CITY COUNCIL
Colleague’s Memo
Sponsor(s): Mayor Lauing and Vice Mayor Veenker
Meeting Date: February 24, 2025
TITLE
Colleague’s Memo: Proposed Adoption of a Resolution Underscoring Council’s Commitment to Sustaining Palo Alto Values and Interests in the Face of Trump Administration Actions
RECOMMENDATION
Mayor Lauing and Vice Mayor Veenker request City Council adopt a Resolution Underscoring Council’s Commitment to Sustaining Palo Alto Values and Interests in the Face of Trump Administration Actions.
DISCUSSION
The first few weeks of the Trump Administration have been filled with an unprecedented series of Executive Orders, many of which impact Palo Alto residents and threaten our city government’s ability to serve.
City Council has previously adopted values that guide our decision making. This resolution underscores our commitment to residents that our stated values will continue to guide our actions, and that we will take future actions consistent with those values as Council determines.
We expressly disassociate Palo Alto from the actions of prominent Silicon Valley technology executives actively supporting or executing troubling Executive Orders.
To protect the ability of the City to provide necessary services to its residents, from time to time Palo Alto may wish to file amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs to inform courts of the impacts of potential decisions to cities like ours. Additionally, the City may wish to join lawsuits to protect its rights and those of its residents. We recommend that Council consider efficient means for considering whether to authorize such action consistent with this resolution.
Accordingly, we urge our colleagues to adopt the attached resolution.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Staff does not anticipate any direct resource impacts with the proposed Resolution. Should subsequent actions be required following adoption, staff will return for City Council approval, as needed.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Denouncing Trump Administration Threats to Palo Alto Values and Interests Report #: 2502-4169