August 17, 2026 www.PaloAlto.gov
CITY MANAGER
COMMENTS
www.PaloAlto.gov/CommunitySurvey
ANNUAL COMMUNITY SURVEY
• The Palo Alto Community Survey is a feedback loop that helps the City Council and City staff understand
community perspectives on services and programs, as
well as unmet needs and priorities.
• Lead by Polco on behalf of the City information
was mailed to a random sample of resident households
starting Thursday, August 13.
• As with previous years, the survey has two stages to gain input with a citywide online survey opening on
September 15.
Sign up to receive a notice when the survey opens for all residents.
www.PaloAlto.gov/StateOfTheCity
2026 STATE OF THE CITY
• Join the Mayor of Palo Alto for the 2026 State of the City on Wednesday, August 19 at the Palo Alto High School
Performing Arts Center; doors open and public comment
at 5:30 p.m.
• Watch live on YouTube or attend in person toearn about updates on the implementation of the City Council
Priorities, highlight achievements advancing the Council's Values and celebrate community successes with a
reception to follow.
Bike and complimentary vehicle parking available. RSVP requested, not required.
Special guest announced: 6-time National Champion and 4-time US Table Tennis Olympian Lily Zhang
www.PaloAlto.gov/Enjoy
REGISTER FOR FALL CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
Save the date to register for fall classes and activities:
• Resident registration: Thursday, August 20 at 10 a.m. • Non-resident registration: Thursday, August 27 at 10 a.m. • Find activities for all ages including art, theater, sports, dance, wellness, and more.
• Fee reductions and accommodation requests available for those eligible.
www.PaloAlto.gov/FestivalOfArts
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
• The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, a fine art and entertainment festival along University Avenue, returns for its 43rd year this weekend: August 22-23, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with support of the City of Palo Alto, this multifaceted art showcase spans all mediums, from 250 booths of unique fine art to live music to a street painting expo.
• The City is a co-sponsor of this community effort, and we encourage attending the event and staying to enjoy downtown restaurants and retail.
www.PaloAlto.gov/ThursdayLive
THURSDAY LIVE ON CAL AVE CONTINUES
• Join us for the next Thursday Live on Cal Ave.
for a Wellness and End of Summer celebration
on August 27, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Visit Cal Ave. for music and connection, and
stay for food and fun at local restaurants,
retail, bars and more.
• Upcoming dates in the series: August 27,
September 24 and October 31 (starts at 10
a.m.)
www.PaloAlto.gov/CouncilAgendas
AUGUST 24
• Study Session: Semi-Annual Independent Police
Auditor Discussion
• Oversized Vehicle Parking Update
• Buena Vista Regulatory Agreement
SEPTEMBER 9, WEDNESDAY , 5 p.m. Start
• Performance Evaluations- Closed Session
• Study Session: Consultant Contract Management
• Public Hearing: 470 Olive Avenue
• League of California Cities Delegates
• Colleagues Memo
NOTABLE TENTATIVE COUNCIL ITEMS
Council meeting on September 9 in
recognition of Labor Day, September 7.
SEPTEMBER 14
• Public Hearing: 375 Hamilton Avenue
• Water Revenue Bonds
• Stream Corridor Protection Actions
SEPTEMBER 28 and beyond
• Prescreening: 760 Cowper
• Grade Separation Direction to
Advance to 35% Design and
Environmental Documentation
• State and Local Measures
• SB 9 Permanent Ordinance
• BCC Workplans
SHARE INPUT & STAY INFORMED
City Manager Comments Survey:
PaloAlto.gov/citymanagerupdates
Gain Emergency Alerts & Other Updates:
PaloAlto.gov/connect
Sign Up for City Updates at:
PaloAlto.gov/NewsletterSignUp
City Calendar of Events and Meetings:
PaloAlto.gov/Calendar
www.PaloAlto.gov/connect