Resources and information about local government, services, and community participation.
Palo Alto is one of the few California cities that owns and operates its own electric, gas, water, and fiber optic utilities. This article explains the century-old history, current management, and how residents can access these services, along with key data on reliability, rates, and sustainability.
Navigating property records, zoning maps, and planning documents in Palo Alto can be daunting. This guide demystifies the process, showing you exactly where to find official parcel data, planning applications, and land-use regulations using city and county tools. Whether you’re researching a home project, checking zoning, or verifying property boundaries, you’ll learn the step-by-step methods and key terminology to access accurate, up-to-date information.
Palo Alto’s historic designation process identifies and protects buildings, structures, and districts that embody the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. This guide explains how properties are evaluated, the roles of the Historic Resources Board and City Council, and how residents can nominate a property for landmark status or inclusion on the Palo Alto Historic Inventory.
Palo Alto 311 is the city’s official non-emergency service request system, allowing residents to report issues like potholes, graffiti, and streetlight outages online, via mobile app, or by phone. This guide explains how the system works, who manages it, what happens after you submit a request, and how to track its progress using open data tools.
Palo Alto’s City Council is the legislative and policy-making body for the city, operating under a council-manager form of government. This guide explains the council’s structure, how residents can participate in meetings, and where to find official records and data. Learn about the seven council members, district elections, meeting procedures, and the role of the city manager.
Palo Alto’s carefully cultivated image as a progressive, meritocratic community belies a century-long history of racial exclusion in housing. From restrictive covenants and federal redlining to exclusionary zoning and urban renewal, this article traces the deliberate policies and practices that segregated the city and shaped the racial geography of the mid-Peninsula, creating a legacy that persists in the region’s contemporary housing crisis.
Palo Alto’s boards and commissions are the backbone of resident-driven governance, offering a direct channel to shape policies on planning, parks, libraries, and more. This guide explains what they do, who manages them, how to apply, and how to make your voice heard in local decision-making.
Explore the structure, processes, and everyday impact of Palo Alto’s municipal government. This guide breaks down the city council, departments, civic participation, and future challenges for residents and newcomers alike.
Navigate the full spectrum of public services available to Palo Alto residents—from utilities and public safety to libraries, parks, and transportation. This definitive guide provides essential information, data, and practical insights to help you access and understand the city services that shape daily life in Palo Alto.
