In This Section 
The City’s meeting groups are the steering committees of Palo Alto. Each meeting is streamlined by following a prepared agenda, which outlines specific items for the meeting group to discuss and framework a subsequent action for the City. As such, these agendas are published online for ease of use and full civic engagement by City staff, City officials, and Palo Altans.
Wondering how to join a City meeting and provide public comment?
Check out Resources for Hybrid Attendance and our Public Comment Policy
The City Council Agenda Packet is published 11 days before the meeting and uploaded to the City’s web pages after 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays.
Pursuant to the provisions of the AB-361, Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Meetings are broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26 or 29, live on YouTube, and live on the Midpen Media Center. Members of the Public may provide public comments via email, teleconference, in person, or by phone. For more information please visit our Resources for Hybrid Meetings Webpage.
Access City Council Agenda Packets
The City of Palo Alto has five standing committees that focus on specific areas within the City. City Council Members are appointed to a committee to review items referred by the City Council. They then recommend to City Council the best course of action to take.
Council Committee Agenda Packets: 
The City of Palo Alto has eight Boards and Commissions. The City Council appoints each to focus on specific areas within the City. Board Members and Commissioners volunteer their time and expertise to review items. The items are then reviewed by the City Council.
Boards, Commissions and Committees Agenda Packets:
The Mayor can appoint ad hoc committees to add Council leadership to specific focus areas. These ad hoc committees are created for a set period of time unless reappointed by the new Mayor in the following year. You can read more about ad hoc committees in the City Council Protocols and Procedures Handbook(PDF, 288KB).
Ad Hoc Committee Agenda Packets:
The City of Palo Alto establishes partnerships with local and regional institutions. These affiliations create platforms on which the City promotes the collective voice of Palo Alto. They also create avenues to help our neighbors and analyze solutions together. Whether past or present, the City is grateful for the collaborative effort and the invaluable relationships made.
Looking for term dates, meeting members, and other info of our various City Meetings?
View our 20230113-CITY-ROSTER.pdf(PDF, 302KB)
The City of Palo Alto maintains the general welfare of the City in collaboration with these regional boards. Members are assigned to these as a representative of the City. More information on Council assignments can be found in the City Roster(PDF, 302KB).
The City of Palo Alto held these meeting groups to help the need of the public at that time. Although disbanded, these groups created important precedents to improve Palo Alto.
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Last updated on February 23, 2023