 10, 2024, the City Council selected Seale Avenue as the bicycle and pedestrian crossing location for the Partial Underpass Alternative at Churchill Avenue Crossing. This decision advances the Partial Underpass with the Bicycle and Pedestrian crossing at Seale Avenue into the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase, with the closure alternative retained as a backup option. Additionally, on June 18, the Council voted to advance the hybrid (including a mixed wall/column approach) and underpass alternatives for Meadow Drive and Charleston Road into the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase. The funding Agreement with FRA was fully executed in September 2024. Staff is currently working on executing a Cooperative Agreement with Valley Transportation Authority and Caltrain for funding and implementing the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Phase of work. The Cooperative Agreement was approved by the Caltrain Board on December 5, 2024 and the City Council approved this agreement on December 9, 2024.

CC&NE 31. Advocate for the San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) through Council’s JPA representation and any Council approvals involved (w) Project Manager: Holly Boyd Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Advance the San Francisquito Creek (SFC) Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) through Council’s JPA representation and any Council approvals involved.
2024 Project Milestones:

Support JPA’s efforts to make decisions through staff discussions and the City’s representation on the JPA Board.

Quarterly Update:

In January 2024, the SFCJPA board authorized the agency to seek consulting support to analyze the reach 2 alternatives that were described in the EIR while considering the hydraulic limitation of the creek identified during the December 31, 2022, storm event. Staff participated in the review and selection of the Request for Proposals process that led to a successful consultant award at the May SFCJPA board meeting. In Q4, SFCJPA staff presented their consultant’s initial findings to their board as well as to staff from their partner agencies. Staff continues to attend and participate in monthly SFCJPA Reach 2 Planning Group meetings.

CC&NE 32. Complete design and right-of-way acquisition, obtain regulatory permits, finalize project funding needs including potential Council advocacy with State legislators, and approve construction contract for the Newell Road Bridge Replacement project (x) Project Manager: Holly Boyd Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q2* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Complete design and right-of-way acquisition, obtain regulatory permits, and seek programming of construction funding by Caltrans. Advocacy with State legislators on project funding needs. Award a construction contract and manage the construction phase of the project to its completion.

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2024 Project Milestones:

Complete design and right-of-way acquisition, obtain regulatory permits, and seek programming of construction funding by Caltrans, through Council advocacy as needed, and award a construction contract, subject to property owner, permitting agencies, and Caltrans approvals.

Quarterly Update:

Staff obtained all construction easements and permits from regulatory agencies and submitted for right-of-way certification and authorization to proceed for construction to Caltrans in late May. A notice of intent to award for a construction manager contract has been issued. Staff worked with Caltrans to revise and resubmit right-of-way certification documents in July and September and received right-of-way certification on October 11. Public Works staff met with Caltrans on November 1, 2024 to discuss the approvals for the project and learned that Advanced Construction has been programmed for fiscal year 2025 and that additional funding requested by staff in the spring has been approved.

The remaining steps to initiate the construction phase are submitting the Request for Authorization (E-76), Advance Construction letter (which was submitted in November), and revised final project plans. Staff received and submitted the revised final plans on December 3, 2024. Standard review times of these documents are 6-8 weeks. Staff will continue to work closely with Caltrans on approvals, including the possibility to go out to bid during the 6-8 week review time, in order to be able to start construction in Summer 2025.
* Revised estimated completion is now Q2 2025.

CC&NE 33. Coordinate with Federal and regional partners on a path forward exploring the development of a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan (5)
Project Manager: Julie Weiss Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Participate in regional efforts to advance shoreline protection from sea level rise through 1) SB272 (Laird) Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan development, 2) Valley Water/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Shoreline II levee improvements*, and 3) Other regional and internal coordination efforts.

SB272: Sea Level Rise Planning and Adaptation (Laird) signed in 2023 requires a state and Bay Area regional sea level rise adaptation plan and harmonized subregional plans. Plan requirements, and the boundaries of subregions are anticipated from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission by the end of 2024. Palo Alto has already completed its Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment which will be a subregional plan requirement. Staff will coordinate the development of the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan to align with these efforts.

Shoreline II Levee Improvements: The United States Army Corps of Engineers conducted a feasibility study to assess cost/benefit of funding levee improvements along Palo Alto’s shoreline and determined that there is no federal interest in pursuing Palo Alto shoreline improvements at this time, and that improvements would not be needed until approximately 2060. In January 2024, Valley Water coordinated a Congressional letter (signed by Representative Eshoo and others) requesting re- examination of cost benefit assessment citing concerns about the analysis and drafted a similar letter from Valley Water leadership to USACE leadership.

Other Regional and In-house Coordination Efforts: Regional efforts include coordinating with Santa Item 13
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Clara County and regional entities involved with sea level rise planning and internal efforts to advance sea level rise planning tools and education.
2024 Project Milestones:

Track and participate in regional SB272 discussions about required sea level rise plan components and subregional partners; continue to coordinate with Valley Water in pursuit of a reevaluation of USACE’s federal interest to fund shoreline improvements; participate in priority region-wide sea level rise planning efforts; and improve ESRI GIS maps for staff sea level rise and shallow groundwater planning purposes.

Quarterly Update:
1) The Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan (RSAP) Guidance was adopted by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) on December 5, 2024. This document sets standards for sea level rise planning for all agencies. Palo Alto will need to comply with these requirements on its own, or potentially in partnership with an emerging Santa Clara- wide County Office of Sustainability effort that will be clarified in early 2025. Public Works staff met with the Planning Department to discuss the new requirements and future collaboration, and the City provided stakeholder feedback to BCDC about technical assistance priorities that would be beneficial to public agencies in the coming years. 2) The USACE officially closed out the Shoreline II Feasibility Study. Valley Water finalized a project factsheet and has nearly completed a document of frequently asked questions that can be referenced for both general public questions, and for staff use to answer more technical questions. After completion, City staff will work with the Chief Communication Officer to update the City’s sea level rise webpage to include information about Shoreline II, the new RSAP guidance and next steps.
3) Online maps showing future sea level rise and shallow groundwater conditions were finalized, and staff will next provide internal outreach to expand staff consideration of sea level rise for future projects. In addition, the Regional Water Quality Control Plant and Palo Alto Airport are including sea level rise in each program’s Long-term Facility Plan. 4) Staff from interdepartmental teams continue to meet quarterly to discuss projects such as the Horizontal Levee Pilot Project, Palo Alto Flood Basin tide gate, inclusions of sea level rise in long range facility plans for the wastewater treatment plant and airport, regional coordination for levee improvements, and other related sea level rise adaptation efforts. *Please note that the RSAP and Shoreline II efforts below will be ongoing, decades-long tasks.

CC&NE 34. Prepare Stream/Creek Corridor Setback Ordinance (4) Project Manager: Kelly Cha Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Conduct research and present an ordinance that implements the City’s comprehensive plan polices related to stream corridor setbacks for Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) review and recommendation to the City Council.
2024 Project Milestones:

Engage a consultant to review the City’s comprehensive plan policies related to stream corridor setbacks; prepare an existing conditions report and make recommendations on appropriate setbacks; conduct public outreach and hold meetings before the PTC to receive a recommendation for City Council consideration.

Quarterly Update:

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The PTC held an initial public meeting on August 14, 2024. The PTC reviewed a draft ordinance on October 9, 2024 and requested that the item be continued to a future PTC meeting following additional community outreach to those who might be affected by the new regulations. A community meeting is scheduled for February 2025.
*The revised estimated completion is now Q3 2025.

CC&NE 35. Prepare Bird Safe Glass & Wildlife Light Pollution Protections Ordinance (6) Project Manager: Kelly Cha Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q2* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Prepare an ordinance that updates the City’s zoning code to require new building design and lighting standards with the aim to reduce bird strikes and nighttime light pollution for new or substantially remodeled buildings/structures.
2024 Project Milestones:

Prepare a draft ordinance for review by the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and recommendation to the City Council. Review similar relevant ordinances from other jurisdictions and consult local environmental advocates and/or groups when preparing the ordinance; hold public meetings before the Architectural Review Board (ARB), PTC and City Council.

Quarterly Update:

The PTC met in August and provided feedback on a future ordinance. The PTC reviewed draft ordinances on October 30, 2024, requested modifications to standards, and recommended approval of both ordinances to City Council. The light pollution ordinance was scheduled for City Council hearing on December 9, 2024 but could not be considered due to Council agenda management conflicts; the new tentative date for Council consideration in February 3, 2025. The bird safe glass ordinance is anticipated for Council consideration in March 2025 to allow additional time for analysis of PTC recommendations.
*The revised estimated completion is now Q1 2025.

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Housing for Social & Economic Balance
HS&EB 36. Approve project funding and a consultant contract to develop and identify housing opportunity sites through the Downtown Housing Plan, including community outreach (dd) Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Prepare a focused housing plan for the University Avenue downtown area that identifies development and design standards and public infrastructure necessary to accelerate housing production in the study area.
2024 Project Milestones:

City Council selection of project management and coordination consultants; community outreach and engagement; community assessment and initial policy development.

Quarterly Update:

The City Council approved project funding and the consultant contract on February 26, 2024.

Community engagement is underway. A community meeting occurred on October 10, 2024, and a Citizens Advisory Committee was formed in Q4 2024, with the first meeting scheduled January 14, 2025. The needs assessment and existing conditions analysis is underway. A community survey was launched on November 18, 2024 and publicized with community pop-up events in December.

HS&EB 37. Submit compliant housing element to the state department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) (ee)
Project Manager: Jonathan Lait Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q3 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Prepare an updated housing element for Council adoption and review for certification by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that advances the City’s housing policy interests, meets applicable state housing requirements, and demonstrates compliance with the City’s regional housing needs assessment. The housing element will include an implementation schedule to complete various policies over the eight-year housing cycle. 2024 Project Milestones:

Complete revisions to the previously adopted housing element to address HCD comments and public input; schedule a joint Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council meeting, update the Item 13
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housing element as necessary based on Council direction and make the housing element available for an additional 7-day review before sending to HCD to initiate its 60-day review period.

Quarterly Update:

The state department of Housing and Community Development certified the City’s housing element on August 20, 2024.

HS&EB 38. Approve final North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) (ff) Project Manager: Kelly Cha Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q2* Status: Completed
Project Description:

Prepare a coordinated area plan for North Ventura to facilitate development of a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood with multifamily housing, commercial services, and well-defined connections to transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities.
2024 Project Milestones:

Complete final plan revisions based on prior City Council direction, complete related environmental review, finalize zoning implementation regulations and present the final draft to the Architectural Review Board (ARB), Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC), and City Council for final action.

Quarterly Update:

The City Council adopted a resolution approving the NVCAP on August 5, 2024 and re-introduced a first reading of the associated ordinance on September 23, 2024; with a second reading October 14, 2024.
*The revised estimated completion date is now Q3.

HS&EB 39. Receive Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student-led concept plan for San Antonio Corridor Project Manager: Amy French Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q1 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Cal Poly’s undergraduate urban planning studio will present their student-led project highlighting land use and transportation solutions for the Council’s consideration in advance of the City’s comprehensive corridor study.
2024 Project Milestones:

Students will participate in study session presentation to the City Council.

Quarterly Update:

On March 18, 2024 the City Council received a study session presentation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo completing this task.

HS&EB 40. Approve consultant contract to initiate a Specific Plan for San Antonio Road Corridor including project goals and outcomes (8)
Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Prepare a Request for Proposals and explore opportunities for developer funding to support the preparation of a San Antonio Road corridor specific plan that incorporates anticipated housing projections, programs and policies from the City’s housing element, identifies an appropriate mix of land uses, park and recreation space needs, retail centers, transportation solutions that focus on ease and safety of multi-modal travel and access to community resources and amenities.

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2024 Project Milestones:

Prepare a Request for Proposals, present selected firm and contract to Council for approval.

Quarterly Update:

Staff is reviewed responses to the request for proposals (RFP) and conducted interviews, issued a letter of intent to award to the preferred vendor, and is currently in contract negotiations. It is anticipated a recommendation to the City Council in will occur in Q1, 2025. *The revised estimated completion date is now Q1, 2025.

HS&EB 41. Initiate a review and make recommendations for a possible extension of the Housing Focus area to other geographic locations along El Camino Real Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Consistent with prior City Council direction, staff will explore opportunities to incentivize housing production at strategic locations along El Camino Real with zoning code amendments that increase building height and floor area ratios and apply other objective standards, including transitional height restrictions to address single family zoning districts adjacencies. The proposed standards will be an alternative to the state density bonus.
2024 Project Milestones:

Engage an on-call consultant to work with staff to prepare necessary analysis, prepare reports, conduct community outreach and perform environmental review for possible zoning code changes; provide updates to the Housing Ad Hoc and engage the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) for design and policy guidance.

Quarterly Update:

Staff has selected an on-call professional services firm; initial work has begun on analyzing the existing El Camino Real Focus area and potential areas of expansion. ARB and PTC study sessions were scheduled in December 2024.

HS&EB 42. Evaluate sources and methods for raising significant funding to support affordable housing
Project Manager: Jonathan Lait Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Support the City’s affordable housing goals as set forth in the adopted Housing Element and explore funding mechanisms to help support those efforts.
2024 Project Milestones:

The Housing Ad Hoc will meet with staff to understand available sources and methods to support affordable housing funding strategies and report back to Council.

