AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS, safe and affordable housing is a basic human right and yet, each year, thousands of Silicon Valley families and individuals struggle to find an affordable home in this expensive housing market; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the 6th Cycle Housing Element that outlines how 6,086 new housing units can be accommodated within Palo Alto by 2031, and includes implementation programs to increase the number affordable housing units; and
WHEREAS, the City remains active in supporting affordable housing development and commits financial assistance for projects that include much needed lower-income units , including the recently-funded Charities Housing development at 3001 El Camino Real; and
WHEREAS, the City has implemented meaningful housing actions by identifying affordable housing redevelopment opportunities on City parking lots to be developed for affordable housing, creating a permanent source of affordable housing funding by dedicating a portion of the business tax revenue for affordable housing, crafting additional renter protections, and continued support of fair housing services; and WHEREAS, the City has implemented meaningful actions to help those experiencing homelessness in Palo Alto through making permanent its safe parking ordinance, piloting an outreach worker program, providing an overnight warming location, and providing funding and partnering to build an interim housing shelter on City - owned land; and
WHEREAS, the City actively pursues State and F ederal grant funds for affordable housing development, preservation, and rehabilitation; and
WHERAS, the City is hosting an Affordable Housing Resources Fair on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in King Plaza (in front of City Hall). More information on the event is available at: www.cityofpaloalto.org/housingfair ; and
WHEREAS, many organizations throughout Silicon Valley are dedicated to providing safe, stable permanent and affordable housing to all members of the community; these organizations along with local agencies and community members have organized Affordable Housing Month.
Proclamation
NOW, THEREFORE I, Ed Lauing, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of May as Affordable Housing Month in the City of Palo Alto, to call upon our community to support affordable housing solutions and to recognize the successful efforts of the City of Palo Alto and its partners who seek to improve access to affordable housing in Palo Alto.
Presented: May 5, 2024
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Ed Lauing
Mayor