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BCDE F G H I J K L M
2026 POTENTIAL CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
ED
CA
IHS
PSWB $'s
xC
Adopt ordinance updates establishing additional Green Building Standards and Energy Reach Codes. Milestone: City Council consideration of ordinance for adoption by June 2026. x 1
xR
Adopt Bird‐Friendly Design standards. Milestone: City Council consideration in March/April 2026 of ordinance recommended by PTC in late 2025. x 1 xx C
Complete 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP). Milestone:
Council adoption of 2026 BPTP x 1
xx C
Adopt an ordinance updating Stream and Creek Corridor Setback requirements.
Milestone: PTC consideration of revised draft ordinance in Q2, 2026; Council consideration of draft ordinance in Q3, 2026. x 1
xC
Advance recommendations for the Regional Water Quality Control Plant Biosolids Facility Plan. Milestone: Conduct community engagement, refine and review recommendations with Council Committee in 2026, and further develop implementation strategies in preparation for Council acceptance of the Biosolids Facility Plan in 2027. x 1
xx C
Begin implementation of the City Facility Electrification Plan. Milestone: Council approval of design consultant contract and procurement of a contractor to construct projects at first two buildings. x 1
xC
Implement Quarry Road Extension in Partnership with Stanford University, Caltrans and VTA. Milestone: Execute grant agreement with MTC and submit initial engineering package to Caltrans to confirm process. x 1 xx C
Advance design of Grade Separation projects at Charleston Road, Meadow Drive and Churchill Avenue. Milestone: Complete 15% design and select Locally Preferred Alternative for 35% design at each crossing. x 1 xx N
Pilot electrification as a service, charging as a service, or creative financing programs to complement the City' s single‐family, multi‐family, and/or non‐ residential electrification programs, that can be scaled. Milestone: At least one new financing program is available to single‐family, multi‐family, and/or non‐ residential customers by the end of 2026. x 1
xN
Develop long‐term Climate Action funding and financing strategies and scenarios for Council consideration. Milestone: Present strategies and scenarios to the Council Committee for consideration by December 2026. x 1 Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION & NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION Group #
Attachment A ‐ 1 of 10
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Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 26
xN
Develop and recommend for Council approval a multi‐year grid modernization capital improvement plan focused on improving reliability and facilitating city‐wide customer electrification by upgrading sub‐transmission, substation, and distribution infrastructure. Issue the first tranche of debt financing in 2026. x 1 $$$$ xN
Launch Affordable Housing Electrification Grant Program approved by City Council in March 2025. Milestone: program is available to customers by Q2 of 2026. x 2
xx R
Advance design on South Palo Alto Bikeway project to increase walking and biking and enhance safety. Milestone: Initiate work on pilot bikeway project. x 2 xC
Complete concept design for additional east‐west bicycle/pedestrian crossing of railroad tracks in the southern part of the City. Milestone: Council review of draft report on South Palo Alto Connectivity. x 2
xx C
Launch an enhanced multi‐family EV charging program based on design guidelines approved by the City Council in November 2025. Milestone: New EV charging program is available to participants by the end of 2026. x 2 xR
Launch an Advanced Commercial Packaged HVAC Electrification Program based on design guidelines approved by the City Council in November 2025. Milestone: New program is available to participants by the end of 2026. x 2 xR
Launch pilot program for boiler electrification for multi‐family and commercial customers. Milestone: boiler electrification program available to customers by end of 2026. x 2
xx C
Complete Gas Transition Study and begin engagement and review with the Utilities Advisory Commission (end of 2026/early 2027). x 2
xx C
Continue to implement 3‐phase plan presented to Council in September 2024 for phasing out leaded fuel at Palo Alto Airport. Milestone: Initiate lead air monitoring program in Q1, work with the new fuel provider and supplier to inform tenants and encourage the use of unleaded fuel, and provide a progress update to City Council. x 2
xx C
Restart and make progress on the Palo Alto Airport master planning process.
