City project
Downtown Housing Plan
Long-range initiative addressing housing development feasibility in downtown Palo Alto.
- Current status
- Staff stated it was underway, subject to evaluation of Senate Bill 79 options.
- Location
- Downtown Palo Alto, CA
July 16, 2026 update
Staff reported that the City had received five preliminary SB79 applications for potential downtown housing development.
Read related coverageJanuary 24, 2026: Staff outlined proposed planning milestones
Staff proposed draft scenarios for Council review, followed by plan drafting and initiation of environmental review. Staff said Senate Bill 79 options could affect the work.
Read related coverageOctober 22, 2025 progress update
Staff reported on plan progress, including a 2024 Housing Element baseline capacity of 334 new housing units across 32 housing opportunity sites. Staff reported a June 2025 community assessment, a baseline capacity of 334 units across 32 opportunity sites, and current feasibility challenges. Council discussed retaining tools that could encourage redevelopment for housing, including office-floor-area transfers.
Read related coverageJuly 9, 2025 commissioner update
A commissioner reported that limited downtown housing development was currently financially feasible, citing economic conditions, office competition, small site sizes, and parking as principal constraints.
Read related coverageGrant agreement amendment and deadline extension approved
Council approved an amendment to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission grant agreement, extending the deadline from April 30, 2025 to April 30, 2027 and revising scope and task allocations.
Read related coverage