Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in East Palo Alto public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues
Woodland Avenue and sidewalk improvement grants
The west side of Woodland Avenue has confusing, legally unenforceable no-parking signs, and major projects (Newell Bridge replacement, creek widening) will likely wipe out most remaining on-street parking. Residents are already getting tickets while hit-and-runs go uninvestigated, and the council wants hard numbers on parking losses plus neighborhood meetings before decisions.
SAFER Bay flood protection project costs and timeline
The levee/flood project protecting the city from bay flooding would get extended engineering contracts through 2031 and a construction management budget increase of roughly $148,000.
Daylighting and street safety rules
Residents reported a dangerous unfinished driveway entrance from the 2024 Addison sidewalk project, missing stop signs at Beach/Poagus, and problem speed bumps — asking the city to fix infrastructure left hazardous.
Woodland Park inclusionary housing compliance
The council rejected an ordinance that would have exempted projects of 20 units or fewer from inclusionary housing requirements until the countywide nexus study is complete. Opponents said it would permanently lose about 17 affordable homes and $2 million in fees; supporters argued the requirements make small projects impossible to build. The issue will return when the study concludes in 2027.
Reimagine Dumbarton Busway and Trail
SamTrans wants to turn the old rail line into a dedicated bus lane plus a walking and biking trail connecting East Palo Alto to Redwood City, possibly with service running deeper into EPA. Construction is optimistically the early 2030s.
ALPR Camera Oversight
Public commenters and a councilmember urged the city to reconsider its Flock camera contract after Mountain View pulled out over federal data-access abuses. The contract isn't signed yet, so the council can still exit.
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.
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.