Business Connect is generally a digital newsletter sharing updates to support Palo Alto’s business community.
April 10, 2024
Today's edition features:
Next Retail Committee Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Update on Caltrans El Camino Real Repaving & Bike Lanes Proposal
Parklets Program Update
FYI: Business Registry Renewal, Business Tax and Minimum Wage Reminders
Keep reading to connect to business resources and updates.
Retail Committee Meeting
The City Council has created a new Retail Committee, chaired by Councilmember Kou with Councilmember Lythcott-Haims as the other committee member. The first meeting was held on March 20 and regular meetings are set for the third Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m.. These meetings are open to the public and provide an important forum for staff to discuss economic development efforts and for stakeholders to speak directly to the Committee through public comment. The committee focus includes accelerating implementation of the Council-approved Economic Development Strategy by: enhancing Council engagement and personal contacts with business and community stakeholders and, providing feedback to staff in preparation for full council review on near term improvements to support businesses in University Ave, Cal Ave, and Midtown; proposed University and Cal Ave design concepts; and citywide retail zoning code changes.The next meeting is coming up on Wednesday, April 17 at 9 a.m.. Read more about the Retail Committee on its website.
Update on the Caltrans El Camino Real Repaving & Bike Lanes Proposal
On April 1, 2024 the Council voted to have Caltrans return with added safety measures in the bike lane design based on the Safety System Approach Design and other best practices, and following community engagement with businesses and residents to identify parking alternatives including modifications to our RPP program, Palo Alto Transportation Management Association, and coordinated efforts to accommodate RV dwellers focused on the possible removal of parking on El Camino Real to add bike lanes. April 1st Staff Report and Meeting Materials can be found here.(Agenda Item 11)
On April 1, 2024, the Council extended the Interim Parklet Program to July 31, 2024, and phased in enforcement for the Ongoing Parklet Program through November 1, 2024. You can read the staff report online. Existing use of interim parking lot for eating/drinking uses were extended through December 31, 2024. The extended timeline aligns with the Emerson Street re-paving project and allows many parklets to remain open for outdoor dining during the summer months. City staff are developing pre-approved parklet designs for streamlined permitting. If you are a business interested in adding a parklet or to gain more information about this process, please e-mail our public works team at pwecips@cityofpaloalto.org or by clicking below:
Business Registry Renewal: Certificates for the Business Registry expired on March 31. Renewal notice were sent in early March and the payment portal opened March 1. Renewals were due by March 31 and late payment penalties beginning May 1. New businesses can register here or contact HdL at PaloAlto@hdlgov.comor (650) 838-2882.
Minimum Wage Increase: The minimum wage rate is adjusted each January. As of January 1, 2024, minimum wage rate is $17.80 per hour, effective January 1, 2024. Covered employers must pay the hourly minimum wage rate to each employee who performs two (2) hours or more of work per week in Palo Alto. Employers must post the 2024 Official Minimum Wage Employer Poster and Employee Know Your Right Poster where information is accessible by employees. With the passage of AB 1228, the hourly minimum for fast food employees of national chains became $20.00/hr starting on April 1, 2024. Learn more about covered employer responsibilities, employee rights, and minimum wage regulations below.
