City of Palo Alto

George Lu

https://www.georgeforpaloalto.com

Palo Alto must work for families and children. We need to improve availability of childcare and mental health resources. More broadly, we can design a city for families through affordable family housing, pedestrianized streets, and actually safe routes to school.

Over 80% of voters polled say they want elected officials to prioritize children and families. What are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

The top issues issues are (1) mental health, (2) safe streets, and (3) school enrollment.

Firstly, we need to destigmatize conversations around mental health, and ensure that every student has access to resources that meet them where they are.

Secondly, our Safe Routes to School aren’t safe. More than 50% of middle and high schoolers cycle to school, but we haven’t deeply invested in traffic calming, cycling infrastructure, or traffic enforcement.

Finally, we need to be a place where families can thrive. Our school enrollment has fallen from 12k in 2018 to 10k in 2024, in part due to lack of available housing. Planning and building family housing for mixed incomes is a top priority.
High quality childcare improves school readiness and parents' workforce participation. What will you do to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

Childcare is essential for both parents and kids. Accessible, reasonably-priced childcare improves equity and outcomes for everyone.

Firstly, we need support existing childcare providers, most notably our non-profit Palo Alto Community Child Care, so that they have resources and physical space.

Secondly, we must grow infant and childcare availability. I will work on streamlining and incentives for employers that support on-site child care and explore subsidies to support residents to open home-based childcare facilities.
Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?

Less than 40% of low-income students in Palo Alto perform at grade level.

I will partner with the school district to improve equity and opportunity across all ages. I will listen to parents, and work with non-profits already operating within Palo Alto.

I will work to make space and funding available throughout our libraries, parks, and community centers. I will also coordinate within City Hall and other organizations to offer internships and mentorship to lower-income students.
What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?

We have a moral imperative to support our neighbors with disabilities and/or special needs.

We must work with leaders and advocates within the PTA, Magical Bridge, and other groups to design a city that is inclusive for children and adults with disabilities.

As a city, we can tackle (1) safe transportation, including with the Palo Alto Link, (2) mental health resources that serve all, (3) improved parks, events, and programming.
If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve children's well-being and access to mental and behavioral health services?

We have to meet teens where they are at. We need mental health resources that teens are comfortable accessing, as close and convenient as possible.

The first step is destigmatizing mental health conversations and care. As someone who has struggled with mental health since being a teenager, I promise to lead by example. We need parents to fully buy into this process.

Additionally, the city needs to be designed for wellbeing. We need safe streets to give kids autonomy, engaging activities for all ages, and mental health resources throughout the community beyond our schools.