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Council holds study session on housing and homelessness; staff to expand engagement and monitoring
Summary
City staff presented a county‑linked system‑of‑care overview, a gap analysis and enforcement and outreach options. Council directed staff to expand engagement, pursue rapid options including safe parking and Homekey operations, and to return with implementation steps.
The Palo Alto City Council held a study session Monday on housing and homelessness that covered county‑level system operations, local data from the recent point‑in‑time counts and a staff‑commissioned gap analysis identifying shortages across prevention, shelter and permanent housing.
Deputy City Manager Chantal Cottongains opened the session and said staff would bring options for homelessness prevention, housing production, supportive services and enforcement that address public health and safety while maintaining outreach to people experiencing homelessness. Presenters included Melissa McDonough (city staff), Hillary Armstrong from the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing and Police Chief Andrew Bender. City Attorney Molly Stump reviewed recent legal changes relevant to encampment enforcement.
The county official, Hillary Armstrong, summarized county strategy and performance measures, noting the county’s community plan goal and the continuing challenge of inflow — households newly entering homelessness — that outpaces housing placements. She described prevention and rapid re‑housing programs the county runs, and…
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