City Council - January 12, 2026

Council retains synthetic turf while pursuing natural-grass alternatives

The City Council approved replacing El Camino Park’s existing synthetic athletic field with an improved synthetic-turf system while also backing development of an enhanced natural-grass pilot and continued study of moving Cubberley fields away from artificial turf. At Greer Stone’s request, the package was divided into two motions; one passed 6-1 and the other 7-0, with Stone casting the only dissenting vote on one portion and supporting the other.

The decision followed extensive debate over year-round sports capacity and potential health and environmental effects. Staff estimated that converting El Camino Park to natural grass would displace approximately 1,221 players annually, including about 570 Palo Alto residents, because the city’s natural-grass fields typically close during the winter. Supporters cited that capacity constraint and proposed safeguards including organic cork infill, PFAS testing and stormwater filtration.

Stone argued against retaining artificial turf, citing a December 2025 letter from the Santa Clara County Medical Association and calling for investment in natural grass and better use of approximately 20 underused fields. Public commenters were also divided, with opponents raising concerns about heat, microplastics, runoff and chemical exposure while supporters emphasized reliable access for youth and adult sports.

Staff expects to return with cost estimates for the natural-grass pilot as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget. The council also endorsed continued exploration of alternatives to synthetic turf ahead of an anticipated 2028 replacement at Cubberley.

Council members push for a smaller 2026 priority list

Council members called for a narrower and more measurable framework for city priorities when they meet for their annual retreat Jan. 24. No formal vote was taken, but members generally supported reducing or ranking the current list of 70 objectives, clarifying the distinctions among values, priorities and objectives, and developing mid-level goals tied to concrete outcomes.

Staff reported that 66% of the 2025 objectives were completed, while 23% were behind schedule, 7% remained on track after a scope change and 4% were on hold. Members differed over whether housing and climate should remain recurring annual priorities or instead be treated as enduring city values, and several cautioned against deciding before the retreat that the existing four priorities must remain unchanged.

During related implementation updates, staff said work to identify affordable-housing funding had been delayed as City Manager’s Office resources focused on time-sensitive oversized-vehicle policies and services. Staff also said the new teen center was planned to open in February, while revised stream and creek setback requirements were expected to go to the Planning and Transportation Commission in the first quarter before reaching the council later in 2026.

Council authorizes litigation in one case

After meeting in closed session, the council reported that it had authorized the City Attorney to initiate litigation in one case.

Public Improvement Corporation approves FY2025 statements

Sitting as the Palo Alto Public Improvement Corporation board, the council unanimously approved the corporation’s fiscal year 2025 financial statements. The outside auditor issued a clean opinion on the statements.

The corporation has three outstanding debt obligations totaling $138 million, associated with a 2018 refinancing, the 2019 California Avenue parking garage project and the 2021 Public Safety Building.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda