Signatures Being Collected NOW  for Ballot Initiative to Protect Downtown Parking Plazas

April 4, 2026 | A new ballot initiative committee, For Downtown Los Altos, has been formed to lead the campaign to place the Los Altos Downtown Parking Plazas Ordinance on the voter ballot.

 

As an FPPC-registered committee, it manages campaign activities, fundraising and required disclosures, and builds on the community-driven efforts of ForLosAltos, a public member benefit organization of residents, public land supporters and local businesses.

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The goal is to give residents and voters a direct say on irreversible decisions and costly projects changing our downtown parking plazas– important, valued public lands with measurable public benefits.

 

The measure would prohibit the City of Los Altos from selling, leasing, donating,
disposing of, or redeveloping city-owned downtown parking plazas without approval by
a majority vote of residents. 

Voter ordinances on public lands are not new to Los Altos.  We already have voter requirements for other public lands, including Parks and Open
Space, and the Community Center site.

 

Downtown Parking Plazas, as public lands, should also be managed with thoughtful planning and voter oversight. 

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Inspired by efforts in Menlo Park and other cities, this ballot-initiated ordinance ensures major decisions about public land, community planning and environmental stewardship stay in the hands of residents. 

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What the Measure Does

• Requires voter approval before plazas are sold or redeveloped

• Protects convenient, shaded public parking for shoppers and local businesses

• Prioritizes our village character and walkability

• Safeguards trees, canopy, open space, and their environmental benefits

• Prevents private development deals on public land

• Allows for affordable housing only as specified on two designated plazas in City plans.

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Signatures Needed — by April 30

To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, the initiative requires approximately 2,200 valid signatures from registered City of Los Altos voters. To ensure enough verified signatures after review, our goal is 3,000 signatures.

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Signature gathering begins April 5 and runs for just 30 days.

 

Signatures must be provided in person, not online. Only registered voters residing within the City of Los Altos are eligible to sign; voters in Los Altos Hills or unincorporated areas do not qualify.​​​
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