Vice Mayor Benker and Council Members Advocate for Public Power and Housing Resources in Sacramento

Palo Alto's City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, highlighted critical discussions on housing, climate change, and transportation funding, as council members reported on their recent engagements at state and federal levels.

Vice Mayor Benker and Council Member Liu shared insights from their attendance at the Cal Cities City Leader Summit in Sacramento, where they emphasized the need for predictability in housing policies. They lobbied for state support on key bills, including AB 650 and SB 457, which align with the city’s agenda on housing and homelessness. Benker noted the challenging economic climate and the importance of securing resources from the recently approved climate bond to address local needs.

Additionally, Council Member Liu reported on a federal policy conference attended with Palo Alto Utilities COO Alan Curatori. They focused on issues such as wildfire policy, energy permitting reform, and the preservation of federal power resources, particularly the Central Valley hydropower project, which supplies 40% of Palo Alto's energy. Liu highlighted the significance of maintaining direct pay tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, which support public power projects.

Transportation was another key topic, with Council Member Burt discussing the potential for a regional sales tax to support transit agencies facing financial difficulties. He mentioned SB 63, which could enable a regional tax across several Bay Area counties, and noted the importance of polling results that indicated community support for both regional and local funding measures.

The discussions underscored the city’s proactive approach to securing necessary resources and advocating for policies that address pressing issues in housing, energy, and transportation. The council's efforts aim to ensure Palo Alto remains resilient amid economic uncertainties and evolving legislative landscapes.