Welcome to Palo Alto Matters, a new community resource for news, data, commentary and connections. Created by residents, for residents, Palo Alto Matters sifts through confusing rhetoric and complex City decisions to highlight what the local fuss is about and help you speak up for what matters to you.
Our city is at a crossroads as we confront the impacts of a thriving regional economy and the growth that comes with it. Understanding the issues and making your voice heard can put you in the driver’s seat. We’re here to help Palo Alto residents get informed, get involved and speak up for community-friendly solutions.
We’ll give you the headlines, along with information, data, and commentary, so you can:
- Understand the challenges our community faces;
- Build connections with resident activists;
- Hold City officials accountable; and
- Advance solutions that reflect what matters to you.
We live here. We play here. We walk, bike, shop, work and drive here. We raise our families and retire here. Local matters matter to us.
Get informed. Get involved.
Get solutions you can live with.
About the Editor
Jennifer Chang Hetterly is a Palo Alto native and community leader who is passionate about the importance of civic engagement to good government. A former Clinton Administration official, Jennifer knows from experience that in order to achieve balanced and lasting policy solutions, the people most affected must have a seat at the table. She has walked the walk locally, applying her skills and energies to advance community interests in Palo Alto policy-making for over 14 years.
Jennifer was a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Comprehensive Plan Update and former Chair of both the Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission and the Cubberley Community Advisory Committee, Facilities subcommittee. She also served extensively in PTA and Site Council leadership for the PAUSD.