Milestone: Develop updated alternatives informed by Council feedback from September 2024, conduct public stakeholder meetings, and conduct a study session with Council to review progress. x 2
Attachment A ‐ 2 of 10
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PSWB $'s
Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
27 28
29 30
31 32
33 34
35 36
xx N
Explore options to streamline minor traffic improvements and update the City’s Traffic Calming Policy to align with Safety Action Plan. Milestone: Engage consultant in review of existing program, policy needs and approaches. x 2 $ xN
Development of a formal business retention/expansion program focused on supporting/growing existing Palo Alto businesses. And, develop a business attraction program to diversify local economy, increase the tax base for essential public services, and job creation to enhance Palo Alto’s community prosperity.
Complete in Q2 2026. x 1
xC
Adopt an ordinance expanding retail opportunities and strengthening retail resiliency, including refining retail and retail‐like definitions and updating the retail preservation ordinance. Milestone: PTC review and recommendation in Q2; City Council review and action in Q3. Continued engagement with stakeholders prior to implementation. x 1
xx R
Implement the California Avenue near‐term signage plan replacing the El Camino Real and Oregon Expressway signs—by completing their procurement and installation. x 1
xx C
Continue design work on new parking structure in Downtown core (Lot D).
Milestone: Complete entitlement process and design development phase by the end of 2026. x 1
xx C
Secure City Council approval for the California Avenue Outdoor Activation Guidelines. These guidelines will be finalized through continued stakeholder engagement that includes a representative mix of business owners and residents and a formal Architectural Review Board (ARB) review. x 1 $ xx N
Expanding on the Economic Development Strategies’ Guiding Principles, work toward activation activities and events in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Palo Alto Recreation Foundation to increase placemaking, investment, and branding opportunities (globally and with the corporate community). x 1 $
xx R
Complete stable car free street improvements on Ramona Street, e.g. bollards and barriers, signage, and parking regulations. x 2
xx x R
Modernize Downtown parking policy to increase availability of premium parking, reduce operating subsidies, encourage development and economic diversity and vibrancy, and reduce fossil fuel dependency. Milestone: Council review of options to modernize parking policy. x 2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & RETAIL VIBRANCY
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Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
37 38
39 40
41 42
43 44
45 xR
Extend the existing interim ordinance or adopt a new ordinance that restores and implements subjective wireless communication facility regulations. Milestones:
Present an ordinance to the City Council in Q4. x 2
xR
Begin feasibility analysis of Assessment District for University Avenue Streetscape.
Conduct analysis to determine practicality of an assessment district or similarly funding strategy as a funding mechanism for capital enhancements to University Avenue Streetscape. x 2$ $
xx R
Design and provide funding appropriations to improve the car free portion of California Ave for bike and pedestrian markings and calming and minor physical environment adjustments to reduce friction with the outdoor dining guidelines (e.g. movement of bike racks). x 2 $$$
xR
Engage stakeholders to develop design proposals for Car‐Free Ramona Street and present to Council for necessary funding appropriations to implement initial phase(s). Begin Historic Resource Board and Architectural Review Board review of activation guidelines in late 2026/early 2027. x 2 $$$ xxxx N
Initiate process for Development of the Comprehensive Plan Update. Milestone:
Confirm a more limited scope for the upcoming 2030 Comprehensive Plan to inform the release of an RFP by Q4 2026 to select a consultant to support the limited scope refresh. x 2 $$$
xC
Adopt an updated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance to comply with State law and implement additional policy alternatives, including increased allowable square footage and condominium conversions, consistent with City Council direction (05.15.23). Milestone: Planning and Transportation Commission recommendation and City Council consideration of draft ordinance in Q2, 2026. x 1
xC
Present findings to Council on a study that explores approaches to incentivize multi‐ family housing over office uses. Evaluate opportunities that make multi‐family housing an attractive alternative to commercial office development, consistent with Housing Element Program 3.9A. Milestones: Seek guidance from Policy & Services Committee in Q1, 2026 and advance ordinance to Council in Q2, 2026. x 1
xx C
Partner with Santa Clara County Housing Authority to achieve construction timeline milestones for the Palo Alto Homekey project (which will provide transitional housing and services for unhoused residents). x 1 IMPLEMENTING HOUSING STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC BALANCE Attachment A ‐ 4 of 10
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2026 POTENTIAL CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
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PSWB $'s
Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
46 47
48 49
50 xR
Develop and present land use and transportation alternatives for the San Antonio Road Area Plan, and select a preferred alternative based on community input and City Council direction for use in preparing the draft Area Plan. Milestones: PTC, community, and advisory bodies' input for alternatives in Q1, Council study section and selection of preferred alternatives in Q2. EIR NOP in Q3, policy recommendations in Q4. x 1
xC
Develop and adopt Objective Development Standards for the South of Forest Area Coordinated Area Plan (SOFA), and present plan amendment options to replace subjective standards with objective standards for Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council consideration, consistent with Housing Element Program 3.7. Milestones: Create draft amendments to the municipal code and SOFA CAP, as applicable in Q2, 2026; Planning and Transportation Commission recommendation and City Council consideration of amended SOFA CAP and/or municipal code amendments by end of 2026. x 1
xR
Codify the R1/SB 9 interim ordinance by establishing objective development standards and increasing the maximum floor area for SB 9 units from 800 to 1,200 square feet, consistent with Housing Element Program 6.3A, and evaluate implications for R1 and SB 9 projects within the City’s Individual Review Program.
