Palo Alto is Updating its Housing Element and Seeks Community Input

Published on May 03, 2021

Over the next two years, Palo Alto will be embarking on an important process to update its citywide housing plan. Community input will be vital to this process, so the City is inviting you to the first of several public workshops to let the community know what to expect and how to stay involved!

The Housing Element is one of the State-mandated components of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. It offers a comprehensive strategy for the City to provide enough sites for safe, decent, and affordable housing in the community. The Housing Element has two main purposes:

To provide an assessment of current and future housing needs and the constraints people can encounter in meeting these needs
To provide a strategy that establishes housing goals, policies, and programs

This Housing Element update represents the City of Palo Alto’s sixth Housing Element and plans for the years 2023 through 2031. The City values the input of residents and stakeholders throughout the update process and will offer numerous opportunities to be involved.

Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities

Attend the special virtual Joint Study Session of the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and City Council on Monday, May 10 at 5 p.m. to hear a detailed presentation of the Housing Element requirements and process. Public comment will be taken during the Study Session.
Community Workshop: Join the City virtually on Saturday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to learn what goes into a Housing Element and how you can help shape our city. We will give an overview of:

Planning for housing in Palo Alto
State requirements for the Housing Element
The Housing Element update process and timeline
How you can stay involved and give input

Zoom Information:

Join the Zoom Meeting Online
Or by phone number: (669) 900-6833
Webinar ID: 914 2526 0230

For details, go to cityofpaloalto.org/HEUpdate.