Palo Alto declares May as Affordable Housing Month amid housing crisis

The Palo Alto City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, focused on significant community issues, particularly the proclamation of May as Affordable Housing Month. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges of housing affordability in the city and the steps being taken to address these issues.

During the meeting, Council Member Stone read the proclamation, emphasizing that safe and affordable housing is a basic human right. The proclamation noted that many families in Silicon Valley struggle to find affordable homes due to the high cost of living. It outlined the city’s commitment to accommodating 6,086 new housing units by 2031, as part of the sixth cycle housing element, which includes programs aimed at increasing affordable housing availability.

Emily Ann Ramos from SV at Home accepted the proclamation, underscoring the importance of affordable housing in fostering strong communities. She shared alarming statistics from the 2023 census, revealing that 40% of renter households in Palo Alto are cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing. Ramos praised the city’s efforts but stressed that the need for affordable housing solutions remains critical.

The city has implemented various initiatives, including the development of affordable housing on city-owned parking lots and the establishment of a permanent funding source for affordable housing through business tax revenue. The proclamation also mentioned the city’s support for homeless individuals, including the continuation of a safe parking ordinance and the development of an interim housing shelter.

The meeting concluded with an invitation to the community to participate in an affordable housing resources fair scheduled for May 17, aimed at raising awareness and providing information on housing resources. The council's commitment to addressing housing challenges reflects a broader movement to ensure that all residents have access to safe and stable homes.