Quarterly Update:

The Housing Ad Hoc met and discussed strategies in September and reported out to the City Council on December 16, 2024 as part of its end of year reporting.

HS&EB 43. Conduct a policy review with criteria for Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Project Manager: Jonathan Lait Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: Completed
Project Description:

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Release a NOFA consistent with the City’s below market rate funding policy for approximately six and half million dollars ($6.5M) and share application submittal results with the City Council Housing Ad Hoc for review and recommendation on fund disbursement, if any; transmit funding recommendations to the City Council.
2024 Project Milestones:

Prepare and release the NOFA for 60 days; receive a recommendation from the Housing Ad Hoc and seek City Council action.

Quarterly Update:

A NOFA was released in September and information was presented to the Housing Ad Hoc in December. Staff will present a recommendation to the City Council on January 21, 2025 consistent with feedback received from the City Council Housing Ad Hoc. *The revised estimated completion date is Q4
HS&EB 44. Approve a consultant contract to assess housing development impact fees for the conversion from a per unit to per square foot basis
Project Manager: Jonathan Lait Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Consistent with prior City Council direction, change the methodology for collecting housing-related development impact fees from a per unit amount to a per square foot calculation. 2024 Project Milestones:

Engage a consultant to review the City’s development impact fees and characteristics of single family and multi-family home building to establish a conversion rate that would enable the City to assess development impact fees based on the unit’s size (square footage). Present this report to the City Council’s Finance Committee and schedule for City Council review.

Quarterly Update:

On November 18, 2024, the City Council adopted an ordinance adjusting the development impact fees and provided direction on future impact fee studies and analysis.

HS&EB 45. Refine implementation of City’s SB9 objective development and urban lot split standards (ll)
Project Manager: Amy French Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q1 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Prepare a resolution that updates the City’s objective standards related to SB-9 development and lot split standards. This project is distinguished from the ordinance task in HS&EB ii, which as an ordinance the made code changes to reflect changes in state law whereas this task refines specific, objective development standards. These changes will be reviewed by Council as a resolution as opposed to an ordinance.
2024 Project Milestones:

Present resolution with updated objective standards for SB-9 development and lot splits.

Quarterly Update:

On February 12, 2024, the City Council reviewed and approved a resolution updating the objective design standards.

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HS&EB 46. Adopt an ordinance that implements Housing Element Program 3.4 related to the housing incentive program
Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Based on a feasibility study, evaluate potential changes to the City’s existing housing incentive program (HIP) and consider program expansion to multi-family, GM and ROLM zoning districts.

Implement Housing Element Program 3.3 regarding the affordable housing incentive program (AHIP) and apply standards to identified housing opportunity sites; consider extending to faith based R1 zoned properties.
2024 Project Milestones:

Complete prototypical project and economic feasibility analysis related to the housing incentive program and develop draft standards that would increase housing development potential beyond existing zoning standards and serve as an alternative to the state density bonus. Present findings to the Housing Ad Hoc, Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and forward a recommendation and ordinance to the City Council for final action. (Q4) Quarterly Update:

Most of the milestone work has been completed and additional review is expected by PTC in late 2024 and review by City Council expected in early 2025. This project is delayed by one quarter due to staff resources being redirected in response to additional work needed for Housing Element certification and the item being continued without being presented due to other agenda items. *Based on estimated progress this objective will be delayed to Q1 2025 HS&EB 47. Amend the municipal fee schedule and prepare economic feasibility analysis that implements Housing Element Program 3.1 related to fee waivers and adjustments Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Amend the City’s municipal fee schedule to waive City staff costs associated with the processing of a one hundred percent (100%) affordable housing planning application, except for directly related consultant supported costs.
2024 Project Milestones:

Amend the City’s municipal fee schedule to waive planning-related fees associated with the processing of one hundred percent (100%) affordable housing applications. Engage a consultant to begin an economic feasibility analysis that studies the impact of development impact fees to housing production.

Quarterly Update:

On June 17, 2024, the City Council adopted the municipal fee schedule implementing this task.

HS&EB 48. Initiate a study implementing Housing Element Program 6.5 related to alternative housing types
Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

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Prepare a study to achieve opportunities for innovative housing structures, such as micro-unit housing and new shared and intergenerational housing models, to help meet the housing needs of aging adults, students, and lower-income individuals citywide. 2024 Project Milestones:

Engage a consultant to initiate the study.

Quarterly Update:

Staff secured a consultant at the end of Q4 to begin the project.

HS&EB 49. Adopt an ordinance implementing various Housing Element Programs Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: On Track
Project Description:

Prepare an ordinance that addresses the following housing element programs – •Amend the zoning code to limit the number of hearings for multi-family housing projects before the ARB to two hearings (Program 3.6);
•Amend the zoning code to require all sites listed in the housing element sites inventory, all projects utilizing density bonuses, and all projects demolishing residential dwelling units to meet the replacement housing requirements of state law contained in housing element law, density bonus law, and the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (Program 4.1); •Amend the zoning code to remove the Conditional Use requirement for residential uses in the Stanford Research Park, while taking into consideration City requirements related to hazardous materials (Program 1.5);
•Amend the zoning code to be consistent with Government Code Sections 65650 et seq., which require that Supportive Housing meeting the standards in the statute be treated as a by-right use where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted, including nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses. Amendments will also be made to allow transitional and supportive housing, as defined in Government Code Section 65582, to be permitted as a residential use in all zones (Program 6.5);
•Amend the zoning code to be consistent with Government Code sections 65660 et seq., which require a Low Barrier Navigation center to be a use by-right in areas zoned for mixed-use and nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses, provided specific requirements of the law are met (Program 6.5);
•Amend the City’s parking regulations for Homeless and Emergency Shelters and Navigation Centers to comply with Government Code section 65583, subdivision (a)(4)(A). Amend the zoning code to allow emergency shelters in the ROLM(E) zone to be approved ministerially, without discretionary action, remove distance requirements, adjust length of stay requirements, and ensure that the development standards for shelters are in compliance with statutory requirements (Program 6.5);
•Amend the zoning code to ensure compliance with the Employee Housing Act (including California Health and Safety Code sections 17021.5, 17021.6, and 17021.8) to state that farmworker housing up to 36 beds or 12 units are to be permitted as an agricultural use and therefore “by right” in the AC and OS zones and no discretionary permit would be required of employee housing providing accommodation for six or fewer employees if discretionary permits are not required of a family dwelling of the same type in the same zone (Program

6.5).
2024 Project Milestones:

Prepare ordinance and present to the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) for review and recommendation to the City Council for final action.

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Quarterly Update:

The PTC reviewed the proposed amendments and recommended Council approval on November 13, 2024. An ordinance is scheduled for City Council consideration on January 21, 2025. *The objective is anticipated to be completed in Q1 2025.

HS&EB 50. Initiate analysis to amend the zoning code to implement Program 3.9 related to commercial floor area
Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Amend the City’s zoning code to reduce commercial floor area allowances or other commercial incentives at strategic locations to shift the economic benefit of redevelopment toward home building.
2024 Project Milestones:

Initiate analysis in 2024 and present findings to Council by Q4 2025. Amend the Municipal Code by Q4 2026.

Quarterly Update:

A consultant has been engaged to begin work on the project and analysis began in Q4 2024.

HS&EB 51. Partner with Santa Clara County Housing Authority to achieve 2024 milestones on construction timeline for Palo Alto Homekey project to provide transitional housing and services for unhoused residents (pp)
Project Manager: Melissa McDonough Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Palo Alto Homekey construction is scheduled to take place throughout calendar year 2024 with completion in early 2025. City staff attends regular project management meetings and owner- architect-contractor (OAC) meetings and conducts site visits. The Housing Authority assists the City with overall review of construction financing, budget and schedule, as well as construction monitoring, including conducting site visits, informing the City whether work is being completed on time and according to design intent, and reviewing the project schedule on a regular basis, providing input to mitigate potential delays.
2024 Project Milestones:

Monitor the timely completion of milestones relating to concrete work, fabrication of modular units, setting of modular units, backfill and grading, decking and stairs, completion of site-built items, and switchgear installation and energization.

Quarterly Update:

As of early December, metal stairs and railings are 55% complete, concrete work is 90% complete, and backfill and grading are 95% complete. The switchgear has been installed and is expected to be energized by the end of the month. Overall, 75% of construction was complete as of November 30, 2024. Regarding modules, 32 out of 67 have arrived in California.

Estimated Completion is now Q2 2025
HS&EB 52. Conduct a gap analysis of housing and services for the unhoused in Palo Alto, considering Council direction, City activities and work, and County activities and work Item 13
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Project Manager: Melissa McDonough Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Produce a gap analysis looking at City of Palo Alto’s City Council direction as well as any and all work being performed by the City or the County for the people of Palo Alto, in relation to housing and services for the unhoused. This analysis will pull from existing documents including the Housing Element, staff reports, the Santa Clara County Community Plan to End Homelessness, and where necessary, communication with key stakeholders. The result of this analysis will identify any areas that the City could feasibly pursue as new or improved work. The gap analysis will result in a report and presentation to City Council, which:

1. Describes the a.) Housing direction from Council b.) Services for the unhoused direction from Council,

2. Describes the work that is being done which meets that direction, identifying who owns individual work products (City, County, or Federal),

3. Identifies any work that is not occurring or any work that is occurring but could be improved and is within the purview of the City of Palo Alto,

4. Conducts a literature review to identify best practices to provide context and support for recommendations, and

5. Provides recommendations on new/improved work the City could undertake and whether the work would require additional staff or other financial resources. 2024 Project Milestones:

Conduct research resulting in a draft report, collect feedback resulting in a final report, create a draft slide deck based on the final report, collect feedback resulting in a final slide deck, and present the gap analysis findings to Council.

Quarterly Update:

The gap analysis was included as an information report on the December 9, 2024 Council Agenda.

HS&EB 53. Initiate research to understand Palo Alto unhoused population and explore feasibility of expanding safe parking options on Geng Road
Project Manager: Melissa McDonough Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

In partnership with the Planning and Development Services Department, staff will explore expansion of safe parking in Palo Alto, including increasing the footprint of safe parking at the Geng Road site, working with the PTC to consider expanding safe parking to commercial lots, and exploring clearer data on the population and condition of unhoused in Palo Alto. 2024 Project Milestones:

Staff will begin research on options for expanding Geng Road and exploring data on the population and condition of unhoused in Palo Alto.

Quarterly Update:

On August 19, City Council approved a lease amendment to expand the premises of the lease at 2000 Geng Road and increase by 10 the number of safe parking spaces permitted. Additionally, Council received a report “Understanding the Unhoused in Palo Alto as part of an information item on the December 9, 2024 Council Agenda.

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HS&EB 54. Council discussion of possible ordinance related to fair chance renter policy Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Consistent with the City Council’s renter protection policy direction, staff will research the policy implications of a fair chance renter policy from a legal, policy, and anticipated resource demand perspective. This information will be presented to the City Council’s Housing Ad Hoc committee for review and recommendation to the full Council.
2024 Project Milestones:

Staff will prepare a staff report with the requisite analysis and present the information to the City’s Housing Ad Hoc Committee and will forward its recommendation to the City Council for formal direction.

Quarterly Update:

Following feedback from the Housing Ad Hoc, the framework of a fair chance renter policy was presented to the HRC on October 10, 2024. The HRC provided feedback and recommend proceeding to Council. Staff is conducting additional analysis and anticipates presenting recommendations to the City Council for its consideration in Q1 2025.

*Estimated completion date is Q1 2025.

HS&EB 55. Council discussion of possible anti-rent gouging policy Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: On Track
Project Description:

Consistent with the City Council’s renter protection policy direction, staff will research the policy implications of an anti-rent gouging policy from a legal, policy, and anticipated resource demand perspective. This information will be presented to the City Council’s Housing Ad Hoc committee for review and recommendation to the full Council.
2024 Project Milestones:

Staff l prepare a staff report with the requisite analysis and present the information to the City’s Housing Ad Hoc Committee and will forward its recommendation to the City Council for formal direction.

Quarterly Update:

Staff conducted significant research and presented the information to the City’s Housing Ad Hoc Committee in December 2024. The Ad Hoc Committee discussed and directed staff to defer further Ad-Hoc discussion to mid-2025 once Rental Registry Program data is available. *Revised estimated completion date is Q4 2025
HS&EB 56. Finalize development plan to maintain affordability and improve conditions at Buena Vista Mobile Park
Project Manager: Melissa McDonough Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: On Hold
Project Description:

The project manager will work with the Planning and Development Services department on timely completion of the entitlement process while encouraging the Housing Authority to incorporate resident and Council feedback throughout the project’s design. Additionally, the project manager will Item 13
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work with the County Office of Supportive Housing and the Housing Authority to revise the regulatory agreement to improve clarity and align with the redeveloped Park. 2024 Project Milestones:

Complete, in partnership with the Housing Authority and Santa Clara County, the entitlement process and amendment of the regulatory agreement for the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park.

Quarterly Update:

Staff completed the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) environmental review for the project.

Additionally, staff is working with the Housing Authority to better understand its reasons for pausing the redevelopment and to determine next steps.

HS&EB 57. Approve a consultant contract to initiate rental registry program implementation (cc) Project Manager: Coleman Frick Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q3 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Council to review and approve a professional services contract for an online registry portal and staff and consultant to prepare for project launch and phased implementation. 2024 Project Milestones:

Secure a consultant to oversee and manage the online registry portal. Staff to prepare and present data collection forms to the PTC and City Council Housing Ad Hoc for review and feedback. Staff and consultant to develop online guidance, resources and beta test portal. Staff to host community outreach and training events for landlords and other stakeholders to expand program awareness, requirements and facilitate data entry. This first phase of program implementation is expected to last two years and applies to landlords or property managers with three or more rental units, excluding J/ADUs, and regardless of current occupancy or availability on the market. (Q3) Quarterly Update:

On May 13, 2024, the City Council approved a contract to initiate the rental registry program.

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Community Health, Safety, Wellness & Belonging
CHSW&B 58. Complete reopening libraries to budgeted level (rr) Project Manager: Gayathri Kanth Lead Dept: LIB
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Further open libraries to include weekend and additional open days in alignment with service levels authorized as part of the annual budget, including events. 2024 Project Milestones:

As budgeted, Children’s Library will be open an additional 2 days bringing it to 6 open days a week. All other libraries have been reopened to levels authored as part of the annual budget.

Quarterly Update:

Starting July 8, the Children’s Library has opened 6 days (Mon-Saturday) adding Mondays and Fridays to its service days. The opening of the Children’s library will now be in alignment with budgeted hours for all five branches.

CHSW&B 59. Approval of multi-year agreement for provisions of animal shelter services (ss) Project Manager: Kristen O’Kane Lead Dept: CSD
Estimated Completion: Q1 Status: Completed
Project Description:

In collaboration with the City’s current service provider Pets in Need (PIN), work to review services, infrastructure needs, and determine next steps such as contract negotiations and approvals. On February 14, 2022, Council directed staff to proceed with negotiating a long-term contract with Pets in Need for animal services.
2024 Project Milestones:

Finalize and approve multi-year agreement with Pets in Need Quarterly Update:

On March 18, 2024, Council approved a five-year Professional Services Agreement with Pets in Need to provide animal care services and shelter operations.

CHSW&B 60. Develop a workplan to enhance community special events with focus on inclusion (tt) Project Manager: Kristen O’Kane Lead Dept: CSD
Estimated Completion: Q2 Status: Completed
Project Description:

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Provide support to reinvigorate Community Services Department’s (CSD) current special events and propose new events particularly along California Ave and University Ave to support economic development in those areas. Provide more opportunities for residents to engage and gather, promoting a healthy community.
2024 Project Milestones:

CSD has hired a special events coordinator to support this objective and will develop a workplan to guide continuing and new events.

Quarterly Update:

Staff have prepared a draft workplan for FY25 to support regular and new events. New events include a multi-cultural community event, participation in one Third Thursday event, and new events in commercial areas (event themes to be developed through conversations with local merchants).

CHSW&B 61. Reach a tentative agreement with PAUSD on long-term use of the Cubberley property (uu)
Project Manager: Kristen O’Kane Lead Dept: CSD
Estimated Completion: Q2* Status: Completed
Project Description:

Finalize an Agreement with PAUSD for the Cubberley site and define next steps regarding long-term use of the Cubberley Community Center, specifically the City-owned portion. 2024 Project Milestones:

Ad Hocs of the City Council and PAUSD Board of Education, along with staff are negotiating terms for a potential land transaction at Cubberley.

Quarterly Update:

The City and PAUSD continue to work on this agreement. A Council closed session was scheduled August 5, 2024, the outcome of the meeting was unknown at the time this report was drafted.

Closed sessions were held on September 9th and 30th. On October 7th and 8th, respectively, the City and PAUSD agreed on terms for the purchase of 7 acres of land at Cubberley, and a new 5-year lease that will allow the city to continue leasing space beginning January 2025. The purchase is contingent on voter approval of a bond measure in November 2026. The City will complete a master development plan, building on the previous 2019 plan by March 2026, and the school district will develop a plan for use of the proceeds from the sale to improve PAUSD schools. *The updated estimated completion date is Q3.

CHSW&B 62. Evaluate Recreation Wellness Center Feasibility (vv) Project Manager: Kristen O’Kane Lead Dept: CSD
Estimated Completion: Q2* Status: Completed
Project Description:

Council directed staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission to conduct public outreach on a new gym, including location, siting, gym features, cost estimates, funding timeline, demand assessment and prioritization of projects, and to investigate fundraising. 2024 Project Milestones:

Staff will bring to Council a recommendation on location of the proposed Recreation Wellness Center and a Letter of Intent with the Friends of the Recreation Wellness Center before advancing this initiative further.

Quarterly Update:

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A Letter of Intent with the Friends of the Recreation Wellness Center was approved by Council on December 2, 2024 to pursue fundraising of a wellness center at the Cubberley site. Additional work will be coordinated with the larger Cubberley master planning effort. *The updated estimated completion date is Q4.

CHSW&B 63. Evaluate HSRAP funding allocation as a percent (%) of the General Fund (11) Project Manager: Kristen O’Kane Lead Dept: CSD
Estimated Completion: Q2 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Council referral to Finance Committee to evaluate and consider tying Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) funding to a percentage of the General Fund. 2024 Project Milestones:

Evaluate HSRAP and other human services grants and agreements funding levels with the Finance Committee.

Quarterly Update:

On March 19, 2024, Finance Committee reviewed and discussed recommended funding levels of HSRAP and other grants, including the Council referral to consider allocating 1% of the General Fund for human services grants, however no recommendation was made. Finance Committee requested that staff return with additional information to evaluate funding appropriateness and grant process.

The Finance Committee met on August 6, 2024 to review funding levels for HSRAP and other human service grants and agreements and determined that a policy to tie a percentage of the general fund toward the HSRAP program was not needed at this time. Instead, the Committee focused on understanding how we define human services on a broader sense and the way in which we engage and fund nonprofit relationships. The referral is closed.

CHSW&B 64. Facilitate a location for La Comida in North Palo Alto (12) Project Manager: Kristen O’Kane Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q1 Status: Completed
Project Description:

La Comida is a nonprofit organization focused on senior nutrition; it provides hot lunch meals to seniors in Palo Alto. La Comida had previously provided services at the Avenidas Senior Center on Bryant St, but after building renovations, the dining space was significantly reduced making operations infeasible.
2024 Project Milestones:

Council would like to facilitate a permanent location in North Palo Alto for ongoing senior lunch services.

Quarterly Update:

On March 11, 2024, Council directed staff to convert 445 Bryant St into a community center and to include space for La Comida to operate their senior nutrition program during weekday hours.

Significant improvements to the facility are required before occupancy.

Staff continues to work with La Comida to finalize lease terms and facility improvements, work may take between 9 months to 2 years depending on facility upgrades.

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ATTACHMENT B
CHSW&B 65. Increase support and funding for youth mental health (13) Project Manager: Kristen O’Kane Lead Dept: CSD
Estimated Completion: Q2 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Staff included $100,000 in CSD’s FY 2024 Proposed Budget to support youth mental health, however; the City Council chose not to include funding until a plan is in place and referred this to the FY 2024 midyear budget process.
2024 Project Milestones:

Per Council direction, staff requested additional funding during the FY 2024 Midyear process to plan a youth mental health event with community partners, and to provide free transportation using the existing PA Link ride service for youth attending programs that support mental health. The Mayor’s Youth Mental Health Task Force may make recommendations for additional funding for FY 2025.

Quarterly Update:

The FY 2025 budget includes an ongoing allocation of $100,000 to support youth mental health programs and initiatives. In FY2025, funding will focus on two events for teens and their parents/caregivers, upgrades, and additional programming at the teen center, and other needs to be determined by youth and teens. Community Services is partnering with Palo Alto University to provide mental health training to hourly staff and middle school athletic coaches; trainings/webinars for teens and parents; positive psychology programming at the teen center, and other youth mental health support.

CHSW&B 66. Complete Trusted Response Urgent Support Team (TRUST) Augmentation pilot and evaluate the effort
Project Manager: Melissa McDonough Lead Dept: CMO
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Complete the TRUST (Trusted Response Urgent Support Team, an alternative mental health response program) augmentation pilot, including providing case management, mental health first aid trainings, and community outreach activities through the month of September 2024. Conduct an in-progress evaluation and adjust pilot in response to what is learned. Conduct a final evaluation to determine whether pilot goals were met.
2024 Project Milestones:

Complete the TRUST (Trusted Response Urgent Support Team, an alternative mental health response program) augmentation pilot, including providing case management, mental health first aid trainings, and community outreach activities through the month of September 2024. Conduct an in-progress evaluation and adjust pilot in response to what is learned. Conduct a final evaluation to determine whether pilot goals were met.

Quarterly Update:

Most pilot activities concluded in August, including case management, mental health first aid training, and community outreach efforts. However, one component—the ad campaign to raise awareness and educate the public about using "988"—will continue for another year. Staff completed the grant closeout process and reporting and is submitting an informational report on the pilot program to Council in January.

CHSW&B 67. Support visible police presence by ensuring stable staffing (recruiting and retention) through hiring ahead program (ww)
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ATTACHMENT B
Project Manager: Andrew Binder Lead Dept: PD
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: On Track
Project Description:

Maintain a pipeline of recruits for police officer staffing up to an additional five officers via a hire- ahead program.
2024 Project Milestones:

Pending existing vacancies being filled.

Quarterly Update:

As of September 2024, the Police Department has one Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Police Officer position that is vacant. Once the vacancy is filled, the next priority will be on the hire-ahead program for the recruitment of an additional five officers. Currently, there are four officers in the field training program, seven recruits in the police academy, and one recruit in pre-academy training. Recruitment challenges across the profession are continuing; once existing vacancies are filled, the hire ahead program will begin. The hire-ahead positions were not resourced, only authorized. No impact to salary savings.

CHSW&B 68. Initiate upgrade of Police Department field based video hardware Project Manager: Nicole Frazier Lead Dept: PD
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Request for Proposal (RFP) to replace the existing mobile video (MAV), body-worn camera (BWC), and interview room (IR) systems
2024 Project Milestones:

Collaborate with vendor to draft contract for solution.

Quarterly Update:

Council approval to engage in contract with LensLock was received on June 18, 2024. Project kickoff started in July with full deployment expected to be done by the end of the year in coordination with the phased move into the new public safety building.

CHSW&B 69. Approve vendor selection for 911 dispatch system (CAD provider) (yy) Project Manager: Nicole Frazier Lead Dept: PD
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: Completed
Project Description:

The Police Department is working with its consortium partners (Mountain View and Los Altos) to identify a new CAD system to replace the legacy system version. Staff will return to Council with a recommendation for purchasing a new CAD system.
2024 Project Milestones:

Collaborate with consortium partners to narrow down proposals and conduct site visits for finalists with a decision to be made by April.

Quarterly Update:

Council consent for a new CAD system, vendor and contract was obtained by Los Altos, Mountain View, and Palo Alto on November 12,2024. The contract has been routed to vendor and cities for signature. Upon finalizing contract, a project schedule will be provided by vendor. *The revised estimated completion date is Q4
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ATTACHMENT B
CHSW&B 70. Approve updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (aaa) Project Manager: Ken Dueker Lead Dept: OES
Estimated Completion: Q3 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Office of Emergency Services (OES) will be coordinating with the County on updates to emergency plans, including the Palo Alto Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). 2024 Project Milestones:

The Santa Clara County timeline should facilitate completion in 2024.

Quarterly Update:

The Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), Volume I and the associated Jurisdictional Annexes, Volume II, has been approved by the State and by FEMA. Council adopted Volume I and The Palo Alto Annex to Volume II on October 7, 2024.

CHSW&B 71. Update Foothills Fire Management Plan & Community Wildfire Protection Plan (bbb) Project Manager: Ken Dueker Lead Dept: OES
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: On Track
Project Description:

Staff is working on various efforts related to improving the City’s planning in collaboration with Santa Clara County and other allied agencies and entities. Efforts include not only emergency planning, but also early warning technology, and updating operational and procedural elements within the City organization to mitigate the risks associated with a fire in the foothills.

NOTE: The Foothills Fire Management Plan/Community Wildfire Protection Plan (FFMP/CWPP) is a multi-year plan with OES, Fire Department, Public Works, Utilities, Community Services Department coordinated via the Foothills Fire Management Team (aka Foothills Wildfire Coordination Team). 2024 Project Milestones:

Staff will release a 2024 update to the FFMP/CWPP by Q3.

Staff is also pursuing a service agreement with the Santa Clara County Firesafe Council to perform the schedule of required treatments each year in conjunction with some support from the City.

The Fire Department and OES are in the process of evaluating certain remote fire detection equipment in cooperation with the Fire Safe Council and local partner agencies.

Quarterly Update:

The update to the FFMP/CWPP is underway. Some of the fuel reduction efforts include:

Staff submitted a federal hazard mitigation grant through the State and to FEMA in September 2023 for Eucalyptus removal. While we have not received notification of the status of this grant, it is unlikely that we will receive it. Staff is attempting to gain clarity on the results.

