Mayor Lincoln addresses the State of the City
Photo courtesy City of East Palo Alto
State of the City address focuses on housing, public safety, youth programs and infrastructure improvements.
From a new football field for young athletes to plans for a $125 million infrastructure investment, East Palo Alto is looking toward a future shaped by ambitious development projects and continuing community needs.
This was the vision for the city that Mayor Webster Lincoln portrayed during his 2026 State of the City address that was delivered at the EPACENTER in East Palo Alto on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The address which started around 3:30 p.m., 30 minutes later than scheduled, listed the city’s accomplishments over the past year and discussed projects that city officials hope will improve the quality of life for East Palo Alto residents.
Among the issues Lincoln addressed were affordable housing, public safety, employment opportunities, neighborhood improvements and plans for a new Civic Center.
Lincoln began with a childhood memory of playing football at Ronald McNair Middle School, where the field had potholes, patchy grass and geese. For years, East Palo Alto’s young football players had to travel to other cities to play their home games.
Through a slide presentation the mayor showed how all that changed in February 2026, when the city’s first regulation football field opened at what is now the Los Robles-Ronald McNair Academy. Through partnerships involving the Ravenswood City School District, the 49ers Foundation, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and other organizations.
Youth Programs and Job Training
The new football field is one of several investments the city has made in programs for young people.
Lincoln reported that $175,000 was allocated to the East Palo Alto Family YMCA for free weekend swimming lessons, sports and wellness programs. Another $100,000 went to EPACENTER for arts and cultural activities.
The City Council also approved a youth commission that will allow residents ages 12 to 18 to participate in city government.
For adults seeking employment, the city has continued supporting job training through Measure HH, a tax on large office developments approved by voters in 2018.
An independent evaluation cited by Lincoln found that 81% of participants obtained jobs in the fields for which they were trained. Unemployment among participants declined from 47% to 8%, and average full-time wages reached $26.68 an hour.
The training programs are provided through JobTrain, StreetCode Academy and Live in Peace.
Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection
With affordable housing continuing to be a major concern for East Palo Alto residents, Lincoln pointed to the completion of Calibri Commons, which added 136 affordable homes to the city.
The development received 4,040 applications. Approximately 70% of the homes went to East Palo Alto households. The city has also continued efforts to help residents remain in their homes.
According to Lincoln, the rent stabilization team responded to more than 1,700 inquiries and processed over 1,400 termination notices.
More than $1.1 million in Measure JJ funding was allocated to five organizations providing services to prevent displacement. The city also maintained 53 below-market-rate homes.
Public Safety and Neighborhood Improvements
East Palo Alto recorded no homicides in 2023 or 2025, a sharp contrast to 1992, when 42 people were killed in the city.
Lincoln acknowledged, however, that a fatal assault on University Avenue in September 2026 ended a period of more than two years without a homicide.
“One life lost is one too many, and this is why this work is never finished,” he said.
The Police Department has reached its full authorized sworn staffing level and added grant-funded mental health clinicians to assist with emergency responses.
Parking and traffic safety were also discussed, two issues Lincoln said residents frequently bring to the city’s attention.
Since April, East Palo Alto has provided around-the-clock parking enforcement through LAZ Parking. The City Council has also approved a residential parking permit ordinance.
On Pulgas Avenue, permanent roundabouts have replaced temporary traffic circles to help slow traffic. Improvements are also planned for the intersection of University Avenue and Running Moon Street.
Lincoln highlighted the pedestrian and bicycle crossing over U.S. Highway 101, which opened after more than a decade of efforts by residents seeking a safer connection between neighborhoods divided by the freeway.
Other work included street resurfacing, completion of the University Avenue water main project, resolution of 873 illegal-dumping cases and cleaning of 273 storm-drain inlets.
Economic Development
The city is also working to attract businesses and provide more shopping and employment opportunities for residents.
Lincoln cited the opening of Mega Mart in the former Target location as an example of that effort. He also acknowledged that other businesses have closed, including the PGA store.
To address the city’s economic needs, the City Council adopted a 10-year economic strategic plan focused on attracting new businesses, supporting existing businesses and creating jobs.
A sidewalk vending ordinance was also approved to support small vendors while keeping sidewalks safe and accessible.
New Civic Center and Measure O
Photo courtesy of City of Palo Alto website
East Palo Alto’s proposed new civic center will include a new library, police state city offices and a regulation track and field. The design is underway. East Palo Alto’s proposed new civic center will include a new library.
One of the city’s largest proposed projects is a new Civic Center that would bring together a library, police station, city offices and regulation track and field facilities.
Lincoln said the city has received $50 million in donation pledges toward the project, and preliminary design work is underway.
Voters will have an opportunity to consider additional funding through Measure O on November 3, 2026.
The proposed $125 million infrastructure measure would provide $90 million for the Civic Center and $35 million for drinking water and stormwater improvements.
Lincoln encouraged residents to review the official election information before casting their ballots.
Improving City Services
In addition to new facilities and neighborhood improvements, Lincoln said the city plans to examine how its departments operate and respond to residents.
An independent firm will conduct a five-year performance audit of city departments, beginning with development review and an administrative pilot program. The findings will be reported publicly to the City Council.
“A city that is serious about improving is not afraid to look in the mirror,” Lincoln said.
Plans are also underway to redesign the city’s website to make information and services easier to find. Residents will be asked for suggestions about what the new website should include.
Looking to the Future
Lincoln ended his address by recognizing the contributions of the different communities that have helped shape East Palo Alto since its incorporation in 1983.
He highlighted a new sister-city partnership with a district in Tonga and discussed the possibility of establishing a similar relationship with a district in China.
He also reaffirmed the city’s opposition to hate and discrimination.
As East Palo Alto moves forward with its development plans, Lincoln encouraged residents to remain involved in local government by attending City Council meetings, serving on boards and commissions, and sharing their concerns with city officials.
His closing remarks returned to the importance of community participation, which he described as central to East Palo Alto’s history and its future.
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