East Palo Alto, California Development News
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East Palo Alto Approves Amended Development Agreement for Woodland Park Project, Modifies Developer Contribution for Affordable Housing
The East Palo Alto City Council voted 4-1 to approve the First Amendment to the development agreement for the Woodland Park Euclid improvements project. This amendment allows the developer, Sandhill, to provide $12 million in gap financing for the Ravenswood City School District's affordable housing project in lieu of their original $23 million obligation for off-site inclusionary housing. The city manager recommended increasing this contribution to $14 million to provide a buffer for potential cost overages, though Sandhill has not agreed to this higher amount. The project involves 550 total units, including 160 rent-stabilized units (with 29-50 units reserved for former tenants) and 390 net new units, alongside community benefits like a public park and infrastructure upgrades. The council's approval is contingent on Sandhill's commitment to the $12 million contribution, with a preference for $14 million, and securing their inclusionary housing obligations. Concerns were raised about the reduction in developer fees and the potential impact on future affordable housing stock.
East Palo Alto Approves Temporary Housing Incentive Program, Exempting Small Developments from Inclusionary Housing Rules
The East Palo Alto City Council voted 3-2 to approve a temporary housing development incentive program (THDIP) that exempts projects with 20 units or less from inclusionary housing requirements. This program aims to incentivize development amidst a weak real estate market and rising costs, though concerns were raised about its long-term impact on affordable housing and community character. Projects under 20 units will be exempt from inclusionary housing requirements, while projects with 21 units or more will adhere to current requirements. SB 330 projects under 20 units must pay current impact fees to receive the exemption. The program requires developers to file a vertical building permit by December 30, 2027, and the program itself expires on January 30, 2028. This decision followed extensive public comment, with many residents opposing the THDIP and urging the council to wait for the results of the Nexus study. Councilmember Romero voted against the measure due to concerns about the loss of community benefits and the potential for displacement, while Councilmember Bargon supported exempting smaller projects as a step towards encouraging development.
East Palo Alto City Council Approves $13,300 Contract Amendment for Housing Consultant
The East Palo Alto City Council approved a $13,300 contract amendment for Street Level Advisors, increasing their total contract not to exceed $88,300. This additional funding is to cover past expended consultant fees related to the review and potential amendment of the inclusionary housing ordinance and the temporary housing development incentive program. Councilmember Romero supported the funding specifically for the Nexus study, despite reservations about the overall process and past expenditures on the temporary program.
East Palo Alto Sanitary District Adopts Updated Sewer Capacity Fees, Slightly Reducing Cost for New Development
The East Palo Alto Sanitary District Board adopted updated sewer capacity fees following a Sewer Capacity Fee Update Study. The maximum justifiable fee was set at $10,115 per EDU, representing a 5% decrease from the current fee of $10,621 per EDU. The board also adopted Alternative 3 for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) fees, aligning with the city's approach to other impact fees, which means ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from capacity fees, while larger ADUs and subsequent square footage are charged. Non-residential projects will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The board accepted the study and adopted the updated fees, noting that fees could be reassessed if growth projections change.
East Palo Alto Council Advances $125 Million General Obligation Bond for Civic Center and Infrastructure Projects to November Ballot
The East Palo Alto City Council approved a resolution to place a general obligation bond measure on the November 3rd, 2026, consolidated general election ballot. This measure, totaling $125 million, aims to fund civic and recreational projects, water and stormwater infrastructure improvements. The proposed allocation includes $90 million for a civic center (new library, city hall, and a police station with an emergency operations center) and $35 million for water and stormwater system upgrades. The council voted 4-1 to approve the resolution, with Councilmember Romero voting no due to concerns about the expenditure plan, particularly the large allocation to the civic center over infrastructure. The estimated tax rate for this bond is $105.26 per $100,000 of assessed value, with a potential highest rate of $114.41. The council also confirmed that the ordinance language could potentially be broad enough to include services for seniors, although specific mention was not made in the initial polling.
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The East Palo Alto News archive
Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting - July 8, 2026
Senior Advisory Committee
Wildfire Preparedness: A Shared Responsibility
East Palo Alto Sanitary District (EPASD) Advisory Committee
City Council
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - June 23, 2026
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