City of Palo Alto Overview

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Address: 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

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Santa Clara County Government Listings > City of Palo Alto > Overview

A prosperous economy, an educated populace and a scenic backdrop make Palo Alto a desirable place to live—so much so that housing and growth are hot-button issues on the Palo Alto City Council, where “residentialist” candidates square off against pro-growth candidates—both those who support commercial development and those who are pushing for more middle- and low-income housing. With passions running high, Palo Alto has become one of the most expensive cities to run for council, as demonstrated in a report by MapLight, a nonpartisan group that studies the influence of money in politics.

City Council

Councilmembers serve the city at large rather than representing a geographic district. Meetings are cablecast live on Government Channel 26 or 29 and broadcast via KZSU Radio, 90.1 FM.

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Image caption: At an Oct. 11 discussion (available on YouTube), the LWV dissects issues on the ballot in Palo Alto.

EXPLAINER

League of Women Voters Analyze Props and Measures

Palo Alto voters will vote on seven statewide props and two local measures this election.

Image caption: The city of Palo Alto must build more than 6,000 housing units by 2031. But where to put them?

SIGNAL BOOSTER

Lots to Consider

Palo Alto needs more housing, but neighborhood NIMBYs loathe high density. Two architects say, why not build apartments on parking lots?

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Government City of Palo Alto City of Palo Alto City Council

From Palo Alto Online...

New Council, Same Priorities in Palo Alto

Jan. 27, 2023, 4 p.m.

Housing, climate change, economic recovery and community safety will continue to dominate City Council discussions in the coming year after members voted to adopt these official priorities.

Economy & Jobs City of Palo Alto

From Palo Alto Online...

Palo Alto Set to Approve New Contracts for SEIU Workers, Firefighters

Jan. 25, 2023, 4 p.m.

The city is preparing to approve multiyear contracts that would include raises and new benefits for its largest employee union, Service Employees International Union, and its main firefighter union.