EAST PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL PLACES LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE BOND MEASURE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT

EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. — July 21, 2026 — The East Palo Alto City Council unanimously voted tonight to place a general obligation bond measure on the November 2026 ballot, giving residents the opportunity to decide whether to invest in critical community infrastructure that supports providing clean and safe drinking water, safe places for children and teens and providing a modern library.

If approved by voters, bond funding could be used to address community identified priorities.  Over the last several months the City conducted an extensive community engagement effort called EPA Talks where residents and community members were asked to give their feedback on City services needs and priorities. Through this effort, residents identified community priorities such as addressing earthquake safety, installing drinking water tanks to ensure adequate local storage, updating City offices including leaky roofs, faulty heating and cooling systems and outdated electrical wiring. Throughout the outreach process, residents consistently emphasized the importance of protecting clean drinking water, replacing aging infrastructure, expanding safe places for youth, and providing modern community facilities that will serve current and future East Palo Alto residents.

"Tonight's action allows the voters of East Palo Alto to make an important decision about investing in our community's future," said City Manager Melvin Gaines. "This measure reflects priorities our residents have identified time and again—safe drinking water, a modern public library, safe spaces for youth, and infrastructure that keeps pace with the needs of our community."

“For decades, the East Palo Alto Library has served as an important community resource, but the current building struggles to accommodate the community’s evolving needs,” said San Mateo County Libraries Director Anne-Marie Despain. “A larger, modern library would provide additional space for library services and programs, including dedicated areas for families, teens, makers, quiet reading, and study. A place where people of all ages can learn, create and connect.”

The bond measure will appear on the November 2026 ballot.  If approved by voters, the bonds will be repaid from taxes levied on property in the City based on then current assessed values, not market values. The City estimates that property owners will pay an average of $105.26 per $100,000 of assessed value annually to repay bonds issued by the City.

For additional information about the measure and the City's public information efforts, visit the City of East Palo Alto's website at www.CityofEPA.org