Milestones: Planning and Transportation consideration of draft ordinance in Q3, 2026; Council consideration in Q4, 2026. x 1
xx R
Conduct and complete a study of short‐term rentals and adopt housing and neighborhood preservation regulations that prioritize long‐term occupancy, consistent with Housing Element Programs 4.2D–E. Milestones: report to City Council in Q3, 2026; prepare alternatives for Council and Planning and Transportation Commission review in Q4, 2026 or Q1, 2027, if requested. Housing Element anticipates ordinance adoption by July, 2027. x 1 xx R
Present draft Downtown Housing Plan scenarios to City Council, obtain direction on next steps, and advance preparation of the draft Downtown Housing Plan and environmental review, consistent with City Council direction on SB 79 implementation. Milestones: Seek direction from SB 79 and Downtown Housing Plan City Council Ad‐Hoc Committee on next steps in Q1 and Q2, 2026 based on SB 79 implementation approach; advance Downtown Housing Plan based on direction received from City Council through Q4, 2026.
x 1
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Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
51 52
53 54
55 xx C
Adopt zoning incentives and development standards that support innovative housing typologies, including micro‐units, intergenerational housing, housing for aging adults, students, and lower‐income households, consistent with Housing Element Program 6.5B. Milestones: Conduct study session with Planning and Transportation Commission in Q1; present recommendations for Architectural Review Board consideration in Q2; Planning and Transportation Commission recommendation and City Council consideration of draft ordinance in Q4, 2026. x 1
xR
Update and adopt development impact fees for public safety, government facilities, housing, transportation, parks, and community services, including completion of nexus and feasibility studies and establishment of fee waivers for low‐income inclusionary units. (Housing Element Programs 2.1B; 3.1B & C).
Milestone: Present development scenarios and growth assumptions to Council for feedback by Q2 2026. Adopt Parks, Library & Community Facility Fee Updates by Q3 2026. Milestone: Adopt additional fee updates by Q1 2027. x 1 xN
Issue Requests for Information or Requests for Proposals (RFI/P) to develop approximately 218 affordable or workforce housing units on City‐owned surface parking lots. (Housing Element Program 1.4A). Milestone: Review draft RFI/P with Policy & Services Committee by Q3 2026 to issue the solicitation process by year end. x 1
xN
Implement Senate Bill 79 by developing and presenting implementation options and advancing a recommended approach for City Council adoption. Seek direction from SB 79 and Downtown Housing Plan City Council Ad‐Hoc Committee on next steps in Q1 and Q2; present recommendations for City Council consideration and next steps on SB 79 implementation before July 1, 2026; develop SB 79 alternative plan if directed by City Council. x 1
xN
Identify and designate additional Housing Element site capacity to maintain RHNA compliance and buffer by evaluating new opportunity sites to address anticipated capacity shortfalls in 2026, including impacts from development on faith‐based sites and downtown parking lots. Milestones: Select consultant to provide technical analysis in Q1; Planning and Transportation Commission recommendation and City Council consideration of replacement Housing Element sites in Q3, 2026. x 1 $‐$$
Attachment A ‐ 6 of 10
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2026 POTENTIAL CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
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CA
IHS
PSWB $'s
Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
56 57
58 59
60 61
62 63
xx C
Implement Oversized Vehicles Phase 1 work, including options for RV buyback and storage, new recruiting safe parking and enforcement/signage relating to detached/inoperable vehicles prohibition. Milestone Q2 ‐ Present options on RV buyback and storage to Ad Hoc for input, then to Council, for consideration.
