The City of Los Altos has committed millions of restricted park dollars to replace the tree-lined, public Downtown Parking Plazas with a “Downtown Park with Parking” as part of proposed redevelopment that has classified the Parking Plazas as “opportunity sites” or Surplus Land.
Parking Plazas 7 & 8 are slated for high density housing, and Plazas 1, 2 & 3 for a park, possible performing arts center and parking garage. All are being presented as separate projects. All are without adequate economic and environmental studies, without establishing parks priorities citywide, and without public say.
In accordance with other Los Altos public land use requirements, the ForLosAltos community will bring the Los Altos Downtown Parking Plazas Ordinance to the November 2026 ballot.
The Goal:
- To ensure that irreversible decisions on irreplaceable public lands have voter approval.
- To give residents a vote when major changes are proposed for public land in downtown Los Altos
The Measure will—
- Require voter approval before parking plazas are sold, repurposed, or reduced
- Protect convenient public parking for shoppers and visitors
- Prioritize the village charm and walkability of downtown
- Safeguard protected trees, the tree canopy and open space
- Prevent third party development deals on public parking plazas
- Allow for affordable housing on two parking plazas per current plans
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FORLosAltos is a local, all-volunteer community group focused on giving residents a stronger voice in public lands decisions. Learn more at www.forlosaltos.org