Palo Alto City Council Approves $6.5M Plan to Address Rising Homeless RV Residents

Palo Alto is addressing a significant increase in residents living in RVs, which has nearly doubled since 2023, by considering new restrictions and a phased approach to manage the issue. The City Council approved a multi-faceted plan including banning the rental of RVs on public property, removing inoperable vehicles, increasing street cleanups, and exploring an RV buyback program to transition people into safer housing. Residents and business owners have expressed concerns about safety, sanitation, and parking availability, prompting the city to balance compassion for unhoused individuals with community livability. The council is working with nonprofits like LifeMoves to assist RV dwellers and plans to implement permits for RV parking on certain streets. While the bans are not yet in effect, the city manager has been tasked with developing the details for council review within four months. This comprehensive effort reflects Palo Alto's attempt to tackle homelessness while addressing resident and business frustrations.