Milestone Q2 ‐ Implement, including installing permanent signage, and enforce detached/inoperable vehicles prohibition. Milestone Q3‐ Work with Ad Hoc on recruiting new safe parking and bring any potential projects to Council for consideration. (related to 2025 Objective 3.3.4). x 1
$$‐
$$$
xx C
Initiate and advance Oversized Vehicles Phase 2 work, including oversized vehicle permit pilot. Milestone Q4: Develop OSV permit pilot, including enhanced services and bring to Council for consideration. (related to 2025 Objective 3.3.4). x 1
$$‐
$$$
xC
Report on initial data from the rental registry program. Milestone: Provide report to City Council on first year of the rental registry program, ending April 2025, in Q2, 2026. x 2
xC
Present to City Council an analysis related to anti‐rent gouging and receive direction on next steps. Milestone: Present analysis to Policy and Services Committee by Q2 2026; seek Committee guidance on next steps, if any. x 2 xC
Adopt a renter protection “fair chance” ordinance, including findings and implementing regulations. (Housing Element Program 6.6I). Milestones: City Council Policy and Services Committee consideration in Q2 of ordinance revised based on City Council direction; City Council consideration upon P&S recommendation in Q3. x 2
xR
Prepare, present, and release a Request for Proposals for development of the one‐ acre site near Matadero Creek dedicated to the City under the 2023 Sobrato/City Development Agreement. Milestone: Issue RFP by end of 2026. x 2 xx C
Expand and implement the Safe Parking Program in commercial areas by increasing geographic coverage and service availability citywide. (Housing Element Program 6.4A and Council assigned 12.04.23). Milestones: Initiate Q4. Milestone:
Initiate draft of zoning text amendment by end of 2026. x 2 xC
Organize an initial review of sources and methods to raise funding to support new affordable housing production for future evaluation. x 2 Attachment A ‐ 7 of 10
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PSWB $'s
Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
64 65
66 67
68 69
70 71
72 xR
Open 429 Bryant Street Community Center. Complete construction and any necessary partnership agreements to begin La Comida Senior Lunch Program at the facility by end of July, 2026; plan further work for general community center operations concurrently. x 1
xN
Execute MOU with Santa Clara County for assignment of clinician to PD Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) in Jan 2026. x 1
xN
Update the City's Natural Environment Element Update to comply with recent state law. Milestone: Prepare draft revisions for review by the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and Transportation Commission, and City Council by Q3, 2026. Present Comp Plan amendments to PRC, PTC, and City Council by the Q4 of 2026. x 1
xN
Update the Safety Element and develop an Evacuation Plan pursuant to SB 99, AB 747, and AB 1409. Milestones: contract with consultant to develop evacuation plan, present draft Safety Element amendments to Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council consideration with final submittal to state for review in Q3. x 1
xC
Support Community Mental Health through provision of support for all ages through community partnerships, programs, and initiatives. Milestone: continue work with the Jed Foundation engagement to support youth mental health and suicide prevention efforts. x 1
xC
Cubberley Project – Continue to advance the Cubberley Project focusing on community polling for potential placement of a measure on the November 2026 ballot, anticipated purchase of 7 acres from PAUSD, and securing partnership opportunities, and other funding sources. x 1
xC
Develop and adopt updates to the City’s seismic risk mitigation ordinance.