The City is contracting with the SCC Fire Safe Council to perform fuels reduction along Page Mill Road and Arastradero Road in 2024 and pursuing a multi-year contract for broader fuels reduction work over a 3-5 year time horizon.

Additionally, the Public Works department completed fuels reduction work prescribed for Los Trancos Road in May 2024 and the Community Services Department is performing the annual treatments in Arastradero and Foothills Nature Preserves.

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ATTACHMENT B
Also, Palo Alto Fire Department has completed their annual wildfire urban interface (WUI) residential inspections. Twelve N5 Sensors were installed in the Foothills to detect the earliest stages of wildland fire, as well as track fire movement, smoke and monitor hazardous air quality. PAFD and OES are collaborating with the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, Woodside Fire Protection District, Stanford University and the Department of Homeland Security to install a total of 50 sensors in the wildland urban interface areas in Palo Alto, Stanford and Woodside Fire District. Public communications are planned, including a dedicated website to share the value of these sensors to public safety.

CHSW&B 72. Complete construction of the new Public Safety Building including department move- in (ccc)
Project Manager: Holly Boyd Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q3* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Complete construction of the new Public Safety Building followed by furniture and equipment installation, communication testing and set-up.
2024 Project Milestones:

Complete construction of the project and move public safety departments into the fully operational building.

Quarterly Update:

Staff is working on a phased temporary occupancy for the Public Safety Building. Work in Q4 included addressing ADA compliance and other code compliance issues. In November, the elevators passed the state inspection. Several key inspections are scheduled to take place in December including generator source testing and final fire alarm testing. Additionally, Sherman Avenue was opened to vehicular traffic. Restoration of the courthouse parking lot will be completed in early January. Once temporary occupancy is obtained, a phased move-in of the public safety departments will begin. *Revised estimated completion is now Q1 2025.

CC&NE 73. Council award of construction contract for Fire Station No. 4 Replacement (ddd) Project Manager: Holly Boyd Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Complete design and award a construction contract to re-build Fire Station No. 4. 2024 Project Milestones:

Complete design, construct temporary facility, and award a construction contract in the Fall 2024.

Quarterly Update:

Staff completed the Fire Station #4 design and submitted for building permit review. Staff is addressing the second round of building review comments and ensuring the design is able to accommodate needs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Staff anticipates issuing the construction IFB in Q1 2025.

Staff is planning to bring a construction contract for the temporary station to Council for approval in January and start construction soon after. Construction of the temporary station is anticipated to be completed in Q2 2025.
* Based on the estimated progress, completion date may be Q1 2025.

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ATTACHMENT B
CC&NE 74. Enhance Caltrain Safety and security
Project Manager: Ripon Bhatia Lead Dept: OOT
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: On Track
Project Description:

Explore opportunities to improve the safety and security along the Caltrain corridor Augment Caltrain security fencing efforts by installing wire mesh on fencing adjacent to residential side of the tracks.
2024 Project Milestones:

Coordinate with Caltrain to identify segments and develop a plan to implement security fencing.

Quarterly Update:

Caltrain staff developed the fence replacement project plans and specifications. The project was competitively bid for construction in October. Caltrain is currently working to award the project. The construction is expected to begin in early 2025. The project scope includes replacing 3000 LF of existing fence with new 9 ft high fence w/winglets. It also includes an alternative bid of approx. 1000LF of additional fencing. In addition, staff is working with Caltrain staff on seeking additional technologies to improve safety and security along the Caltrain’s rail corridor.

CHSW&B 75. Approve consulting contract to initiate work, including stakeholder engagement, related to the Seismic and Resiliency Ordinance (eee)
Project Manager: George Hoyt Lead Dept: PDS
Estimated Completion: Q4* Status: Behind Schedule
Project Description:

Comprehensively update the City’s seismic rehabilitation ordinance with mandatory and voluntary measures to seismically strengthen vulnerable buildings. 2024 Project Milestones:

Release a request for proposals and present an award a contract for engineering and professional consulting services to the City Council for action. Upon acceptance, initiate the project and public engagement strategies as detailed in the scope of work. (Q4) Quarterly Update:

A Request for Proposals closed on June 27, 2024; two firms replied. Staff conducted interviews in October and is currently in contract negotiations. The contract is anticipated to reviewed and approved by City Council in Q1, 2025.
*The revised estimated completion date is now Q1, 2025.

CC&NE 76. Initiate work to conduct a Quiet Zone study at Churchill Ave, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Rd and begin initial analysis and regional stakeholder outreach Project Manager: Ripon Bhatia Lead Dept: OOT
Estimated Completion: Q1 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Conduct a quiet zone study analysis for implementation of Quiet Zone(s) at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road
2024 Project Milestones:

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Procure the professional services of a consultant to conduct the study. Perform data collection and conduct initial analysis. Seek input from California Public Utilities Commission, Federal Railroad Administration, Caltrain and other entities for development of conceptual plan.

Quarterly Update:

Staff has procured the services of the consultant to perform this study. The consultant has prepared the initial finding report based on existing conditions and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements. The initial findings of the report were reviewed by the Rail Committee at their August meeting. Staff is now planning to develop conceptual plans. A diagnostic meeting with Caltrain, FRA and CPUC staff was held on October 22, 2024. Staff will conduct additional outreach and seek rail committee approval of the conceptual plans before seeking the City Council approval in the fall of 2025.

CHSW&B 77. Implement strategies for promoting unleaded fuel and phasing out of leaded fuel (ggg) Project Manager: Andy Swanson Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Complete upgrades at Airport facilities to provide for the sale of unleaded fuel, bring unleaded fuel to the Airport, and work with users to promote use of the fuel. 2024 Project Milestones:

Complete infrastructure upgrades and provide unleaded fuel at the Airport. Develop and begin implementing a multi-phase plan to phase out the use of leaded fuel.

Quarterly Update:

The Airport completed infrastructure upgrades in December 2023, and the 94 octane unleaded fuel became available for purchase in January 2024. The Airport developed a multi-phase plan to reduce the use of leaded fuels in the near term and to cease sales of leaded fuels no later than January 1, 2031. The plan was shared with Council as part of the September 16 study session, and staff is now working on its implementation. On November 12, 2024, the Airport received a 100 octane unleaded fuel (Swift 100R). There is a limited number of aircraft that can currently use the fuel, but the list is expected to expand in the first quarter of 2025.

CHSW&B 78. 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 (iii)
Project Manager: Andy Swanson Lead Dept: PW
Estimated Completion: Q4 Status: Completed
Project Description:

Complete consultant review of SFO Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) proposal and consider submitting a comment letter, while tracking other issues that may arise. 2024 Project Milestones:

Continue working on SFO noise issues as needed.

Quarterly Update:

City staff and Mayor Stone continue to engage with SFO Airport Director Ivar Satero and other SFO staff on the GBAS project and other possibilities for decreasing the impacts of aircraft noise over Palo Alto. A meeting was conducted in October 2024, and staff are continuing to work with SFO on GBAS and over energy issues. SFO notified the City that the FAA is willing to look into the over energy issues of southern arrivals.

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City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Meeting Date: January 21, 2025
Item Number: 1
Report #:2501-3958
TITLE
Review List of Applicants and Select Candidates to Interview for the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) Vacancies. CEQA Status - Not a project.

RECOMMENDATION
Review a list of applicants and select candidates to interview for three (3) positions on the Planning and Transportation Commission: one (1) partial term expiring March 31, 2026 and two (2) full terms expiring March 31, 2029.

BACKGROUND
The PTC recruitment was open December 17, 2024 through January 15, 2025. Applicants were given the option to apply for the partial term vacancy, full term vacancy, or both. Staff received a total of 19 applicants during the recruitment period. •Benas, Daniel Philip – Full or Partial
•Battacharya, Ashish – Full or Partial
•Chang, Grant – Full
•Fehring, Sheila – Partial
•Glazier, William – Full or Partial
•Hamachek, Brian – Full or Partial
•Hekier, Daniel – Full or Partial
•Holzemer, Terrance - Partial
•James, Todd – Full or Partial
•Ji, Kevin – Full or Partial
•Keller, Arthur – Full or Partial
•Kellerman, Thomas – Full or Partial
•King, Declan – Full
•Morkner, Henrik – Partial
•Parak, Salim – Full or Partial
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•Peterson, Forest – Full or Partial
•Regula, Michael – Full or Partial
•Stafford, Kellie – Partial
•Yamamoto, Rika YeaKyung – Full or Partial
According to Palo Alto Municipal Code1, PTC commissioners shall be residents of the city who are not councilmembers, officers, or employees of the city. The Planning and Transportation Commission has three (3) open positions: one (1) partial term expiring March 31, 2026 and two (2) full terms expiring March 31, 2029.

At the February 26, 2024 meeting, the City Council set a process to select Boards and Commissions candidates to interview. The direction provided was to allow each Councilmember a limited number of votes (equal to the number of vacancies plus 50%, round up) to select their preferred candidates to interview. In accordance with that direction, each Councilmember may cast two (2) votes for the partial term position and three (3) votes for the two full term positions. The City Council may opt to follow a different process for candidate interview selection if it so chooses.

The City Council is scheduled to interview the selected applicants at the February 3 meeting and make its appointment at the February 10 meeting.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Planning and Transportation Commission Applications - Redacted APPROVED BY:

Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
1 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.20.010 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0- 0-0-61282
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 7 January 2025, 10:41am
Receipt number 66
Related form version 15
Name Daniel Phillip Benas
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Daily Post Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Finance Professional; CPA
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

BS Business-UC Berkeley; MBA UCLA. CPA with active licenses in CA and TX. 44 years of progressive experience with 25 at the executive level. Worked primarily in technology companies in semiconductor, software, networking, life sciences and media tech. Have also worked in Oil and Gas and manufacturing. Lately I have been working at start-ups and turn-arounds. Large companies I have worked for are Occidental Petroleum, Xerox, Cypress Semiconductor and Berkshire Hathaway.

Companies I have helped take public, ramp and/or turn-around are Cypress, Monolithic Power, Callidus, Silego Technology. Please see my linked-in profile for more details.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

My wife and I have lived and own a house in Palo since December 1995.

I was a board member of my local synagogue in the 1990's. Otherwise, my role has been limited to minor participation activities as my primary role has been supporting my family and putting my children through college.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I am interested in bringing my experience of getting things done in the business world to help continue to make Palo Alto a desirable and safe place to live. In addition, diversified retail business needs to be revitalized in the city as Palo Alto business is quickly becoming an unhealthy restaurant and law firm monoculture. Too many businesses have had to leave due to difficulty in making money and doing business.

Additionally, Palo Alto is losing its stature as being the Mecca of Technology, again because of cost and difficulty of doing business. We need to bring business back from incubators to start ups to mid-size and large companies. I have worked as a finance professional in some of the fiscally best run companies in SV (Cypress, Monolithic Power) and in the US (Berkshire). I can bring this experience to the table to help revitalize Palo Alto.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

I am applying for this role because as I resident, I feel I am not being heard. This ranges from the Charleston Corridor where the city pushed through changes and really didn't listen to the locals (much more traffic now on residential streets and virtual gridlock at rush hour) to grade separation issues to housing and density. There seems to be a silo of employees and elected officials who get limited agenda items done but otherwise create a comfortable stasis on important items where there is no consensus. Stasis and decision making will have greater impacts as we move through time which can impact the culture, tenor and stature of Palo Alto.

Application Questions
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4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I like solving tough problems and helping organizations succeed. I will mention 2 items here:

1. Revitalizing Palo Alto business and 2. developing an overarching vision for the city that this commission can support at the implementation level.

My experience includes bringing divergent groups together, facing constraints both financial and otherwise and getting results in a reasonable timeframe. Time, if believe, is our ultimate concern. The price of Palo Alto stasis is becoming increasingly steep at a faster rate. I believe I can be a new voice and set of hands and ideas to help the city get on a better track

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I have not had experience with these documents
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Daniel Benas Resume.2.19.24.doc
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Daniel P Benas
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/07/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 15 March 2024, 9:08pm
Receipt number 46
Related form version 10
Name Ashish Bhattacharya
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and City Website Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Engineer
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

I'm a Computer Engineering graduate and have taken management courses at Stanford and USC. I manage a large team at my cyber security company. I'm involved in planning, strategy and execution of large initiatives
Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

I am an active member of Canopy which is spearheading the green revolution. I have assisted my daughter to run a farm to table non profit which helps farmers conney with local communities. I've been a model PA citizen for the past 17 years having put my children through education and participated in all relevant community activities.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Personal and Job Experience

1. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I want to improve the infrastructure in the city. The roads are in a very bad shape. There is a very big homelessness issue and we will need to build reasonable accommodations. Also I'm worried about the pedestrian accidents that happen regularly. I will find new means and ways to improve all of this through technology and outreach

2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos from the Midpen Media Center.

Pedestrian safety
Biking lanes.

Overbridges on train intersections
Senior housing and safety

3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
Better infrastructure
Use latest technology to improve driver and pedestrian safety Address homelessness and plan development of residential and commercial units
Improve roads and manage traffic congestion.

