City Council

Each year, the City Council reviews its priorities for the year at its annual Council Retreat. A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive significant attention during the year. Typically, priorities have a three-year time limit, although some may continue beyond that time period.

Thank you to the community members that shared their feedback on the 2023 Council priorities by emailing the Council, sharing thoughts at the retreat, and/or filling out the online survey.

On Saturday, January 28, 2023 the City Council selected the following priorities:

1. Economic Recovery and Transition

   As part of the 2023 priorities setting, City Council adopted Economic Recovery and Transition. Work plan adaptation to these priorities will be considered in the coming months. This specific priority includes looking at a cohesive vision for our commercial cores.

   Read the latest progress report on the Community and Economic Recovery plan. 

2. Climate Change & Natural Environment: Protection and Adaptation

   In early 2020, the City of Palo Alto launched an update to the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) to develop the strategies needed to meet our goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2030 and other community-wide sustainability goals. This priority will further this and related work, including the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Ad Hoc Committee work plan to help guide the development, implementation, communication, and future community engagement of the S/CAP process. 

   Read the latest progress report on the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. 

3. Housing for Social and Economic Balance

   The City Council priority (originally from 2021) is a focus on affordable and workforce housing, funding, and achievable plans. Work plan adaptation to these priorities will be considered in the coming months.

4. Community Health and Safety

   The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on all communities. As part of the 2023 priorities setting, City Council adopted Community Health and Safety. A work plan on this priority will be considered in the coming months. When this priority was originally adopted in 2021, City Council added that this priority should cover crime, mental health, air quality, noise, and a sense of belonging.

   Read the latest progress report on the City's Race & Equity work. 

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   View the City Council Priorities for 2023 page for more information.

Every year, the Mayor of Palo Alto hosts a State of the City Address to celebrate the community, recognize accomplishments, and set goals. Public dignitaries, staff, and Palo Altans come together each year for this event. The 2023 State of the City will be held by Mayor Lydia Kou.

In 2022, former Mayor Pat Burt hosted his State of the City Address to contemplate and celebrate the coming new year.

 Watch the 2022 State of the City Address

 Watch the 2021 State of the City Address

Palo Alto City Council strives to engage in effective and orderly meeting discussions for the City. The City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook (Revision Date: 02/01/2020) is an informational guide on City Council's order of business and aims to enhance public participation. This handbook is organized into two sections: "Public Participation in Council Meetings" and "Council Meeting and Agenda Guidelines." The Policy and Services Committee annually reviews the handbook to ensure good parliamentary practices and protocols.

For more details, view the Procedures and Protocols Handbook(PDF, 288KB)