Weekly City Manager Updates: November 18, 2024
City Manager Ed Shikada shares brief updates at each Council meeting, highlighting details about upcoming events, City services, and City Council discussions planned. His comments are summarized through our Palo Alto Connect Medium.com series to catch up on City issues and gain the latest news.
Watch Ed share updates from the November 18, 2024 Council meeting.
Timestamped City Council Video: City Council Meeting — November 18, 2024
Driverless Vehicles Expected in Palo Alto
The City was notified by autonomous vehicle companies Nuro and Waymo that their vehicles are beginning to operate without drivers in Palo Alto and nearby communities. These fully autonomous vehicles will not be carrying public riders at this time. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Public Utilities Commission have regulatory authority over autonomous vehicle companies and where they operate within the State.
City Hall Lobby Help Desk
Another resource is available at City Hall for the community to gain on the spot assistance. The City Hall Lobby Help Desk is now open.
Located at the customer service windows/Revenue Collections, visit Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, and 1–5 p.m. to say hello and to let us know how we can help you. The virtual lobby help desk remains available as another resource to support community needs.
Find online resources 24/7/365 at www.cityofpaloalto.org/lobbyservices.
Advancing Flood Protection Projects & Storm Readiness Reminders
Thanks to residents who spent the evening with us last Wednesday attending our community open house focused on storm preparedness, noting that we have rainy weather coming this week.
A new update answers questions we heard, shares City efforts ensuring storm drains and creeks are working properly and progress advancing the Newell Road Bridge Replacement project, initiating construction next summer 2025. Gain reminders residents can do to prepare as well such as staying informed, placing leaves in your green compost bin and learning about the City’s flooding notifications protocols.
Learn more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/StormReadinessReminders.
Support Local Holidays
With the winter season ahead, consider shopping local when thinking of gifts for loved ones and celebrating at local restaurants. From Cal Ave., University Ave. to Midtown, there’s something for everyone in Palo Alto to shop and eat local this holiday season.
We are continuing our Uplift Local Holidays again this year, encouraging local Palo Alto businesses to submit holiday promotions and discounts to connect our community to local shopping, restaurant and services. If you are a Palo Alto business, consider sharing your holiday promotions with us at www.UpliftLocal.org/Holiday-Promotions.
Learn more at www.UpliftLocal.org. Sign up to receive the City’s weekly Uplift Local eNewsletter to gain updates, news, information about events, ways to engage and volunteer, and more.
NOTABLE TENTATIVE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS
December 2
- Cubberley Next Steps
- Weeds as a nuisance
- Colleague’s memorandum regarding Juristac/Sargent Ranch
- Council Appointee Employment Agreements
December 9
- Study Session: Community Survey Results
- University Ave Streetscape Update
- City Council Reimbursements
December 16
- Study Session: Council Ad Hocs Report Out
- Downtown Affordable Housing
January 2025
- January 6: Reorganization Meeting
- January 13 and 21: Council Meetings
- January 25: Council Retreat
Stay engaged and informed with the City Council portal at www.cityofpaloalto.org/CouncilAgendas.
COUNCIL ACTIONS SUMMARY
Council Actions
Municipal Fee Schedule Changes: Amended impact fees on residential development from a per unit to square feet basis, and directed staff to evaluate eliminating development fees for affordable units and other structures and fees.
Economic Development & Retail Measures: Adopted an urgency ordinance to allow more retail uses. Directed staff to continue work with the Planning and Transportation Commission to continue expanding the definition of allowed retail-like uses.
BE INFORMED & STAY CONNECTED
- Gain emergency alerts and other updates: CityofPaloAlto.org/Connect
- Catch up on the latest City news through signing up for digital newsletters: CityofPaloAlto.org/newslettersignup
- Sign Up for Open Town Hall to share input through online surveys
- Attend events and meetings: CityofPaloAlto.org/Calendar
- View the City of Palo Alto Website: CityofPaloAlto.org
- Find City Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes: CityofPaloAlto.org/CouncilAgendas
- Search for Services Near You
- City Manager Comments Survey: CityofPaloAlto.org/citymanagerupdates