Children safety

4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

Palo Alto zoning code
El Camino real master plan
Application Questions
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Interested in both partial or full term
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If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Ashish Bhattacharya
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/15/2024
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 3 January 2025, 7:23pm
Receipt number 61
Related form version 15
Name Grant J. Chang
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Community Group Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact.

I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21.

I may
revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
COO of Acellent Technologies, Inc.

Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.
*
Harvard Business School - PLD - Program of Leadership Development - Accelerated EMBA.
*
Acellent Tech, COO, helped company win Company of the Year for all Technology Companies Globally.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
*
Honorary Commander for the United States Air Force (Travis Air Force Base).
*
Volunteer for the Harvard Club of Silicon Valley
Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
Just a way to give back to the community that I love so much!

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

The project 2030 plan sounds solid and I would love to do my part be seeing it through.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
more parks and clean the potholes up a bit.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

N/A
Application Questions
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If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Grant J. Chang
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/03/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 26 December 2024, 4:51pm
Receipt number 53
Related form version 15
Name Sheila
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
Yes
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Community Group Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Manager II, Advanced analytics
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

My background in data science and policy analysis equips me to bring a data-driven approach to the commission’s work. Additionally, my experience in operations and strategic planning helps me consider long- term implications while balancing diverse stakeholder needs.

My professional experience has involved building systems to solve complex problems collaboratively. For example, I developed workflows that streamlined operations across departments. In my previous role managing shipping operations for e-commerce, I was tasked with reducing shipping delays across hundreds of accounts. By analyzing data to identify root causes and collaborating with multiple teams, I implemented an automated system that reduced delays by 60%. This experience taught me the value of data-informed decisions and stakeholder collaboration—principles I aim to apply in planning and transportation projects.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
2024 - 2025 As a member of the 2024-2025 Leadership Palo Alto cohort, I have been actively engaging in learning about local governance, civic leadership, and the intersection of business, government, and community interests in Palo Alto. This program has deepened my understanding of community challenges and equipped me with the tools to contribute meaningfully to Palo Alto’s future development. 2023 - 2024 During my time with the Berkeley MBA Partners Club, I served as Chairman, where I organized events and fostered a supportive community for MBA students and their partners. This role required collaboration, strategic planning, and leadership to ensure the group provided meaningful resources and connections for its members. 2024 to present: I have been an advocate for increasing diversity and inclusion in data science through active participation in Women in Data Science (WiDS) initiatives. I contributed to building an empowering platform for women entering the field of data science.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
My family uses Caltrain and public transportation regularly. Having lived in Hong Kong, Dubai, and China, I’ve experienced how efficient transit systems drive economic growth and connect communities. I see opportunities for positive change in Palo Alto’s transportation system, especially with the electrification of Caltrain and upcoming global events like the World Cup and Super Bowl. I want to bring my unique perspective to contribute to sustainable transportation by advocating for expanded public transit options, enhanced bicycle infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly initiatives to reduce traffic congestion and promote environmental sustainability, ensuring our community thrives in an Application Questions
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interconnected and eco-friendly way.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

One issue that recently came before the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) is the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update.

As an advocate for sustainable transportation, I am particularly interested in the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update because it aligns with my commitment to promoting alternative modes of transportation that reduce reliance on automobiles.

My international experiences in cities like Hong Kong, Dubai, and various locations in China have shown me firsthand how robust pedestrian and cycling networks contribute to economic vitality and community well- being. Implementing a comprehensive plan in Palo Alto can similarly enhance connectivity and quality of life for residents.

I am interested in how the PTC engages with residents to gather input and ensure that the plan reflects the diverse needs and preferences of the community. Public participation can lead to more effective and widely supported transportation solutions.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?

1. I aim to promote policies that expand public transit options, enhance bicycle infrastructure, and create pedestrian-friendly spaces. With the electrification of Caltrain and upcoming major events like the World Cup and Super Bowl, I see an opportunity to align Palo Alto’s transportation systems with sustainability goals. My background in data-driven decision-making will allow me to analyze traffic patterns and identify practical solutions to reduce congestion and emissions.

2. I would advocate for policies that integrate housing with transit solutions, helping to address affordability and accessibility challenges.

My experience in strategic planning and policy analysis equips me to evaluate zoning and land-use proposals that balance growth with community character.

By bringing my data science /analytical skills, leadership experience, and a network of palo alto leadership fellows, I am committed to helping the commission make thoughtful, impactful decisions for Palo Alto’s future.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I have experience participating in the cal ave renovation design plan as a PA resident.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Xinlan Tan
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Link to signature
Date Completed
12/26/2024
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 13 January 2025, 12:58pm
Receipt number 72
Related form version 15
Name William Glazier
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Other: Email from current PTC Member Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact.

I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21.

I may
revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Retired
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

Harvard AB, Stanford MBA
Bain and Company 1985-90
Silicon Graphics 1990-95
Variety of Internet and technology startups in marketing and business development roles (Placeware (sold to Microsoft), Eloquent (IPO), Virident (sold to Western Digital) - 1995-2005
Venture Capital, Venture Partner, Redwood Ventures 2005-2011 Founder and Executive Director, Team NorCal Lacrosse 2011-2024 Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

Resident of Palo Alto for 38 years
Member of Palo Alto Planning Commission 1990-95
President, Tomahawks Youth Lacrosse 501c3 2006-2025
Katherine and I made a decision when we were married to move to the West Coast and Palo Alto and raise our kids here and attend the public school system.

We were very fortunate we were able to buy a house and
become a part of an incredible community of people.

We were thrilled
our kids got to grow up here.

She was very active leading many
community organizations - Garden Club, Walter Hays PTA, Gamble Garden Center.

Later in life, I founded a youth sports company
-
TeamNorCal Lacrosse - that touches over 2,000 kids yearly and worked with over a dozen public and private high schools up and down the Peninsula (including Paly and Gunn) to add the sport at the Varsity level.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
Retirement opens up new vistas for us all.

My professional life was a
series of roles working with extraordinary people on challenging issues.

I
have the time and interest once again now to devote to the PTC.

My relevant experience:

A) Experience as a Planning Commissioner - Experience hopefully brings wisdom.

I hopefully learned from some great people I worked with at that time.

B) Knowledge of the City and Understanding of the Needs of Residents - I have watched the City grow from 'a nice bedroom community for Stanford' to 'the epicenter of the Internet'.

I have seen the good and the
bad of this growth.

C) Willingness and Ability to Serve - I have no further political aspirations, and am not looking to run for City Council or Congress in two years.

I merely want to work with smart people addressing important Application Questions
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issues about a place that I love and want to see improve.

I have plenty of
time and can commit to the personal investment necessary to be effective in the role.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

I have been to many PTC meetings over the years, and have followed issues of interest online and vis newspapers for nearly 40 years.

Recently, the 70 Encina housing proposal contains a number of issues that are likely to continue to face the City and the PTC.

More housing in
an area (the old Urban Lane, now PAMF, Opportunity Center, Transportation Center and more) which is a very attractive place for additional in-fill housing is a good thing.

However, it is clear that their are
a number of already problematic traffic problems in Town and Country Village (I long for the days when I could drive up in front of any of my favorite stores there and walk right in..).

This is a perfect example of why
you need smart people who can work well together to come up with the right solution.

More housing is great, but only in the context of parking, traffic and neighborhood compatibility constraints.

Loud yet anonymous
voices shouting online is not helpful.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?

1. More housing - The jobs/housing imbalance and the affordability issues continue to create problems for us.

We need to create
opportunities for our kids to be able to live here - they have all been priced out.

2. Intelligent Growth - Palo Alto is not Manhattan or Tokyo.

The office
market is clearly overbuilt, but there are opportunities to improve specific areas.

Housing will be a bigger focus, but lining University Avenue, San Antonio Avenue or El Camino with 10-20 story towers is not smart for anyone.

3. Better Traffic Management - I am tired of the traffic.

4. Progress on Cubberley HS Site - This is too big of an asset and the potential too great

5. Improve University/California Ave
More important than specific goals though, is how the PTC and its members contribute to the planning/management process.

Smart people
who can work well together can do almost anything.

I think I can offer a
very thoughtful and dynamic approach and can work well with current PTC members.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

Having spent 5 years on the PTC from 1990-95, I am very familiar with many of these documents, having participated in the creation/and or modification/interpretation of prior versions of these.

Having been a
homeowner who has done substantial renovations on a home considered for a historical designation, I have learned in more detail than I ever thought possible the zoning, building and design guidelines.

I walk the Baylands almost daily with my black lab Shasta, so we can tell you in precise detail what a fabulous asset that is for the community (along with a. few suggestions for improvement).

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: William G Glazier
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Uploaded signature image: Screenshot 2025-01-13 at 12.57.17 PM.png Date Completed
01/13/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 10 November 2024, 7:06am
Receipt number 48
Related form version 10
Name Brian Hamachek
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and City Website Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Chief Technology Officer
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

I was born at Stanford Hospital and raised in Palo Alto, attending Walter Hays Elementary, Jordan Middle School, and Palo Alto High. With deep roots in this community, I have a unique perspective on Palo Alto’s growth and evolution over the years.

Currently, I’m the Chief Technology Officer for an event ticketing startup, where I lead technical strategy, product development, and team operations. Beyond my current role, I've founded my own companies and worked across a range of environments, from nimble startups to major organizations like Microsoft and HP. These experiences have taught me how to tackle complex challenges, balance diverse perspectives, and work effectively with people from all walks of life. My adaptability, broad professional experience, and lifelong connection to Palo Alto make me well-suited to contribute meaningfully to the Planning and Transportation Commission.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

I have a deep-rooted connection to the Palo Alto community, beginning with my first volunteer experience at age 8, when I joined a city-wide effort to redesign the street median at Lowell Avenue and Bryant Street.

In 2012, I served as a judge for the city’s civic hackathon, supporting innovation and community-driven solutions. Over the years, I have actively supported local entrepreneurship by mentoring Stanford students interested in tech and startups.

In addition, I founded a website to help Palo Alto tennis players connect, and I host several local meetup groups for photography and tennis, fostering a sense of community and shared interests. I'm also a member of the Old Palo Alto Neighborhood Association, where I stay involved in local issues and engage with fellow residents.

Personal and Job Experience

1. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I have a deep love for Palo Alto—it’s not just where I live; it’s where I was born, where I met my wife in kindergarten, and where I started both my career and my family. For me, it’s truly the best city in the world to live. I understand that Palo Alto’s unique character is the result of generations of residents who have invested in its future, caring more deeply than most people do about their city. Preserving what makes Palo Alto so remarkable will require a commitment to that legacy, with residents who are willing to put in the work and make tough decisions to safeguard its long-term future. I want to be part of that effort to ensure that Palo Alto remains extraordinary for generations to come. No other candidate has the same depth of love for Palo Alto, nor the same willingness to work tirelessly to protect and preserve it.

2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the One persistent overarching issue before the Commission that resonates Application Questions
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Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.
with me is the debate surrounding housing density and zoning adjustments to address Palo Alto’s housing shortage. The challenge of balancing the need for affordable housing with the preservation of Palo Alto’s character and quality of life is a critical one. I’m particularly interested in this issue because it speaks to the future of our community —ensuring that Palo Alto remains accessible and livable for people of all backgrounds while managing growth sustainably.

As someone who grew up here and has witnessed Palo Alto’s evolution, I understand the importance of strategic development that respects neighborhood character, reduces traffic congestion, and enhances the overall livability of the city. I believe this issue requires innovative approaches, long-term thinking, and collaboration with residents to make informed decisions that will positively shape Palo Alto’s future.

3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
If appointed, my primary goal for the Planning and Transportation Commission would be to provide City Council with clear, well-reasoned recommendations that promote balanced development, sustainable transportation, and preserve the unique character of Palo Alto. I would advise Council on addressing housing needs in a way that respects neighborhood quality of life, along with strategies to enhance transit options and alleviate traffic congestion, such as expanding bike infrastructure and improving public transit access.

My approach would be to deliver recommendations grounded in thorough research and a strong understanding of community impact. I would assist Council in weighing immediate needs against long-term goals, ensuring that planning decisions reflect Palo Alto’s vision for the future and are informed by resident perspectives. My aim is to support Council in making decisions that are both progressive and aligned with the core values of our community.

4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

During my campaign for City Council, I became familiar with many of the core documents and policies used by the Planning and Transportation Commission. Engaging in debates and public discussions provided me with a hands-on understanding of critical issues in housing, transportation, and development, as well as a unique insight into the concerns and priorities of Palo Alto residents.

In addition to this experience, I bring extensive expertise in analyzing complex regulatory, policy, and planning documents from my work in the tech and startup sectors. I have regularly engaged with compliance and regulatory frameworks, aligning technical strategies with legal requirements, which has strengthened my ability to interpret detailed documentation and understand its practical applications.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Brian Hamachek
Link to signature
Date Completed
11/10/2024
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 15 January 2025, 3:37pm
Receipt number 58
Related form version 15
Name Daniel Hekier
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Community Group Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Attorney
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

I currently work as corporate counsel at Google. In that role, my day to day responsibilities involve collaborating with stakeholders (internal and external) and taking into account existing company policies towards achieving a desired outcome. While the subject matter differs from that which comes before PTC, this experience should translate to the process of reviewing matters that do come before the PTC and in working with staff, the other commissioners, and taking into account stakeholder concerns towards issuing a recommendation to Council.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

After moving to Palo Alto in September 2018, I quickly became involved in volunteering at my local synagogue (Congregation Emek Beracha) by joining the board. I served as president of the board for three years from June 2020 to June 2023, through the Covid lockdown, reopening, and a broader re-engagement of the community. I've continued serving on the board as a director in a past president role, and am now seeking a public/community service opportunity to serve a broader constituency.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
When I moved to Palo Alto in 2018 with my family, we immediately fell in love with the community. Having access to playgrounds, parks, and bike trails transformed our experience as a family. I am interested to serve on the Commission in order to support the city's pursuit of fulfilling it's housing development goals while maintaining the best of the city's character. I would bring my professional experience of working with a variety of stakeholders towards an optimal outcome, and my community service orientation from having served on the synagogue board.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

I've been interested by the Commission's work on retail rejuvenation over several meetings, beginning with the retail study introduced at the PTC meeting on October 25, 2023, continuing with the establishment of the Ad Hoc committee and the full Commission's review of the retail study, and concluding with recommendations to Council to amend code impacting retail uses in the city at the August 14, 2024, meeting. I was interested to see the Commission's recommendations to Council addressing a broad range of matters such as parking, types of retail, and standardizing CUP approval criteria. This area is of interest because of the role that retail plays in fostering community by attracting the participation of local residents. I was also interested by the Commission's discussion acknowledging the challenges that retail has faced in Palo Alto, and deliberation of how revisions to code would impact the viability of retail rejuvenation.

Application Questions
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4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I would like to join the Commission to support it in advising Council as to the matters where the Commission's recommendation is sought, particularly:
(1) Successful implementation of the Housing Element to meet the City's objective by 2031;
(2) Continued development and enhancement of safe bike and pedestrian paths; and
(3) Retail revitalization.

I would be excited to contribute to this process by balancing stakeholder concerns along with the city's commitments under the Housing Element to ensure Palo Alto continues to thrive.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I'm becoming familiar with these documents in preparing to serve on the commission, and am studying them on an ongoing basis.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Daniel Hekier
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/15/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 15 January 2025, 11:47pm
Receipt number 59
Related form version 15
Name Terrance Holzemer
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address [email protected]
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Community Group Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Email from the City
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Substitute Teacher
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

Graduate/BA Degree in Public Relations, San Jose State, 1980.

California CLAD Clear Teaching Credential 2005, PAUSD Substitute Teacher of the Year Award, three-times. Worked in both federal governmental agency (NASA-Ames Research Center -- 5 years), private industry (Rudolph & Sletten, 10years; Hewlett-Packard, 1-year) and now teaching (20+ years). Was the Chief Editor and Writer of several government and industrial publications, including the "Brown Paper Wrapper" and the "R&S News". Won two IABC Bay Area Silver Awards for excellence in writing and editing in 1994. Since 2002, my experience in teaching spans every grade level, from kindergarten to high school as well as functioning as the school librarian (2022-2023) and P.E. instructor for several semesters.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

Since 1995, I have served on the Board of our homeowners association, Palo Alto Central, located in the Mayfield neighborhood. I have served as a Board Member, President (for ten years) and currently now Vice President. I was also appointed by the Council to serve as a volunteer member on the NVCAP (North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan) Working Group from 2018 to 2021, attending and participating in over 14 separate meetings. In addition, I'm an City-trained Emergency Services volunteer (CERT) to assist in our community in the event of a major earthquake, natural disasters (including floods, etc.) or even a man-made event (chemical spill or terrorist situation). I have both CPR and heart defibrillator training. As a CERT, I have participated in several community-wide events, including the May Fete Parade, and St. Thomas Aquinas Easter Walk.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
As a long time resident and home owner (30+ years), I've had the great privilege to learn and appreciate the elements that make up the community of Palo Alto today. Whether it is the City's fabulous parks and the variety within them, its inclusive community events (May Fete Parade, 3rd Thursdays, Summer Twight Music Series, etc.), or its unique residential neighborhoods, Palo Alto is a special place that I have come to love and enjoy every day. I believe my experience as a Board member, knowledge gained through the NVCAP Working Group, and my skills and abilities as a PAUSD educator for 20 years, I believe I have the right combination to serve on the Planning and Transportation Commission.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Over the past 30 years, I have both observed and participated in numerous PTC and City Council meetings. I have had a wide variety of interests in several issues that have come before the PTC over the years including the President Hotel, 429 University, Castilleja Expansion, the Application Questions
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current Housing Element, and one of my special interests, the NVCAP area, which is in my neighborhood and the destruction of part of California's history, the Thomas Foon Chew Cannery Building (otherwise known as 340 Portage Avenue). Although I agree with some of the City's goals of obtaining affordable housing land, which is needed in our City, I do not agree and fought against (at the HRB, PTC, City Council) the destruction of one of the most important and significant historic structures still remaining, intact, in our City. It's remains a major loss to our entire community and it's unfortunate that there were close-door negotiations with the developer that allowed for no real public input or discussion.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
My goals would be the following:
1) Having an increased community outreach and discussion program with residents directly about what they want their City to be in 20-30 years. The Town Halls, held by the City over the past two-three years are a good start, but it is too slow in being organized. There should be a dedicated City team that goes into the neighborhoods and asks them -- not telling them -- what their issues are. I suggest the City work with well-established organizations or neighborhood associations, like PAN. I see little or no support of these organizations from the City. 2) Residential concerns and issues should be the PTC's primary focus, not developer-led ones. We need to ensure that residential voices are heard and appreciated.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

The single document that have some knowledge of is the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which I have reviewed on several occasions.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Terrance Holzemer
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/15/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 11 January 2025, 9:00pm
Receipt number 71
Related form version 15
Name Todd James
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Other: A close personal friend Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Former Sr. Photo Editor, National Geographic
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

After attending the University of Missouri, School of Journalism, I worked in publishing for more than three decades at National Geographic magazine, Fortune and Businessweek. I worked as a draftsman in my father’s architectural firm and in construction while in college. My interest in urban planning spans from the competing visons of Frank Lloyd Wright and Corbusier a century ago to modern concepts of walkable, people-centered places advocated by San Francisco architect and urban planner Peter Calthorpe (who grew up in Palo Alto)
He is a founding
member of the Congress of New Urbanism and was central to a National Geographic magazine cover story on designing Cities of the Future that I worked on.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

During my 26 years at National Geographic I volunteered to teach at photo camps for underserved communities in Chad, The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Little Havana in Miami, and Philadelphia.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I have always been interested in urban planning and architecture.

Growing up, I watched as my architect father found novel ways to blend his craft and his social concerns to design, build, and fund affordable housing for the Chickasaw Nation and the elderly community in Oklahoma where we lived. I would like to apply those same sensibilities and blend my own interest in urban planning and architecture with my perspective and skills as a journalist to help shape and improve my community.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

Watching the PTC balance community interests of livability and developer’s interest of profitability is fascinating. Affordable housing seems to be the principal currency in this negotiation along with the impact of design details like setbacks, parking and garbage collection on the neighborhood. One project gave priority for affordable housing units to teachers but at a cost few teachers could afford. It appeared to solve a problem in principle but not in practice and at a cost to the city from waived development fees. Another development behind Town & Country showed how complex and competing interests can result in an overbuilt project that is less than desirable to almost everyone even though it adds more needed housing. The project I found most encouraging was an apartment complex on San Antonio. Everyone on the Commission found something to admire about this project, and so did I, showing that principle-driven design can serve both the community and property developers.

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4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I would like to explore whether a framework can be developed to estimate the value of the exceptions that developers are asking for to ensure they are in balance with the costs of those exceptions to the city and the value they return. Detailed digital mapping is being used in creative ways including urban development planning. I want to learn more about what is available and whether there are mapping solutions that could enhance the PTCs ability forecast how individual decisions could collectively influence livability over time, for example by altering the tree canopy and green space. I also want to better understand how other cities are resolving similar challenges like downtown infill development.

For instance, San Luis Obispo seems to have balanced a slow-growth and historical preservation mindset with modern construction in a harmonious way.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I have no experience working with these documents
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Todd James
Uploaded signature image: Todd Signaure.jpg
Date Completed
01/11/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 14 January 2025, 11:25pm
Receipt number 73
Related form version 15
Name Kevin Ji
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Other: Palo Alto PTC Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact.

I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21.

I may
revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Software Engineer
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

I have a strong background in transportation planning and data analysis.

Founder, Stanford Data and Mapping for Society(dams.stanford.edu): I founded DAMS to apply data science to real-world issues. During my leadership, we completed these projects:

California Transportation Commission: Developed visualizations to map out awarded projects for the Solutions for Congested Corridors, Trade Corridor Enhancement.

Transportation Authority of Monterey
County(https://www.tamcmonterey.org/collision-data-map): Designed a dashboard to analyze collision frequency and severity.

Contra Costa Transportation
Authority(https://kevinji.shinyapps.io/CCTA_pems_tims_dashboard):

Created a tool to evaluate traffic patterns along the I-680 corridor.

AC Transit: Developed a live bus tracking system and geospatial complaint map.

City of Oakland(https://tinyurl.com/damsoakland): Built a platform to visualize demographic, economic, and housing data.

I took classes at Stanford in transportation policy.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

Palo Alto Youth Council (2014-2017), Secretary (2015-2016): I chaired the events committee, where I led the creation of a high school intramural sports program and organized a job fair for teens to connect with local businesses.

Palo Alto Bryant Street Garage Fund (now Think Fund) (2015-2017): I secured grants to support community-focused initiatives, such as organizing financial literacy workshops and developing programs to spark teenagers' interest in history.

Michelle Obama's Better Make Room Initiative (2016-2021): I served as a student representative supporting programs that encouraged students, particularly those that are first-generation or low income to pursue higher education.

Stanford University’s Computer Science capstone course (2022-2024): I guided student teams on creating technical plans, and effectively communicating with stakeholders. The teams worked on projects for organizations like the LA Dodgers, Meta, and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz's parent company).

Personal and Job Experience
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1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I have been a lifelong resident of Palo Alto, attending Fairmeadow, Terman, Gunn, and Stanford. Since childhood, I have been passionate about contributing to the community, starting with serving as a crossing guard at Cowper and Meadow in fifth grade, participating in the Palo Alto Youth Council during high school, and continuing to find ways to give back today. These experiences instilled in me a deep dedication to community service and a strong connection to Palo Alto.

My background in transportation planning and data-driven policy further equips me to serve effectively on the PTC. With the recent departure of Palo Alto's head transportation official, Phillip Kamhi, I see an opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to support the city through this transitional period. I am eager to leverage my experience and skills to
develop innovative solutions for the pressing transportation and planning issues that lie ahead in my hometown.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

Street safety is a cause I am deeply passionate about. During the first PTC meeting I attended, the "Safe Streets for All" (SS4A) Action Plan Collision Analysis was presented. Having relied on biking as my primary mode of transportation—from Fairmeadow to Gunn to Stanford—I understand the challenges cyclists face. Living near Meadow Drive, a key corridor for young cyclists, I often witness safety issues, especially on El Camino Way, a major route for both bikes and commercial traffic.

While working with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, I analyzed collision data to support safety-focused grant applications. This experience taught me how data-driven strategies can improve traffic safety. I aim to apply this expertise to the SS4A program and help create safer streets in our community.

The PTC’s work to analyze traffic data is essential for enhancing street safety. I am eager to contribute to these initiatives to ensure safer, more accessible streets for all.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I am excited to be involved in the development of the San Antonio Road Coordinated Area Plan. Approximately one-third of the RHNA housing units identified in the housing element are located along San Antonio Road. However, from a transportation standpoint, the area is not yet equipped to accommodate this significant population increase effectively.

To address these challenges, it is essential to proactively develop strategies for managing congestion and transforming San Antonio Road into a safe, sustainable, and accessible corridor for the new residents.

The Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) has a critical role in shaping the future development of this area. With the transportation department currently understaffed, I believe my prior experience working with local municipalities and county transportation agencies can contribute significantly to the planning and execution of effective solutions right here in Palo Alto.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

In the past year, I have familiarized myself with significant parts of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code, particularly about Planned Community (PC) zones. I also have limited familiarity with the city charter.

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If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Kevin Ji
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/14/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 15 January 2025, 7:15pm
Receipt number 65
Related form version 15
Name Arthur Keller
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
No
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Community Group Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Email from the City
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Consultant
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

I have a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford. I taught courses most recently at UC Santa Cruz. I serve as expert witness on patent cases and advise startups. I also am President of Exir Bio, a company in the biotech space.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

Environment and Water Resources Committee, Santa Clara Valley Water District (including Vice Chair and Chair). For City of Palo Alto:

Housing Element Working Group, (Comprehensive Plan) Citizens Advisory Committee (Co-Chair), Electric Vehicle Task Force (Development Center), Website Committee, Planning and Transportation Commission (Vice Chair).

Facilities Steering Committee and Public
Transit Coordinator for Gunn High School.

Adobe Meadow Neighborhood
Association (Founder and President). The Girls’ Middle School (Board Member).

