November 10, 2026 - City Council

The November 10, 2026 Menlo Park City Council meeting included a study session on projected funding shortfalls for the city’s shuttle program. Staff reported that the Lifeline grant expires in February 2027 and SMCTA funding expires in June 2027; maintaining current service into the next fiscal year was estimated to require roughly $700,000 in local funds, while projected program costs for FY 2027–28 were about $1.88 million. Council discussed a four-month transportation network company (TNC) pilot to replace the Shopper Shuttle, with a proposed subsidy of up to $20 per one-way ride and vendor selection and agreement development still required. Members discussed a potential $50,000 cap from Bayfront Mitigation funds for Crosstown service and the separate $55,000 needed to continue the Shopper Shuttle through the fiscal year, along with options involving Measure A, developer fees, Ride Plus, and Peninsula Volunteers. No formal action was taken on the study-session item; staff was asked to continue exploring options, and members noted a likely service gap before a TNC pilot could begin.

The Council approved the consent calendar. It also unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming a local emergency related to the 2026–27 El Niño season for preparedness and planning purposes; no procurement award or specific spending authorization was identified for that item. Informational discussion touched on climate-action electrification funding, but no related purchasing decision was made.