City Council - March 17, 2025

Council adopts framework for responding to federal actions

The City Council unanimously approved an edited resolution stating city values and establishing a framework for responding to federal actions that affect Palo Alto. The measure passed 7-0 after councilmembers revised it during the meeting.

The discussion focused on broadening the measure beyond executive orders and clarifying how urgent matters could reach the Policy and Services Committee or the full council. Members developed a process allowing referrals orally at a public meeting or in writing to the city manager and city attorney. A special meeting would still require 24 hours' notice and support from at least four of seven councilmembers, or two of three committee members.

The city attorney emphasized that potential litigation may be discussed in closed session only when permitted by the Brown Act, while non-litigation matters must be handled publicly. Several public speakers urged adoption, while one opposed the measure. The council expects to incorporate the approved procedures into a future handbook update.

Housing priorities return with funding and staffing questions unresolved

Council completed its discussion of annual objectives and committee work plans without adopting a revised work plan. Staff said the materials would return, potentially on the consent calendar, with firmer milestones and a plan for evaluating ways to raise significant money for affordable housing.

Councilmembers called for a sustained funding strategy, citing a need for more than 3,000 below-market-rate units during the current housing cycle. Staff reported that approximately $1.5 million to $2.5 million remained in the affordable-housing fund, with $5 million dedicated to a Charities Housing project on El Camino, and said a major new revenue source would likely require a bond, tax initiative or similar community-wide process.

The discussion did not produce agreement on whether limited planning capacity should be shifted from existing obligations toward a new revenue effort. Staff pointed to front-loaded Housing Element programs and major work on the Downtown and San Antonio plans, while councilmembers also pressed for progress at Buena Vista Mobile Home Park, Homekey and the proposed affordable-housing development at downtown Lot T.

Staff said a revised Homekey revenue agreement with Santa Clara County would return within weeks. It also proposed bringing an exclusive negotiating agreement with Alta Housing for Lot T to the council in the second quarter and completing required accessory dwelling unit ordinance changes by the end of June. The Housing Authority continued to reassess the scope and funding of work at Buena Vista.

Youth mental-health contract remains under review

Council did not approve a proposed 12-month, $125,000 first-phase contract with the JED Foundation. Members supported further evaluation but differed over whether to proceed directly or first assess coordination with existing mental-health services and other outreach, intake and safety initiatives.

The proposal is expected to be presented to the City Schools Committee on April 1, with possible later consideration by the school board and City Council. No formal council action was taken on the contract.

Youth Council calls for climate action and a stronger civic voice

The 30-member Palo Alto Youth Council told councilmembers that it now includes students from six schools and received twice as many applications as the prior year. In a survey of more than 260 young people, 68% said they knew little or nothing about what the City Council does, 52% doubted their voice could make a difference in government and 73% wanted the city to devote resources to combating climate change.

Councilmembers praised the report and discussed more regular youth participation at meetings through rotating representatives, shorter updates or twice-yearly written reports. They encouraged the Youth Council to monitor agendas and provide input on climate action, bicycle safety, recreation and major community-planning efforts, but adopted no formal participation policy.

Youth representatives said members had begun attending Monday council meetings and were turning information from city discussions into civic-education materials, including a bicycle-safety social-media graphic. The group also is planning a career-pathways event for late May.

Rail quiet-zone reviews advance at three crossings

Quiet-zone examinations at the Churchill, Meadow and Charleston rail crossings are proceeding through review by the Federal Railroad Administration and California Public Utilities Commission, the council announced.

Separately, representatives of six partner agencies tentatively supported seeking Urban Land Institute assistance with a design framework for the University Avenue Mobility Hub. The effort would proceed only after endorsement by all six agencies and was anticipated to begin in the fall.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda