April 7, 2022
Today's edition features:

  • Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Retail Update
  • Submit feedback on the University Avenue Streetscape Project
  • Car-Free Streets: Community Engagement in late April 
  • Parklets: Next Steps from the March 27 City Council Meeting 
  • Business Tax Update 
  • Calling all Palo Alto Restaurants: Peninsula Restaurant Week Runs May 19 – 27, 2023 
  • Free Climate Friendly Kitchen Consultations from Acterra 
  • Become a Bike Friendly Business
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available for Severe Winter Storms 

Keep reading to connect to business resources and updates.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Retail Update
The City has continued its work with Streetsense to create a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Retail. The City Council recently accepted the following guiding principles for the shopping districts: reinforce hierarchy of place, improve accessibility, and adopt policies that reflect changing market conditions. Next steps are for Streetsense to develop recommendations and return to the Council later this year.
Share Feedback on the University Avenue Streetscape Project
Share your feedback on the University Avenue Streetscape Configuration project. You can find information about the project here and take the survey. Survey closes April 9.
Parklets: Next Steps from March 27 City Council Meeting
On Monday, March 27 the City Council continued its conversation about parklets. The Council passed rules that parklets with structures are not allowed to go beyond the establishment; non-structures are allowed without a consent letter. Covered parklets can only be a total of 350 sq. ft. but two covered parklets are allowed if they’re limited to placement in front of the business. Approved funding to Public Works to support the program. Directed staff to return to the City Council with recommendations that relate to parklets sustainability, safety, fee structure, and responsibility for cleanliness. Any existing parklets may keep their structures until new regulations are approved.
Car Free Streets: Community Engagement in late April
The Car-free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street project is a Council-supported effort enabling outdoor dining, retail, and personal services in business districts such as California Avenue and the downtown core. Staff is in the process of developing the scope of work for consultant services and plans to host a Focus Group meeting with business owners in late April to share the outreach findings and recommendations for next steps. For more information on Car-free Streets, see the project webpage here. Join us for an April 27 Community Update.
Business Tax Update
The Administrative Services Department has begun the process of implementing the Business Tax approved through Measure K in the November 2022 election. A website is now available with details and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Calling Palo Alto Restaurants -- Peninsula Restaurant Week Runs May 19 - 27, 2023
Restaurants interested in participating in Restaurant Week can find more information and begin to register here. This is a no-cost opportunity to market your restaurant.
Free Climate Friendly Kitchen Consultations from Acterra
Climate Friendly Kitchens is a free sustainability hospitality program from Acterra focused on working directly with Bay Area restaurants through personalized on-site consultations and training. The program provides support to the local restaurant community by helping them develop plant-based menus and prevent wasted food in the kitchen and dining space. Participating restaurants reap the rewards of expanded clientele, better waste management, improved marketing tactics, and demonstrating environmental leadership in their community. Schedule a free consultation here. 
Become a Bike Friendly Business
Is your business a welcoming place for people who bike to work? Becoming a Bicycle Friendly Business allows you to gain recognition on current initiatives and build support for more programs. Find out more and apply to be a Bicycle Friendly Business here before June 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PST. 
Small Business Administration - Disaster Relief Loans
Businesses affected economically by the Sever Winter Storms, Flooding Mudslides, and Landslides that occurred between December 27, 2022 and January 31, 2023 can apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. The deadline is October 16, 2023. More information is available on the flier located here.
Business Resources
Find business resources, opportunities for doing business with the City, COVID-19 assistance, and more at the link below.
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