East Palo Alto, California Development News
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East Palo Alto Council Rejects Temporary Ordinance to Waive Affordable Housing Requirements for Small Developments
The council discussed and ultimately rejected a proposed temporary ordinance intended to incentivize housing production for smaller projects by waiving inclusionary housing requirements for projects with 20 or fewer units. The ordinance was met with significant public opposition, with many residents and some council members arguing it would reduce affordable housing options and potentially accelerate gentrification. The Planning Commission had also previously recommended against the ordinance due to inconsistencies with the general plan's goals of creating more housing opportunities and preventing displacement. Despite staff arguments about feasibility and potential housing production, the council voted to reject the proposed ordinance.
East Palo Alto Council Increases Funding for Community Programs, Adding Four New Organizations to TOT Grant Recipients
The City Council reviewed recommendations for the allocation of $550,000 in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) grant funds for fiscal year 2026-2027. The Community Grants Review Panel evaluated 20 applications, recommending funding for 12 organizations totaling $388,797. Several council members expressed a desire to fund additional worthy programs, particularly 'Fit to the Core' for seniors and 'REPACT' for emergency preparedness, and 'East Palo Alto Community Archive' for its youth history program. Councilmember Romero proposed adding $30,000 each to these three groups, totaling $90,000, and potentially adding 'Build Play Learn Labs' as well. While acknowledging staff capacity limitations and the potential strain of administering more grants, the council moved to add funding for four additional organizations (REPACT, EPA Community Archive, Fit to the Core, and Build Play Learn Labs), each receiving $30,000, increasing the total funded organizations to 16, with a total allocation of $478,797. Concerns were raised about the long-term sustainability of funding more organizations given staff and budget limitations.
East Palo Alto Council Approves General Obligation Bond Measure for November Ballot, Aiming to Fund Civic Center and Infrastructure
The council considered a proposed ordinance for a second reading and adoption regarding the submission of a General Obligation bond measure to voters in the November election. The proposed measure aims to authorize the city to incur General Obligation (GO) bonds to fund a civic center (including a new library, city offices, community spaces, and a police facility), water system infrastructure, and stormwater system infrastructure. Community polling indicated strong voter support for additional funding for public infrastructure, with nearly two-thirds supporting the bond measure after receiving more information. The proposed ballot question and funding details were presented, and the council voted to approve the ordinance and resolution, ordering the bond measure to be placed on the November ballot. Council members discussed the importance of clear communication regarding costs and uses, with a committee being appointed to help draft the ballot argument.
East Palo Alto Identifies Top Three Sites for New Water Storage Tanks, Prioritizing City-Owned Locations
The council heard a presentation on a water storage tank siting study, which identified six potential locations for new potable water storage to meet the city's needs. The study recommended advancing three sites for further evaluation: 1893 Woodland Avenue (former RV park), 2474 Polgas Avenue (former library site), and the Tanklage site (city-owned property). Site 1 (Woodland Ave) offered the strongest hydraulic benefit but is privately owned and requires acquisition and flood mitigation. Site 2 (Polgas Ave) is city-owned, cost-effective, but has arsenic contamination and visual impact concerns. Site 6 (Tanklage) is city-owned, outside the floodplain, and has no known contamination, but requires more detailed evaluation. Council members discussed the trade-offs of each site, including cost, land ownership, hydraulic benefits, environmental concerns, and visual impacts, with a preference emerging for Site 6 (Tanklage) and Site 1 (Woodland Ave) due to their advantages, while Site 2 (Polgas Ave) was deemed unlikely due to CCNR restrictions.
East Palo Alto Residents Demand Action on Aggressive Dog Issue Near EPA Center
During public comment, multiple residents raised concerns about ongoing public safety issues, specifically aggressive dogs in the area near the EPA Center. Speakers reported persistent issues with dogs chasing, attacking, and biting people and pets, despite numerous reports to animal control, the county sheriff, and the police department. Residents expressed frustration that public safety seems to rely on neighborhood social media alerts rather than effective city management and inter-agency coordination. A resident urged the City Manager's office to collect detailed information from animal control and the police department regarding reports, actions taken, and resolutions to address the issue and restore safety to the area.
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The East Palo Alto News archive
Architectural Review Board - July 16, 2026
Public Works and Transportation Commission
East Palo Alto Sanitary District (EPASD) Advisory Committee
Planning Commission
Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting - July 8, 2026
City Council
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