Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in East Palo Alto public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Measure JJ Anti-Displacement Program
The family towing business, which serves the city, was given three months to leave its Ontario Street site and asked the council for help finding a new location or extending its tenancy.
Mayor combining State of the City with candidate forum
Residents and two councilmembers blasted the mayor's plan to hold his State of the City address alongside a council candidate forum — with some candidates never notified. Critics call it an appearance of city endorsement; Romero wants it agendized for a vote.
Structural budget deficit
The city is spending about $4.7 million more than it takes in from its general fund next year, and recurring costs are growing faster than tax revenue. Staff say reserves can bridge the gap for now, but one-time federal money and other stopgaps are running out — meaning harder choices are coming.
FY 2026-27 city budget
The city faces a structural deficit and the budget adoption was pushed to June 23 after the long housing debate.
Five-year information technology modernization
The city's computer systems are aging, siloed and vulnerable to hackers. The new five-year plan spends roughly $2 million a year at peak to fix cybersecurity, replace the outdated ERP and build a 311-style system so residents can report potholes online instead of calling council members. Actual spending still needs yearly budget approval.
Council term limits
The council is weighing whether and when to ask voters to limit councilmembers to consecutive four-year terms. June placement would cost more ($75,500–$90,600) with ~20% turnout; November would cost less with ~51% turnout but shares a ballot with a planned bond measure. The council opted to defer a decision to a future meeting.