[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6632931,"mediaKeyId","2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577","parentId",2667396,"title","Votes at a glance: closed session, consent calendar, resolution adopted unanimously","audioSeconds",6923,"startMs",6123000,"endMs",13046000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577&start=6123&end=13046","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577/thumbnail_6123000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6632931/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-closed-session-consent-calendar-resolution-adopted-unanimously","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632931-6437af8e13431c441bd59049f15bfe42/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135577&Signature=U75e1UhmZqIx4ylr6CCgTbsS1KOY84NeUj1z23yVloqGzEv5mXe7U9375M~SQMlnG4RqpmWmCtjRMpt0-dRiIuCPyEhII4DpUUvzjCE5Le65XnYDr4kkIcy-meug2ctHJRoBUFqZTLRHFyKEusp4oVnKzAM-kKYjASasIVXq7HYFqbayRMidAdVgXT5exyVk1raa64ivbNvOta8A~g6v0usqnl1s-c9sZxkr62iKPIe57bMbuP2A~g62z4dCTB-rJ0ixFsuEkPp6XLV9qLpuI9IR0kahYBw7N1fz3e4TClAhY5vhacnkR6tJBUqnzdP98GKvkuVC7fGcuC49P3DMnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Palo Alto City","date","2025-03-18T06:25:29.547Z","article","PALO ALTO, Calif. — The Palo Alto City Council recorded three formal actions during its March 17 meeting:

1) Motion to move into closed session on labor negotiations — approved unanimously.

2) Consent calendar approval (items 4–9) — approved unanimously.

3) Adoption of the “resolution responding to federal actions” — approved unanimously.

Details

Closed session: At about 7:12 p.m. the council voted to adjourn into a closed session to confer with labor negotiators. The motion was moved and seconded on the record; the subsequent roll-call vote was unanimous. The council later reported returning from closed session with nothing to report.

Consent calendar: The council approved the consent calendar (items 4 through 9) by roll-call vote; the minutes show each councilmember voting yes.

Resolution on federal actions: Following debate and public comment, the council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution directing staff to monitor federal actions, pursue expedited review when necessary, coordinate with lobbyists and representatives, and consider litigation or friend-of-the-court filings when appropriate. The motion passed on a 7-0 roll-call vote.

Vote records (as recorded in the meeting transcript)

- Closed session (conference with labor negotiators): vote recorded as unanimous; individual roll call included council members recorded as yes and the clerk announcing \"Motion carries unanimously.\" (Transcript: motion at 1613.865; vote recorded at 1644.17.)

- Consent calendar (items 4–9): Roll-call recorded as: Council member Stone — Yes; Council member Burt — Yes; Vice Mayor Vinger — Yes; Council member Lickot Haines — Yes; Council member Lou — Yes; Council member Recto — Yes; Mayor Loughing — Yes. (Transcript around 10323–10348.)

- Resolution responding to federal actions: Roll-call recorded as: Vice Mayor Vinger — Yes; Mayor Lalling — Yes; Council member Stone — Yes; Council member Rechdel — Yes; Council member Liu — Yes; Council member Burton — Yes; Council member Liffat Haines — Yes. Motion carries unanimously. (Transcript around 21836–21846.)

Notes

- The meeting transcript shows some variation and transcription artifacts in councilmembers’ names (for example \"Vinger\"/\"Venker,\" \"Loughing\"/\"Lalling\"). This summary uses the names as read in the recorded roll-call votes.