Ohlone Elementary School (Site Council). Cong. Kol Emeth (Board Member). Electric Auto Association (Board Member).

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I served on the PTC from 2006 through 2014.

During this time, I chaired
the
Communications with Staff Committee, was a member of the Comp Plan Amendment Timing and Issues Committee, PCs and Development Agreements Committee, Report to Council Committee, Policies and Procedures Committee, Forums Committee, and Leveraging Technology Committee, and was a liaison to the Liaison, Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Stakeholders Group.

I believe that my knowledge of planning
issues as well as transportation issues would benefit the PTC and the City overall.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

Stream corridor protection is an issue that I consider as a homeowner and as a member of the Environmental and Water Resource Committee.

I wonder why the staff report had Table 1 Streamside Regulations for streamside setback within Urbanized Areas (between Foothill Expy and US 101) Channelized Stream set equal to the same as Natural Stream and the PTC appeared to agree.

There was some unspecified exception
for floodwalls between Foothill Expy and 101, and I look forward to hearing about how this matter resolves when it returns to the PTC.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I would like to see the PTC fulfill its role as a recommending body to the City Council by thoughtfully considering proposals for ordinance changes and evaluating public input.

I believe PTC meetings do not garner
sufficient public attention for the requisite public input to be obtained.

I
would like to consider how to raise the profile of the PTC if I am appointed.

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5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I served on the committee that wrote the edits to the Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017).

I served on the PTC when the Baylands
Master Plan (2008) and the El Camino Real Master Plan (2007) were adopted.

I was familiar with El Camino Real Design Guidelines when changes were considered in 2013.

I reviewed the Zoning Code then as
well.

I'm familiar with CEQA reviews.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Arthur M. Keller
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/15/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 3 January 2025, 3:15pm
Receipt number 55
Related form version 15
Name Thomas W Kellerman
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Palo Alto Weekly Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
City Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact.

I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21.

I may
revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Attorney
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

Western Illinois University, BA 1976, Major: Economics
UCLA, JD 1980
Member of the State Bar of California
I have been a corporate attorney in private practice since 1980, focusing on corporate advice and governance matters, public offerings and private financings, merger and acquisitions and related corporate transactions.

My practice has primarily involved companies in the technology industries, ranging from start-ups to Global Fortune 500 corporations.

I am currently a Senior Counsel at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, an AmLaw 100 law firm. I was previously a partner with the firm, and served as the Managing Partner of the Palo Alto office for 13 years, as well as Co- Chair of the firmwide Venture Capital and Emerging Business Group and firmwide Deputy Leader of the firmwide Corporate Practice Group.

I
previously practiced in San Francisco and, for four years, in London.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

I have previously served on the Boards of several non-profit organizations, including: (i) Director (2003 - 2018) and Chair (2016 - 2017) of the Silicon Valley Campaign for Legal Services; and (ii) Director (2008 - 2015) and Chair (2014)
of Computers for Everyone.

In addition, I regularly serve as outside, pro bono counsel to non-profit organizations, including: (i) assisted in the formation and represented Community Housing Partnership for many years, an organization that builds and operates permanent housing for formerly homeless residents; (ii) currently serve as outside counsel to the Riekes Center, a Menlo Park community center, and as U.S. counsel to GOAL, an NGO providing relief to refugees globally.

I currently serve on the Board of the Outreach Committee of the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, and I volunteer with Second Harvest.

I have also been active in monitoring and providing input to the City Council regarding the Palo Alto at-grade crossing design efforts.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I have a lifelong interest in transportation and urban planning, stretching back to my economics studies in college. I believe that zoning and transportation planning can have an enormous impact on communities Application Questions
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and individual well-being.

I have lived in Palo Alto since 1992 and I have
benefited greatly from the quality of life available here.

While the City
does an excellent job of long-term planning, many goals remain unfulfilled. I would be honored to contribute to the process of implementing our community's goals.

While I do not have an urban planning background, I believe I have a skill set that would be useful for service on the PTC.

I have spent 44
years assisting clients in the development and implementation of complex corporate plans. I have extensive experience in developing and negotiating solutions in complex, highly-charged commercial settings.

I
am detail-oriented and willing to put in the time necessary to understand problems and collaboratively find solutions.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

I noted with interest the discussion in the December 2024 meeting regarding the HIP and AHIP proposals.

I am particularly interested in the
efforts to develop additional housing units in Palo Alto.

While the City's
2030 Comprehensive Plan, the El Camino Real Master Plan Study, the South of Forest Avenue 2003 Plan, and other planning efforts have emphasized the need to develop additional housing, particularly some more affordable housing, the implementation of these plans is incomplete.

The HIP and AHIP are significant steps towards
implementing these plans. While there are many challenges outside the control of the City, I believe it is essential that we continue to do all we can to advance the housing goals that have been adopted in the City's various planning documents.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
Palo Alto has committed countless hours towards producing detailed, thoughtful development and transportation plans.

I believe that our
citizens, elected officials and City staff are committed to making significant progress in implementing these plans over the next few years.

The PTC is a crucial part of this process. I believe my experience in seeking compromise and crafting solutions to complex problems, and assisting diverse constituents in reaching agreement and moving forward collaboratively, can be useful as the PTC works to fulfill its mission and achieve the stated goals of the City in its adopted plans.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I have been involved in the discussions regarding the Palo Alto At-Grade Crossings and proposed infrastructure construction alternatives. In that process, I have had the opportunity to review the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and parts of some of the other documents listed.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Thomas W. Kellerman
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Link to signature
Date Completed
01/03/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 4 January 2025, 4:50pm
Receipt number 62
Related form version 15
Name Declan King
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Other: Nextdoor Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Student in urban planning at San Francisco State University Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

I am currently a student at San Francisco State University studying urban planning and policy. I also have ties with Palo Alto and have been involved in the Rinconada community garden.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

I worked under the garden liaison in the Rincon community garden. I also volunteered at the Palo Alto children’s theater.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
At 23 years old, I bring a fresh perspective, a strong passion for urban planning, and a commitment to shaping equitable and sustainable communities. As a USP major at San Francisco State University, I’ve immersed myself in studying land use and transportation, exploring critical issues like gentrification and the relationship between autonomous vehicles and traffic. My academic pursuits are complemented by hands-on experience, such as volunteering at the Rinconada Community Garden and contributing to community efforts at BORP, where I developed a deep appreciation for the connection between public spaces and quality of life. I have grown up in Palo Alto my whole life and have seen the many changes it has been through.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

One issue that I have recently posted about to my Nextdoor was the discussions about expanding protected bike lanes on el Camino for cyclists. The repaving of El Camino Real includes the addition of a bike lane, which has resulted in narrower traffic lanes in the southbound section. This caused quite the debate on my post. I Although I do drive down El Camino almost daily I believe this development is making the sidewalks safer and reducing car dependency.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
One goal for myself would be to create more community outreach to the older generations through apps like Nextdoor and through places where meme we of our community gather like libraries and churches. Getting everyone’s input would help myself advocate for the public. I would make it my own personal goal to help to preserve the character of Palo Alto while addressing its modern challenges.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I have some familiarity with the El Camino Real Design guidelines.

Application Questions
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If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Declan King_ Resume 2024.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Declan King
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/04/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 8 January 2025, 1:38pm
Receipt number 68
Related form version 15
Name Henrik Morkner
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Email from the City Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact.

I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21.

I may
revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Semi-retired
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

Education
MSEE, San Jose State University, 1989
BSEE, San Jose State University, 1984
Associate in Arts, Art History, Mission College, 2022
Experience
Vice-President(Part time), CFC INC, 2015-present- Investment management
Director of Engineering, MACOM, 2010-2015 - Microwave & Wireless circuit design
R&D Manager, BROADCOM, 2001-2010- Microwave & Wireless circuit design
Designer, AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES 2001-2005- Project management & IC design
Designer, HEWLETT-PACKARD 1991-2001- Project management & IC design
Test Engineer, AVANTEK, 1984-1991- model extraction, write test code

PATENTS
9013237, 8829997, 8301091, 7239020, 7232708,6211729, 6118338

PUBLICATIONS
Over 40 peer reviewed publications in IEEE MMIC, RFIC, and Microwave Journal
Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
none
Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I am paralyzed waist down from a family farm accident (burst L3) in 2019. I typically use a wheelchair but can manage a few steps with crutches. While I am sure Palo Alto is very ADA compliant, I feel I can bring a unique and inclusive perspective to the commission from a handicap perspective. Sometimes even simple changes to plans and access can make huge differences to the disabled. Many times these are things that those who have never experienced disabled challenges would never think of. That being said I have always been a practical and hands-on person. I never asked my engineers or staff to do something I had not tried myself, even badly. I use to love the HP “management by walking around” mentality. A good organization is a family and work together, not apart.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe A good example would be the 12/11/24 review of 4075 El Camino Way Applicant’s Request for an Amendment to a Planned Community Zone Application Questions
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why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

District (PC-5116) to Allow for Modifications to an Existing 121-Unit Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility. Many people in assisted living have the same challenges as myself. Developers want to maximize space and profit and may make access and usage secondary. The commission may not even notice the reality of the changes to the disabled, even if ADA compliant.

Having a practical engineer well versed
in construction and materials combined with first hand knowledge of disabled transportation and access is very important.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I would simply want to add a balanced and inclusive perspective of disabled needs and wants to the commission. This can be simple changes to plans to accommodate stair placement, ramps. rails, clearances, lighting, slopes, and visibility. Many things can be done in early stages to make life easier for the disabled for little to no additional cost if planned appropriately. I am practical and educated so I feel my inputs could be well valued.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I am well versed in the Zoning Code as I have drawn, submitted and received approval for plans of my present home in Palo Alto. I have gone through the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, City Charter, and California Environmental Quality Act (my wife is a registered professional environmental engineer). I have only browsed the El Camino Real Design Guidelines and Master Plan Study.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Henrik Morkner MRES38.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Henrik Morkner
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/08/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 7 January 2025, 10:19pm
Receipt number 67
Related form version 15
Name Salim Parak
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Email from the City Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Technical Educator
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

My role at my job has been in the training delivery and curriculum development at companies such as Google (close to 14 years), Linkedin, Tiktok.

I create and deliver training (live and eLearning) + certification programs.

I have certificate in Cybersecurity.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

I have been volunteering with coaching a referring soccer and baseball in Palo Alto.

I help with organizing my local neighbourhood's block party each year.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
Since my work has been very close to my residence in Palo Alto, I normally rode my bike.

I bring many years of commuting by bike, walk
and public transit.

I love riding my bike and bike for errands and pleasure in Palo Alto.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

Micromobility. I have generally traveled to work using either my bike, walk, carpool or public transit while living in Palo Alto.

I was surprised
when someone recognized me as the bike guy.

I would like to research
more into bring car alternatives to the city

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
Consideration of both transportation other than cars for new residential builds

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection. none
Application Questions
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If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: salim parak
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/07/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 13 January 2025, 9:04am
Receipt number 63
Related form version 15
Name Forest Peterson
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Community Group Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Engineer
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

At Palo Alto Data Group, I lead products in AI-based labor standards enforcement. I keep my foot in academics at CIFE, mentoring new generations of doctorates. Evenings, I am a community college professor. Before my career in heavy construction, which started with a shovel, I had a humble beginning, building hundreds of homes -- culminating in my own home in the Sierras.

My doctorate is a joint degree from Stanford Engineering and Doerr School of Sustainability. I transferred from the UNR grad program in Economics.

I served a year of public service as the first investigator in the County’s Division of Equity and Social Justice, where I led COVID compliance.

The doctorate requires an industry component, which I completed in software at Cadwork Informatik in Basel and Rhumbix in San Fransisco.

Pre-academic, I was a design-build engineer on Reno's rail corridor. I paid for my education by shoveling concrete.

See my professional and educational history linkedin.com/in/forest- peterson
Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

During COVID-19, I co-lead 501c3 Step Forward's outreach project -- encouraging the workforce to report concerns through a social media network.

I care about environmental sustainability: the Camp Fire destroyed my home and community and took the lives of my neighbors.

My three kids are enrolled in public schools: Greene and Paly.

I participate in council and board meetings across the County through community groups:
2021-25 Chair, Valley Water, bond flood protection subcommittee 2021-25 Chair, National Academy Transportation Research Board, AI subcommittee
2021-25 President, SV Working Blue Dem Club
2020-25 Director, SCC Construction Careers Association 501c3 My grandmothers were feminists, which I honor by supporting women at the League of Women Voters and through Parents in Academia. I mentored Dr. Montoya's thesis in feminism at UC Irvine, “Promoting Equitable Pathways in Engineering and Career Technical Education.” See my volunteering history linkedin.com/in/forest-peterson Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Application Questions
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Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
My perspective is common to Palo Alto, though underrepresented on the PTC. I am a father of three, an apartment resident with a blue-collar background, and a daily patron of public transportation. For the past decade, I've walked forty-five minutes to my lab at Stanford, and daily, my family relies on a network of walkways, rail, bus, air, and ride-share.

We made the leap and never looked back!
For thirty years, I've worked in the built environment. For the past few years, I've volunteered with policy-focused groups. My expertise is in information models, which will become a focus in regional planning with AI-based visualizations in a range of 'what if' scenarios.

