El Alto City Council honors public servants and recognizes Russ Reich for 25 years of service

Palo Alto City Council recognized the invaluable contributions of its public servants during a meeting on May 5, 2025, highlighting the importance of community service and employee dedication. The council celebrated Public Service Recognition Week by honoring city employees with significant years of service, ranging from 20 to 35 years.

Mayor Laoling opened the meeting by reading a proclamation that acknowledged the essential roles public servants play in maintaining the quality of life in Palo Alto. The proclamation detailed the impressive accomplishments of city staff over the past year, including overseeing over one million library materials lent, maintaining 32 parks, and responding to nearly 40,000 police calls. This recognition serves to remind citizens of the hard work and commitment of those who serve their community daily.

The council also honored 44 employees for their long-standing service, with many council members expressing gratitude for their loyalty and dedication. Vice Mayor Baker noted the remarkable longevity of these employees, emphasizing how their commitment strengthens the city.

In addition to the service awards, the council paid tribute to Russ Reich, a planning and development services employee who has dedicated over 25 years to the city. His contributions, including managing numerous planning applications and mentoring new staff, were recognized as vital to the city's development and community engagement.

The meeting underscored the city council's commitment to acknowledging the hard work of its employees and fostering a culture of appreciation within the community. As Palo Alto continues to grow, the contributions of its public servants remain crucial to ensuring a vibrant and responsive city.