Palo Alto's Planning and Transportation Commission just completed its review of the Comprehensive Plan.  Although the plan itself spans a vast array of topics, the Commission spent much of their review time talking about parking policies.   The reason that parking policies have moved front-and-center has to do with housing (and development more generally).  Palo Alto's new Comprehensive Plan recognizes that there is a housing crisis in Palo Alto, and has committed to a significant increase in housing unit construction.  However, our community fears some of the undesirable side effects that come with this commitment: chief among these are traffic and parking issues.  To help our community learn more, Palo Alto Forward hosted a lively discussion with experts from TransForm (transportation policy think tank and advocate), Palo Alto Housing (affordable housing developer), and Harmonie Partners (market rate housing developer focused on walkable infill developments).   Read more

In Palo Alto, Summer break is officially over!  Kids are back in school and City Council has resumed weekly Monday meetings.  This Monday, August 28 at 6p, City Council has a study session with Palo Alto Housing, a local non-profit housing developer, about a proposal for new 100% affordable housing project at 3709 El Camino Real, at the corner of Wilton Avenue.  You can read the full staff report here, which includes preliminary plans for 61 one bedroom & studio units (for low income or developmentally disabled adults) and ground floor retail. Read more

Palo Alto Forward’s Taming Traffic event hosted Evan Goldin, Director of Product at Chariot, and a former product manager at Lyft, and Jamie Jarvis, Transportation Demand Manager for Stanford Research Park.  60 eager attendees included residents, community leaders, and a brain trust of transportation and sustainability oriented professionals. Thanks to all who attended and if you couldn’t come, we are posting the presentations here: Evan Goldin’s PresentationJamie Jarvis’ Presentation Read more

Palo Alto City Council is finally weighing in on ADUs or Accessory Dwelling Units! (see staff report) Granny Units, Second Units, Nanny Flats, In-Law Unit, whatever you call them, if you want to make it easier to build them, come to City Hall on Tuesday March 7, 2017 8:30p (at 250 Hamilton Avenue) to show your support!   Palo Alto Forward's Board of Directors has just submitted the following letter to [email protected].  If you'd like to write in with similar comments, please do so, and please cc: [email protected].     Read more

On Monday, January 30, 2017 at 6:10 pm, Palo Alto City Council is going to review the Land Use and Transportation Elements of our Comprehensive Plan. Sounds boring – why should YOU care? Read more