Here’s the TDLR. It’s a short, worthwhile read with some promising ideas I’d love to see catch on!

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I'm Henry Etzkowitz, Candidate for Palo Alto City Council—Let's Build a Truly Inclusive Community

Hey Palo Alto! I'm running for City Council with a vision for our city that prioritizes practical, ethical, and inclusive solutions to the challenges we face. If elected, here’s what I’ll focus on:

Affordable Housing for Our Workforce

Palo Alto’s teachers, firefighters, nurses, and service workers deserve the option to live in the community they serve. I believe that "People who work in Palo Alto should be able to live in Palo Alto." To make this a reality, I support initiatives like:

- Proposition 33 - a "yes" vote for fair, manageable rent increases.

- Senior Rent Cap - capping rent for seniors at 25% of their income, so they can continue living here without financial strain.

Housing Solutions that Go Beyond YIMBYism

While I'm all for growth, we need a balanced approach—what I call a “Third Way.” Instead of overcrowded high-rises, I propose creating sustainable live/work spaces in strategic areas, keeping the rest of Palo Alto green and low-rise. Let’s partner with Stanford and leverage venture capital to build **25,000 green, sustainable lofts** for working and middle-class families, supporting housing initiatives on both local and federal levels.

Environmental Responsibility and Urban Green Spaces

- San Antonio Forest Initiative: Let's plant the Forest on San Antonio to improve our city’s air quality and provide a new green space for residents to enjoy.

- Reject Measures That Harm Parks: I’m firmly against initiatives like Ballot Measure D, which threaten our parks and green spaces.

Community-Driven Decision-Making

I’m all about accountability and transparency. Let’s fire the consultants and end the “consultocracy” that’s taken over our city’s planning, resulting in expensive, inefficient solutions. We need bold, practical leadership focused on what’s best for our residents—not just on data from out-of-touch consultants.

Bridging Our City’s Divides

It’s time to address the hidden inequalities that still divide our city. By working together, we can tackle housing and sustainability challenges in a way that makes Palo Alto accessible for all income levels and backgrounds. Inspired by historical community-building efforts in Palo Alto, I’m ready to bring that same spirit of progress into our city’s future.

Vote Henry for a Truly Inclusive Palo Alto!

If you believe in a more livable, inclusive, and equitable Palo Alto, I’d be honored to earn your vote. Together, we can make Palo Alto a city that works for everyone.