Mayor Elizabeth Lewis delivered a year-end address at the Atherton Town Council meeting on Dec. 17, summarizing what she called a year of “building a strong foundation for the future.” She cited a balanced 2025–26 budget, updates to the town purchasing ordinance, expanded IT services, a new long-term workers’ compensation strategy and state-approved revisions to the town’s housing element covering 2023–2031.

“2025 was about building a strong foundation for the future,” Lewis said, listing infrastructure and policy steps the council and staff completed, including a bicycle and pedestrian master plan update, sidewalk improvements at Lloyd Park, a residential permit-parking program around the town center, and grant applications for safety and mobility work along El Camino Real and Alameda de las Pulgas. She also noted design and contractor awards for library and park projects, with construction scheduled for 2026.

Lewis highlighted town efforts to address state housing mandates while preserving local standards: Atherton updated its ADU ordinance to comply with state law and pursued inclusionary housing discussions in a joint study session with the planning commission. She also described community engagement on a draft town charter and continuing work on drainage and stormwater resilience.

After the mayor’s remarks the council declared the mayoral seat vacant to entertain nominations. Council member Whitmer nominated “Stacy” (no surname given in the transcript); the nomination was seconded and approved by the council. The council then nominated Council member Rick DeGolia for vice mayor; DeGolia was sworn in and took the oath of office during the meeting.

The mayor’s address emphasized community events and volunteer participation, noting a resident survey that reported high satisfaction with public services and safety. She concluded by thanking staff, volunteers and council colleagues and wishing the town a peaceful holiday season.

Next steps: the council will proceed with the town’s 2026 work program referenced in Lewis’s remarks, including construction for library and park improvements and further planning on transportation and housing policy.