Ending

Council staff will act on the adopted resolution and return with implementation details; the other votes were procedural or routine approvals.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During the March 17, 2025 Palo Alto City Council meeting the council took three formal votes: it approved a motion to hold a closed session on labor negotiations (unanimous); approved the consent calendar items (items 4–9) (unanimous); and unanimously adopted a resolution responding to federal actions.","taxTitle","Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California","taxId",3867,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632936,"Council hears staff constraints, funding shortfall as Palo Alto advances housing strategies",506,10734000,11240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577&start=10734&end=11240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577/thumbnail_10734000.jpg","/articles/6632936/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-hears-staff-constraints-funding-shortfall-as-Palo-Alto-advances-housing-strategies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632936-160c73dd2479a997749ef0faa377fb8a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135577&Signature=Uv7FncuZjhXoP~hggo62XNZYsShmktgU1fWC02MgC1lO1PJSlAsfuXQobymclIalXMjPnwVivWMxcALmmPPR1ejd4t5FY0d1g3kHYsg-7UuypvNETusNjMYkrlyhTh11Cu~JnN3n~Pi0l07PXTTfhAH4pvvMEyciWeeUFAUOqhiG8w83s542UTNDHqrGpFOl9hCn62jZZrOm6n0qKWBuZqfGSI5~VErgi1v6dBWfg3dd4--Vd4wLsC6XwkIDz1jYg4sKwnF8obsVlKNmD~lB86U2q4d10uXL3IQ1GlfsRSECLRhZUkoDKXeEX719ZhHvfe93oZJzNPNzlBLM0Cje5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PALO ALTO, Calif. — City planning staff and councilmembers traded questions and concerns about how to deliver a wide set of housing strategies while carrying out an intensive, state-mandated housing element program.

Director Jonathan Lait (Planning and Development Services) told the council that several large projects — including the downtown housing plan and San Antonio Road area plan — are “big initiatives that are going to require a lot of our time and resources,” and that some lower-priority objectives were deferred because staff capacity is focused on mandated housing-element work.

Why it matters: The council and staff agreed there is a large gap between Palo Alto’s affordable-housing goals and the dollars available to realize them. Council members said staff vacancies, competing mandates and limited affordable housing funds threaten the city’s ability to produce and preserve income-restricted homes.

Key points from the discussion

- Staff capacity: Council Member Lythcott Haims noted the planning department’s vacancy rate and asked how the department will produce on both the housing element and other strategic objectives. Director Lait confirmed vacancies in long-range planning and said some work could be staggered later in the year; several councilmembers urged departmental hires or outside resources for critical tasks.

- Funding shortfall: Council Member Stone and others pointed to depleted affordable-housing reserves. Director Lait said the council had authorized $5 million recently for an affordable project on El Camino, leaving an estimated $1.5–2.5 million in the city’s affordable housing fund.

- Local revenue options: Multiple councilmembers asked staff to study local funding options. City staff and the city attorney said major revenue sources that move the needle often require voter approval (bonds or tax measures), and would necessitate a community process. Council members also urged exploration of a vacancy (\"ghost\") tax, locally raised bonds, or a county-level measure to generate funds for affordable units.

- Buena Vista mobilehome park: Deputy City Manager Chantelle Cotton Gaines said the Santa Clara County housing authority remains committed to maintaining affordability at Buena Vista while reassessing project scope in light of funding constraints. Council members requested an explicit milestone and suggested staff keep the council informed as the authority completes its review.

Council direction and next steps

Council members asked staff to:
- Bring back a concrete workplan with measurable milestones for large-area initiatives (downtown housing plan, San Antonio area plan and development-impact-fee updates).
- Develop and present options to raise additional revenue for affordable housing, including analyses of feasibility and timeline for a local ballot measure or vacancy tax. City manager and city attorney staff said such efforts would require broad interdepartmental work and public engagement.

Ending

Council members said they want immediate action on funding options and clearer milestones on major planning efforts. Staff said it would return with detailed milestones and a proposed approach to begin analyzing local revenue options.