My three policy visions:
(1) Work with staff and the Commission on acceptable compromises. (2) Define development agreements that include data-driven community impact mitigations.
(3) Advocate for public transit networks linked to affordable housing similar to the excellent example of the teacher housing at 231 Grant.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

A riparian information model!
I agree with the Commission's return of the 10/24 proposed 18.4.140 stream corridor. The current design flooded in ‘19 and ‘22. The proposal incorporates the ‘07 water collab guideline. However, a complexity issue is at play: 2,600 scenarios given 3 segments, 3 types of channels, …, etc. What remains unknown? After 4 hours, the Commission moved to postpone to an unknown date.

Adjacent land planning is unknown. On 10/23 at the County, I commented on bioswales to limit runoff in the Stanford Community Plan (see Land Ch6). I did the same in the aborted ‘19 GUP. Two of 3 creeks drain Stanford lands deforested by a history of grazing. The design cfm of runoff is key to know.

An info model visual of the complexity could highlight those 200 likely problem lots of 6,600, which Reckdahl (1:59:55), Summa (2:27:00), and to some degree, Hechtman (2:39:00) asked for an informational visual.

Also, our rail corridor would be my third (Reno 2004 and High-speed 2011).

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
If appointed, specific goals:

First, I would continue with the commission's focus on reducing staff time demand by limiting ad-hoc follow-ups and setting clear priorities.

Second, we should increase the use of technology, particularly in the case of significant developments. I chair a DigitalTwin subgroup (information model and artificial intelligence) at the National Academy's Transportation Research Board. That method of modeling as part of planning is not often used -- at best, I see renderings of buildings at the meetings. I bring that focus to the Water District, where it has been understandably a process as the capability develops.

Third, my priority is a compromise between short-term livability and long- term sustainability regarding environmental and social objectives.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

The California Environmental Quality Act is professionally where I have a working knowledge regarding large public works projects. During the Stanford General Use Permit (GUP), I successfully co-led a community organization in what was at that time the controversial inclusion of community impacts mitigations in the CEQA public discussion -- also at that time, acquiring a familiarity with the County General Plan. 3 of 4
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In my role chairing the Water District bond flood control subcommittee, I am familiar with the Baylands Plan within the San Franscrito Creek JPA.

During this application, I read through the CA Title 18 public revenue and the PA City Municipal Code.

Regarding the Comprehensive and El Camino Corridor plans, I have a non-specific experience with similar corridor documents throughout my thirty years in the built environment professions: some of which I have taught at Stanford, and others I worked extensively with professionally.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Forest Olaf Peterson, PhD
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/13/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 14 January 2025, 7:04pm
Receipt number 69
Related form version 15
Name Michael Regula
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Community Group Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Palo Alto Weekly
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Techno Commercial Manager
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

I am current a Techno Commercial Manager in the Energy Systems group at Birla Carbon, a company based in Marietta, GA. Working remotely, I am a subject material expert in designing materials that power lithium-ion batteries. Interfacing with prospective customers is also a major components of my role, which includes attending industry trade shows and conferences to learn about the materials needs for battery manufacturers. Many of the battery manufacturers with whom I interact have ambitions to manufacturer batteries for use in electric vehicles, giving me a valuable perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of this technology as we plan our city for the future. I earned my PhD in chemical engineering from Penn State University in 2018, wherein my doctoral dissertation explored new materials for lithium-sulfur batteries.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

For over a decade now, I have found myself drawn to sports as a way to bring people together. In my year since moving to Palo Alto, I have been active in the Silicon Valley Disc Golf Club (SVDGC). I ran a 9-week league during the summer of 2024 in which over 100 people from the greater San Jose came out for friendly competition. The league and my continued involvement in the club have been an excellent way to make this area feel like home. As a graduate student at Penn State, I founded Philanthropic Fantasy Sports (PFS), an organization that uses fantasy sports to raise money for causes that are promoting the welfare of others. I continue to serve as an advisor for an organization that has raised and donated over $50,000 since 2015. These experiences have been helpful in seeing the tremendous benefits that finding a common bond can have on people. I look forward to learning about and perhaps even founding organizations that do likewise in Palo Alto.

Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
Since I was a junior in high school, my career objectives have been to have an impact on making our transportation systems both economically and environmentally sustainable for all. Local government and specifically the Planning & Transportation Commission make decisions that can enable our community to thrive for generations. My voices as a battery engineer, as a newer resident to the community, as a renter in the community, and as a person in their mid-30s all give me a perspective that would be valuable for the commission and city council. I hope that my voice and the voices of those that end up serving on the commission can allow Palo Alto to achieve and go beyond the goals set forth in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Affordable housing and equitable transportation are two of the biggest challenges facing our community. Having the opportunity to directly have an impact on Application Questions
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addressing those challenges would be an honor.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

In the October 30, 2024 PTC meeting, the commission had a study session regarding the conducting a feasability study on the implementation of a micromobility program in Palo Alto. All programs that increase the efficiency of our transportation systems should be explored.

There are several details that must be addressed, however, to ensure successful adoption within the community. One common gripe with micromobility devices, like electric scooters, are that they often become littered on the city's sidewalks with seemingly no penalties to any parties. There was an interesting discussion about being able to use the provisions in the state's new daylighting law to potentially solve this issue. The success of a potential micromobility program is directly related to other decisions made by the PTC, including successful implementation of the city's Housing Element.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
In 2022, the City of Palo Alto adopted an ambitious goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% from 1990 levels. At that time, transportation accounted for more than 60% of Palo Alto's emissions. This on-going issue not only has to do with the powertrain by which the majority of our transportation is still powered (i.e. gasoline powered combustion engines), but also with the way the city is currently designed that still largely demands private motor vehicles to live. Palo Alto is the best city I have lived in because it does give people a fighting chance to walk, bike, and take public transit to important places. Palo Alto has many economic, environmental, and political advantages that offer clear opportunities to accelerate our reduction in transportation-related emissions. In addition to our emissions goals, I would like for Palo Alto to resolve to strive zero traffic-related deaths year over year, which has been accomplished in other cities in the United States.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

My experience with these documents is very-high level in nature. I am aware that they are guiding the decisions made about housing, transportation, and several other topics within Palo Alto. I am excited to learn more about their applicability to the specific projects that come through the PTC.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.
20250114_Regula_Michael_Resume.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Michael Regula
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/14/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 11 January 2025, 10:51am
Receipt number 57
Related form version 15
Name Kellie Stafford
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Community Group Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Sales
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. I have a certification in public relations and diversity and inclusion. I am currently enrolled in a project management certification course.

I have worked in social services and for the United States government and I understand how different levels of the government operates. For the last 15 years, I have worked in sales collaborating with customers in Northern California and other cities and states. I have worked locally with small businesses for the last 7 years. This is relevant to PTC because I am used to working with multiple stakeholders. I am skilled in negotiations, communications, and developing relationships. All these skills are relevant when assessing the needs of our community and influencing decisions that will impact the citizens of Palo Alto.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
2023 - Present: Licensed foster parent in Santa Clara County 2023 - 2024: Volunteered for local government officials campaigns 2022: Fruit picker, Village Harvest, Pick fruit from local farms for distribution to food closets
2022: Event Manager, Barron Park Board
Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I am 4th generation Palo Alto resident. I have seen the city change tenfold. While change is inevitable, how things change is manageable.

Palo Alto is a beautiful and thriving community and I want to be a part of helping to take care of our city.

My experience working with local residents and listening to what they have to say has given me insight to what is important to them. I have experience in research and data analysis, so I can make informed, fact driven decisions while keeping our community wants and needs in mind.

I have experience working with first responders, legal teams and business owners which is important when making decisions that can impact these services. My skills in negotiation and being able to acknowledge and take into considerations other opinions and viewpoints will be crucial when serving on the committee.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

As a resident living on the same street as the Creekside development project, I have followed this project closely since its initial presentation.

The plan to demolish both the historic Creekside Inn, a valuable local hospitality asset, and the Driftwood Market, a small business that has served our community for half a century, threatens to erode Palo Alto's essential character. At a time when we should be protecting our small businesses, this development moves in the opposite direction. The Application Questions
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project's parking plan is inadequate. The proposed parking spaces will not sufficiently accommodate all residents, leading to overflow parking on nearby neighborhood streets that are too narrow to handle additional vehicles. While the development claims to address Palo Alto's housing needs, its initial rental rates of $4,500 for a 600sq.ft. apartment put these units out of reach for many. Our city needs affordable housing, but this development, fails to meet that crucial requirement.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I would like to see the PTC effectively balances growth with community character. We need to carefully evaluate housing proposals to ensure they truly serve community needs - prioritizing projects that offer genuine affordability while maintaining appropriate density and parking requirements. My experience as a resident who has closely followed developments like Creekside gives me practical insight into how these projects impact neighborhoods.

Also, we need to make it a goal to preserve small businesses while reviewing zoning changes and development proposals. The city needs to prioritize preserving spaces for local businesses that serve neighborhood needs. Having witnessed the potential loss of long-standing establishments like the Driftwood Market, I understand the importance of maintaining commercial diversity through careful zoning and development decisions.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I do not have experience with those documents.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Kellie Stafford
Link to signature
Date Completed
01/11/2025
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 16 January 2025, 12:08am
Receipt number 75
Related form version 15
Name Rika YeaKyung Yamamoto
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning and City Website Personal Information
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Transportation Commission?
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:

I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation
Chair of the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

EDUCATION
● SungShin Women’s University School of Social Science, Psychology B.S
● Eastern Gateway Community College, Paralegal Study - Ethics, Legal Writing, Tort, Family, Estate, Real Estate, Contract

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
● Legal Courses- Affordable Housing, Alternate Dispute Resolution Conference and Special Education Advocate Training I,II,III with COPAA ● Real Estate Planing Process and Redevelopment Training with NJ Redevelopment Authority
● Real Estate Commercial Investment Courses with CCIM

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
● NJ Licensed Real Estate Associate for 19 years- Relo REDAC,Inc, Coldwell Banker Commercial
● Special Education and Disability Advocate
● Principal for Residential Real Estate Project and Property Manager ● In Flight Supervisor, Asiana Airlines
Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
● 2022- Current: Chairperson, Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education
● 2017- 2022 : Parent Education and Support Lead, Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education
●2022- Current:

PAUSD Parent Representative, Santa Clara SELPA
Community Advisory Committee
● 2021-2022: Assistant Executive Vice President, Palo Alto Council of PTAs
● 2019-2021: Parliamentarian, Palo Alto Council of PTAs ● 2018-2022: Treasurer, Board of Directors, Palo Alto High School Robotics Boosters
● Enews Editor, JLS Middle PTA and Greene Middle PTA
● English for Second Language Volunteer Tutor for Adults Personal and Job Experience

1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)? Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026
Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029

2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position?
I am passionate about serving on the PTC to support Palo Alto in achieving the vision outlined in its Comprehensive Plan. The Plan’s focus on guiding preservation, sustainable growth, and community values resonates deeply with my commitment to fostering balanced development and inclusivity. I bring over 19 years of experience as a licensed real estate associate, with expertise in zoning, redevelopment, and project management. I also bring leadership experience as Chair of the Palo Alto CAC for Special Education, where I successfully Application Questions
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collaborated with diverse stakeholders to address community needs. My background in legal studies and advanced real estate training equips me to evaluate policies and development projects through a lens of compliance and long-term community impact. I am eager to contribute to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for Palo Alto.

3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived videos
from the
Midpen Media Center.

One issue of particular interest to me is The Academy project at 3265 El Camino Real, which proposes 100% affordable housing for educators and classified staff in Palo Alto. This project addresses a pressing challenge: the high cost of living forcing 87% of our teachers to reside outside the city. As an advocate for equitable community development, I see this project as a vital step toward strengthening our schools, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transit-oriented design, and aligning with the city’s Comprehensive Plan. It represents a commitment to retaining quality educators and fostering a sustainable, inclusive community.

4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process?
If appointed, I would focus on advancing sustainable and equitable development, particularly through implementing the Comprehensive Plan's priorities. Key goals include expanding affordable housing, supporting transit-oriented development, and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. I would also prioritize community engagement, ensuring diverse voices are reflected in decisions, and promoting racial and social equity through planning policies.

With experience in real estate, redevelopment, and zoning processes, I bring a practical understanding of land use and housing challenges. My leadership roles, such as Chair of the Palo Alto CAC and involvement in PTA organizations, demonstrate my ability to collaborate with stakeholders and advocate for community-focused solutions. By leveraging my skills and knowledge, I aim to help the Commission craft policies that balance growth, environmental sustainability, and community needs.

5. Planning and Transportation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience.

Experience with these documents is not required for selection.

I had my experience with Zoning Code. For my current residence in Palo Alto, I worked on zoning and permit applications to convert an attached garage into a master bedroom suite. This involved collaborating with contractors, submitting required documents, and adhering to city zoning ordinances. I reviewed and completed building permit applications, including construction specifications and contractor licensing requirements, ensuring compliance with city and state regulations​. This hands-on experience provided me with practical knowledge of Palo Alto's zoning processes and development standards.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Rika Yamamoto Spring 2024 .pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature
Name of signatory: Rika Yamamoto
Link to signature
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Date Completed
01/15/2025
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