Local Advocacy Organizations

In addition to your neighbors’ grassroots efforts, Palo Altans are involved with several local organizations that weigh in on Palo Alto issues and decision-making. To learn more about them or join their efforts, check out their websites below.

Notable Upcoming Action

Click here for full calendar

December 9, 2019

Supervisor Joe Simitian: City Council hold a study session with Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Joe Simitian. Beginning at 6:00 pm (City Hall).

Urgency Ordinance to prevent rent gouging and renter harassment: City Council will vote on the consent calendar (up or down vote, no debate) to approve and urgency ordinance proposed by Councilmembers Kou and DuBois to provide a temporary moratorium on no-fault evictions and prevent prohibitive rent increases until State Assembly Bill 1482 takes effect, and inform tenants and landlords of their rights and obligations. Beginning at 7:25 pm (City Hall). Click here for Colleagues’ Memo and draft ordinance. [Continued from December 2.]

Boards and Commissions: City Council will provide direction on the scope of review for council Procedures and Protocols related to Boards and Commissions including the role of Council Liaisons, commission-initiated projects, and commissioner conduct and terms. Beginning at 7:30 pm (City Hall). Click here for staff report.

Ban on e-cigarettes: Council will consider a Colleagues’ Memo from council members Cormack, Fine, and Tanaka seeking an urgency ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of all electronic cigarettes, supporting legislation to prevent on-line purchase of e-cigarettes by minors, and allowing $25,000 from the Council Contingency Fund to develop education programs for teens and families. Beginning at 8:30 pm (City Hall). Click here for Colleagues’ Memo.

December 10, 2019

Council Protocols and Procedures: The Council Policy and Services Committee will discuss and recommend amendments to the City Council Protocols and Procedures Handbook. Meeting begins at 6:00 pm (Community Meeting Room, City Hall). Click here for staff report.

2020 City Council Priorities: The Policy and Services Committee will discuss and make recommendations regarding the 2020 City Council priority setting process. Meeting begins at 6:00 pm (Community Meeting Room, City Hall). Click here for staff report.

December 11, 2019

470 Olive Avenue: The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on a two year extension of a zoning exception allowing an existing office use to remain in a Single Family Residential Zoning District. Meeting begins at 6:00 pm (City Hall). Click here for staff report.

December 16, 2019

Board and Commission appointments: City Council will vote on appointments to fill three seats on the Historic Resources Board, four seats on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and one seat on the Planning and Transportation Commission. Beginning at 5:30 pm (City Hall). Click here for staff report.

Wireless Communication Facilities: City Council will vote on a resolution amending the city’s objective standards for WCF in the public rights of way to clarify existing standards and add new standards regarding the prioritization, placement, location, and design criteria. Beginning at 7:35 pm (City Hall). Click here for staff report.

4115 El Camino Real: Council will hold a hearing on the subdivision of a .36 acre parcel to accommodate seven residential, two commercial, and two office condominiums. Beginning at 8:30 pm (City Hall). Click here for staff report.