Temporary Housing Incentive Program

Began commenting on the consent calendar but was redirected; she urged the council to vote against the temporary housing incentive ordinance, warning rising rents will empty Tongan churches and erase Pacific Islander culture.

Opposed the temporary program, saying the 35% AMI commitment was where the city was headed and that 'nothing is temporary' about weakening protections.

Spoke in Spanish against weakening the inclusionary ordinance, saying the community fought for these protections and every 5% reduction means losing affordable opportunities.

Consultant for the 1201 Runnymede townhome project asked the council to set the small-project exemption at 20 units instead of 10, which would unlock 34 entitled townhomes.

Former councilmember urged waiting for the nexus study, calling the proposed 7-8% requirements 'outrageous' and a step toward making EPA a bedroom community for Palo Alto.

Former mayor urged denial of the THDIP, saying inclusionary housing let him raise his family here and that EPA shouldn't be compared to Redwood City.

Warned the program would add 2,000 higher-income units, shifting the voting majority and decimating political power of working-class people of color.

Born-and-raised resident urged the council to wait for the next study, accusing members of selling out residents to developers.

Long-time resident credited below-market-rate programs with keeping her in the community for 25 years and asked the council to wait for the study.