Housing CommissionMenlo Park
Rules for refinancing BMR home loans
BMR owners can refinance their debt but must contact the City's BMR program provider first.
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Public spending, fees, taxes, bonds, contracts, and the tradeoffs behind public money.
BMR owners can refinance their debt but must contact the City's BMR program provider first.
The commission will promptly act on referrals and requests from the City Council and report back.
The commission outlined how City Council referrals are transmitted to staff liaisons, the rules for commission members speaking in public, and the $200 per month stipend for Planning Commissioners. It also described the process for disbanding advisory bodies.
The council considered a resolution to approve the engineer’s report and levy assessments for the Landscaping Assessment District for fiscal year 2026‑27. The proposal raises the tree maintenance assessment from $96.94 to $104.68 and sidewalk assessment from $57.82 to $62.44 per single‑family equivalent.
What's happening
Why it matters
Funding supports tree maintenance and sidewalk upkeep, directly affecting neighborhood appearance and safety.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom to hear the discussion.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Approve landscaping assessment levy for FY 2026‑27” passed unanimously (Unanimous).
Decided May 12, 2026.
Staff presented the draft Anti-displacement Plan and asked the Housing Commission to review it and recommend approval to the City Council. The plan includes strategies such as rental assistance, legal assistance, expanded just‑cause eviction protections, and a tenant anti‑harassment ordinance.
What's happening
Why it matters
If approved, the plan will add stronger tenant protections and support programs that can help prevent evictions and keep residents in their homes, especially in the Belle Haven neighborhood.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person at Belle Haven Community Campus, Event Room or join via Zoom (Meeting ID 865 4847 4804).
Email: Email the city clerk at jaherren@menlopark.gov for comments or questions.
Submit comment: Submit written comments by the public‑comment deadline (deadline not listed).
Decision update
The item “Review and recommend approval of the City of Menlo Park Anti-displacement Plan” passed (5–0–1).
Decided May 6, 2026.
An informational item will provide a quarterly update on the city’s grant funding, with details attached to the agenda packet.
City Council will present and consider the budget principles for fiscal year 2026-27.
What's happening
Why it matters
The budget sets spending priorities that affect all city services and tax rates for residents.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit a written comment online up to one hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The item “Approve FY 2026-27 budget principles” passed unanimously (Unanimous).
Decided Apr 14, 2026.
The Council will vote on a resolution to lower the Utility Users Tax to zero percent. This item is listed on the consent calendar.
The council will review a cost‑of‑services study and consider fee adjustments, including possible new fees.
What's happening
Why it matters
Ensures city fees reflect actual service costs, protecting taxpayers from overcharges.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the council meeting to provide input.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Provide direction on cost of services study and fee policy” was direction provided.
Decided Mar 24, 2026.
The City Council will meet in a closed session with legal counsel to discuss an anticipated litigation case that could expose the city to significant liability. This discussion is intended to assess potential legal exposure.
The council will hold a priority setting workshop presented by staff. It's a presentation, not a vote.
What's happening
Why it matters
It helps set priorities for city projects and budgeting, affecting residents.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit a written comment online up to one hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The item “Annual City Council priority setting workshop (presentation)” was approved.
Decided Mar 21, 2026.
A staff report will outline the budget process and timeline for fiscal year 2026‑27.
A staff report will present the Library and Community Services Department’s financial overview for the library.
The commission received a presentation on the Reimagine Dumbarton study, which proposes converting the former rail corridor into a bus rapid transit line with added bike and pedestrian paths. The update covered project goals, funding sources, and upcoming community outreach events.
The council considered travel requests for Councilmembers Schmidt, Taylor, and Vice Mayor Wise to attend the Progress Seminar, authorizing expenses of $2,075 per member, which exceed the $2,000 per‑trip limit.
What's happening
Why it matters
Travel approval enables council members to participate in a regional forum that can shape public policy and foster partnerships.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the council meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Approve travel for council members to 2026 Progress Seminar” passed (4–0–1).
Decided Mar 10, 2026.
Council will authorize the start of a Proposition 218 notification process to adopt maximum water rate increases for the next three fiscal years, with a public hearing on May 12, and consider a resolution to comply with Assembly Bill 2257.
What's happening
Why it matters
May lead to higher water bills for users and ensures the city follows state water conservation requirements.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting or the public hearing on May 12.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council authorized the initiation of a Proposition 218 notification process for water‑rate increases for 2027‑2029 and adopted a resolution to comply with Assembly Bill 2257.
Decided Mar 10, 2026.
Council will authorize the start of a Proposition 218 notification process to adopt maximum solid waste rate increases for the next five fiscal years, with a public hearing scheduled for May 12.
Council will consider a resolution to amend the operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2025‑26, adding additional appropriations. The amendment updates spending plans based on recent revenue and staffing changes.
Council will consider and adopt a resolution to amend the city’s fiscal year 2025‑26 budget. The amendment may reallocate funds among city programs.
What's happening
Why it matters
Budget changes affect how city services are funded, impacting taxpayers and program availability.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom as listed.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Amend fiscal year 2025‑26 city budget” was approved with amendments unanimously (Unanimous).
Decided Feb 24, 2026.
Staff provided an overview of the fiscal year 2026‑27 budget process and key dates. No action is required by the Commission.
The City Council will consider a resolution to begin the Menlo Park Landscaping Assessment District for fiscal year 2026‑27. The resolution would direct the city to prepare an engineer’s report and set up the annual assessment.
Staff presented a briefing on the ongoing solar photovoltaic projects at several city buildings, including the library, city hall, and community centers. The projects are being installed under a 20‑year power purchase agreement with Peninsula Clean Energy.
Commission will vote to approve the minutes from the October 16, 2025 Finance and Audit Commission meeting.
Commission will review the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 and consider recommending its receipt by City Council.