","City staff told the City Council March 17 that the housing element and large-area planning work have created high workload pressure in Planning & Development, leaving some housing-related objectives deferred. Council members pressed for a local revenue plan — including vacancy/\"ghost\" taxes or bond measures — to fund affordable housing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632942,"Palo Alto Youth Council reports record applications, releases youth issue census showing low civic engagement",5623,7476000,13099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577&start=7476&end=13099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577/thumbnail_7476000.jpg","/articles/6632942/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Palo-Alto-Youth-Council-reports-record-applications-releases-youth-issue-census-showing-low-civic-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632942-caf98f34058e29b14eaaad5d7ffbc8b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135577&Signature=NqqcTOcwei0t8PdMQZ7ax9k3PeCqqXrt5lS4rUtNfJQQvGnCmghqTpQLf7qhiKWzdDJSZOoYxO-JchGR3jEgn8qy9albLf1xkJ9wQgPhtdHUiJUzYIldXqJ4Wxb2RK4-Srsdg08Xp4rtx9BT9Z5HDAMK-BGWPIZGwPvIE0Mu~PqF9WzV3lPgDi7tzYQummyoFmoRI8D7l2DG6G6eF8zdIme~I4MjRCwfkhB40Y0o8z~yTdpbOTkTAzmbeoNx4iA7J4JLPFEzjXAZ5OPfVk38v9s23dW4pIpakRf5AIeHOoTMOiX8xUIFGpS0NbYp9EY9LVt680WOrt1fXoHhvZQfmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PALO ALTO, Calif. — The Palo Alto Youth Council told the City Council on Monday that it has grown to a 30-member body this year, produced a digitized mental health resource guide, and completed an inaugural youth issue census that found many young people feel safe in the city yet disconnected from local government.

The study session presentation outlined the council’s three themes for the year — mental health, civic education and climate — and described recent and planned projects including a mental health resource web guide, a substance-abuse education video, an academic \"study cram\" event that served more than 260 teens, a civic-impact summit, and a community outreach event pairing pancakes and pickleball.

Why it matters: The youth census of 262 respondents showed a mix of confidence and concern. According to council leaders, roughly 99% of youth reported feeling moderately to very safe in Palo Alto, but many said they lacked knowledge of how city government works: 68% reported knowing little to nothing about what the City Council does and about half said they did not believe their voice could influence local government.

What youth told the council

Natia, president of the Palo Alto Youth Council, told the City Council that youth selected themes during a retreat and that the Council doubled its usual candidate pool by opening the application early in June 2024. \"We are so, so excited to tell you more about who we are as a council,\" she said.

Charlie, who summarized the youth census, said the survey’s top findings included strong perceptions of personal safety and a demand for safer biking infrastructure and stronger climate action. \"Most youth don't feel civically engaged — they don't understand what the council does,\" Charlie said. \"This data underscores the importance of the work we've done this year and must do in the future, to connect youth with the City Council.\"

Programs and events

The Youth Council described several recent initiatives:

- A digitized mental health resource guide with interviews of local mental health professionals, made public on the group’s website.
- A substance-abuse information video with expert interviews.
- The \"Bridal study cram slam,\" a three-day academic support event that served more than 260 teens and included tutors and therapy dogs.
- A civic impact summit with guest speakers and a youth issue census to collect data on youth priorities.

Upcoming activities include a Pancakes & Pickleball morning on March 29 designed to pair informal sports with policy conversation, an Earth Day outreach presence and a Powapalooza youth community event. The council also plans a \"paths to careers\" event focused on alternatives to four-year college, with booths and resume/interview workshops.

Council response and follow-ups

Council members praised the presentation and asked that the Youth Council continue sending regular updates to the council and staff. Council liaison Lythcott Haims suggested smaller, more frequent updates rather than repeated full study sessions, and recommended the City provide staff support where available. Council Member Stone recommended rotating representation when the council wants to speak at full council meetings. Several council members offered to connect Youth Council leaders with community partners and suggested venues for career-path programming.

Ending

The Youth Council closed by inviting councilmembers to upcoming events and offering to share the census dataset for further analysis. Councilmembers requested a follow-up on specific items including safe biking, civic education partnerships, and the design of an upcoming teen center on University Avenue.

