City Council Update - The Year So Far - September, 2025

I was sworn in last December and I wanted to share an update on what we've accomplished - especially for those who don't follow local government closely. The East Palo Alto City Council has five members: Ruben Abrica, Martha Barragan, Mark Dinan, Webster Lincoln, and Carlos

Building Our Way Out of a Deficit in East Palo Alto

East Palo Alto’s empty lots could solve its structural deficit — if we start building now. If we don’t encourage development today, we’ll pay for it down the road. East Palo Alto faces a $2 million structural deficit, and it’s projected to worsen. Simply put, the revenues

Why is Affordable Housing So Damned Expensive to Build?

The new Colibri Commons housing project in East Palo Alto is opening soon, and it's a reason to celebrate. 136 units will be providing housing for hundreds of people and this is a really big achievement. However, I have concerns about this project. City of East Palo Alto

Big Wins for East Palo Alto: $25M in New Transit Investments

The San Mateo County Transportation Authority just funded $25M in projects that boost mobility for East Palo Alto—Dumbarton West Connector design, EPX service expansion, and Ride Plus to Palo Alto Transit Center. Here’s why this matters.

Closing the Gaps to the University Avenue Overcrossing

The new University Ave Bicycle & Pedestrian Overcrossing has unlocked safer travel across Hwy 101, but nearby streets remain dangerous. Urgent fixes to University, Donohoe, and Woodland Ave are needed to prevent more collisions.