Milestone: Seek policy guidance from Policy and Services Committee, review draft ordinance with Policy and Services Committee, and Council consideration of ordinance updates by Q4 2026. x 1
xN
Pursue a natural grass athletic field pilot project to determine the best natural field type and maintenance to enhance playability and durability. x 1 $$‐
$$$
PUBLIC SAFETY, WELLNESS & BELONGING
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2026 POTENTIAL CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
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CA
IHS
PSWB $'s
Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
73 74
75 76
77 78
79 xC
Advance Quiet Zones at Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road Rail Crossings. Milestone: Council approval of Notice of Establishment and Quiet Zone implementation at Palo Alto Avenue; and identification of funding and procurement of professional services for design of required improvements to establish Quiet Zones at Churchill, Mea dow and Charleston. x 1 $$$$
xN
Deliver four Hands‐Only CPR classes by the end of Q4 CY 2026, including two community and two City employee sessions, to improve lifesaving readiness through accessible and inclusive training. x 2
xx N
Launch new Palo Alto education and rebate program for electric stoves and cooktops, with a go al of 50 electric cooktop conversions from gas. Milestone:
Program is available to customers by the end of Q2 2026. x 2 xx C
Complete build‐out of fiber‐to‐the‐premises (FTTP) pilot Phase 1 and begin provision of beta service for a municipal high speed fiber service. Establish internet service provider op erations and through iterative customer engagement, and provision services to residents in the initial pilot area. x 2 SUMMARY COUNT OF DRAFT OBJECTIVES: ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ CLIMATE ACTION & ADAPTATION & NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & RETAIL VIBRANCY
IMPLEMENTING HOUSING STRATEGIES for SOCIAL & ECONOMIC BALANCE PUBLIC SAFETY, WELLNESS & BELONGING
$ = up to 50K; $$ = 51‐400K, $$$ = 500K‐999k, $$$$ = 1M + (C) are objectives that are carried over from the 2025 list, (R) are objectives from the 2025 list that may have a second phase to the project and have been revised to reflect 2026 goals, (N
) reflect a project that is new in 2026
Group 1 = 41
objectives
Group 2 = 26
objectives
21 13
21 12
Attachment A ‐ 9 of 10
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2026 POTENTIAL CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
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IHS
PSWB $'s
Priority
N/R/C
OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
Sorted by:
Council Priority, Group #, estimated completion date, and finally by additional resource needs.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Group #
80 81
82 83
84 85
86 87
88 89
90 91
xN
Implement a gas‐powered leaf blower ban citywide, based on recommendation from Policy and Services Committee.
xC
Develop and implement strategies to activate vacant commercial storefronts, including establishing regulatory tools and streamlined permitting for temporary pop‐up stores.
xC
Zoning Code Update. Comprehensively Update the City's Zoning Code including policies that support Economic Development Strategies. Reformat for improved readability, update definitions, use categories, development standards and permitting processes.
xC
Prepare and present an El Camino Real Area Plan that prioritizes housing production and advance implementation consistent with City Council direction.
Milestones: Initiate discussion of scope of and vision for new area plan. xN
Study and report on vacancy tax options for commercial properties and residential “ghost homes,” including enforcement mechanisms used in other jurisdictions. xN
Increase housing capacity in the California Avenue corridor by developing and adopting policy and zoning options for City Council approval (assigned 08.14.23). xN
Coordinate and partner with CalCHA (California Community Housing Agency) to support affordable housing development initiatives.
xN
Zoning Code Text Amendments relating to impacts of higher density housing on neighboring properties multi‐family uses on commercially zoning properties next to residential uses (even if not residentially zoned). Assigned 11.13.23: Direct staff to review proposed amendments to PAMC 18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060 regarding Redwood residences as described in the November 7, 2023 letter from Kristi Bascom.
xC
Council consideration of a design option for California Avenue. Continue engaging stakeholders to refine alternative street designs for California Avenue and present to Council for discussion and action, including funding appropriations to pursue a street design in late Q2/early Q3 2026.
$$$
xC
Refine destination marketing efforts and enhance Palo Alto’s international reputation. Meet with hospitality partners and incubator/accelerators to assess willingness to partner with the City on destination marketing efforts and propose next steps, including necessary appropriation actions, to City Council in Q2 2026.
Not Recommended
For various reasons—including staff capacity to advance, feasibility challenges, or work is already underway.
Attachment A ‐ 10 of 10