","The Palo Alto Youth Council briefed the City Council March 17 on its 30-member program year, new outreach roles, a digitized mental health resource guide, a youth issue census of 262 respondents and upcoming events focused on mental health, climate and civic education.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632947,"Palo Alto council adopts resolution to monitor, respond to federal actions; creates expedited review paths",1981,11068000,13049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577&start=11068&end=13049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667396-1e920c37553dbc70a22207b689b3c577/thumbnail_11068000.jpg","/articles/6632947/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Palo-Alto-council-adopts-resolution-to-monitor-respond-to-federal-actions-creates-expedited-review-paths","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632947-a8b2f762a01a562a6d4739c5dfe47a81/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135577&Signature=j07RsQUghJ8g3MoRofi0df-266JrhyuJY1~oQ7G7XJvX9aj6UGYRkfKbyuZuzqM2un8JDwMt6JYXyYv8~MvNfi7BKTEg-fT7n3HYa45XSYLuHBwlQFLo3UBDkNgYw3Snv-GKStZ8UCHcdXAziAPTkZml5lfNYMtD8Jqh3GEYUJis0W5JAGscHHQ1pbPulFRt0wcOJxf~W00dsOFTKAr33~TxsXEmzh8kIjyuYNaG2CM-segfrA8B6UEtym9Pb0WA7M2IwnTYLuHz8xtZ6-Xw56~GAcdbeb0syBBGCZI72E7wEJTJgxaVlOCL13YcnzmVa4uIuxVs3Ika4jZdRI8AEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PALO ALTO, Calif. — The Palo Alto City Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution directing city staff and councilmembers to monitor federal actions that may affect city services, funding and residents and to prepare a coordinated response that can include litigation, lobbying and public outreach.

The resolution lays out a three-part approach — communicate, legislate and litigate — and adds an expedited referral process that allows two councilmembers to request Policy & Services committee review of time-sensitive federal developments rather than waiting for the normal colleagues-memo process. The council voted 7-0 on the measure.

Why it matters: Council members said the move is intended to give the city a quicker, clearer way to decide whether to join lawsuits, sign friend-of-the-court briefs, seek state or federal remedies, or mobilize advocacy when federal policy changes could materially reduce grant funding or otherwise affect Palo Alto services.

Council debate and changes

Council members and staff spent more than an hour refining the language and the procedures the city will use if it chooses to pursue legal or policy action. Council Member Stone said the measure balanced speaking out against federal moves she described as “a threat to our city’s values” with the need to avoid “virtue signaling.” She told colleagues: “I’m not interested in virtue signaling. I’m interested in protecting the city and the people in it.”

Council Member Burt pressed for clearer, faster internal procedures for the city to consider litigation. Staff and the city attorney explained that some legal actions require closed-session discussion, while other advocacy or legislative responses can be discussed in public committees. The final language permits two councilmembers to refer an item to the Policy & Services committee either by brief comment during councilmember comments or in writing to the city manager and the city attorney; the committee then may consider the item and recommend action to the full council.

Public comment at the meeting included supporters who told the council the resolution was “good enough” and urged adoption, and at least one commenter who criticized members for unrelated prior council choices.

What the resolution directs

- Staff to monitor federal executive actions, litigation and legislative activity that could affect city funding, programs or values;
- The mayor and city manager to communicate significant developments to the public and to the council;
- City lobbyists to press the city’s priorities with state and federal representatives;
- A process for rapidly evaluating and, if appropriate, joining or filing lawsuits or amici briefs; and
- A procedure enabling two councilmembers to request expedited Policy & Services review (either during councilmember comments or by brief written request) when an item requires swift council consideration.

City attorney and staff said the resolution does not replace existing legal or budgetary review but is intended to make the city’s options clearer and speed the steps needed when deadlines or rapidly changing federal policy require a quick response.

Next steps

Councilmembers asked staff to publish the new referral procedure in the council procedures handbook and to provide a brief weekly or monthly digest of notable federal developments that could affect the city. The resolution requires staff to return with any necessary implementation details and to work with the Policy & Services committee on the procedural steps.

Ending

During a divided but ultimately unanimous discussion, councilmembers said they preferred a single, clear mechanism to respond rapidly to federal policy changes rather than a patchwork of ad hoc responses. The council adopted the resolution with a 7-0 roll call; staff will return with implementation details.

","The Palo Alto City Council unanimously adopted a resolution March 17, 2025, setting a framework to monitor federal executive actions and creating faster internal paths to evaluate potential legal or policy responses, including litigation, lobbying and public communication.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: closed session, consent calendar, resolution adopted unanimously

Council hears staff constraints, funding shortfall as Palo Alto advances housing strategies

Palo Alto Youth Council reports record applications, releases youth issue census showing low civic engagement

Palo Alto council adopts resolution to monitor, respond to federal actions; creates expedited review paths