October 5, 2026 www.paloalto.gov
2026 Ballot Measures
Discussion and Positions
Chantal Cotton Gaines, Deputy City Manager
Christine Prior, Assistant City Clerk
Carly Shelby, Deputy Director, Townsend Public Affairs
1 • City Council regularly considers adopting positions on state and local ballot measures presented to Palo Alto voters in elections years • Intended to provide information for Palo Altans to consider when voting and offer opportunity for City Council discussion
• Staff recommended positions are based on the City Council adopted 2026 Legislative Guidelines and previous City Council action
BACKGROUND
2 • 14 Statewide Measures
• Negotiations reshaped the ballot: an additional 6 initiatives were withdrawn and 1 missed the signature-verification deadline
2026 STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURES
3 2026 STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURES
Title Recommendation and Guideline
Proposition 1: Authorizes Bonds for Housing
Affordability Programs
Support.
Guideline: “Supports additional state and federal funding in support of affordable housing”
Human Relations Commission recommended City Council
support on 10/29/26.
Proposition 37: Creates Loan Program For MiddleIncome Buyers of Qualified New HomesSupport.
Guideline: “Promotes the development and
enhancement of safe and affordable housing and
accessible housing within the City for all economic
segments of the population”
Proposition 43: Limits Voters’ Ability To Raise
Revenues For Local Government Services
Oppose.
Guideline: “Supports the lowering or maintaining of voter thresholds for local revenue measures
4 • 1 regional measure
• 1 local municipal measure
2026 REGIONAL AND LOCAL MEASURES
Title Previous Council Action
Regional Transit Measure – Connect Bay Area Transit
Initiative
Support.
The City Council endorsed this measure on March 2, 2026 Measure J – City of Palo Alto Community
Safety/Services
Support.
Cubberley acquisition and renovation funding is a 2026
City Council Priority and City Council voted to place the measure on the ballot.
5 City Council review and discuss the November 3, 2026 state and local ballot measures and consider adoption of formal positions as relevant to the City of Palo Alto or desired by the City Council
Recommendation