Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in East Palo Alto public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in environment
Palo Alto Wastewater Treatment Plant Financing
The Sanitary District board adopted an updated sewer capacity fee of $10,115 per equivalent dwelling unit, a cost that flows to new development in the city.
Climate Action Plan Implementation
PCE — soon WestLight Energy — has delivered $4.6 million in customer savings locally, 116 EV charging ports, and free home electrification for qualifying low-income households starting in May or June. Councilmembers asked about EV charging at City Hall, senior electrification partnerships, and pairing chargers with the city's planned lighting project.
Illegal Dumping and Bulk Pickup Access for Renters
Council and public speakers flagged that renters can't directly order Recology bulk pickups — only landlords can — which fuels illegal dumping (over 1,150 dumped instances in 2025). Suggested fixes: landlord outreach, semiannual mailers, and reviving the neighborhood clean zone program.