The government of the City of Palo Alto exists to promote and sustain a superior quality of life in Palo Alto. In partnership with our community, our goal is to deliver cost-effective services in a personal, responsive and innovative manner.
City Council & Mayor
The City Council's mission is to develop an overall vision for the community as a whole.
Council Appointed Offices
Office of City Manager
The City Manager's Office provides leadership and professional management to the City government in service to City Council policies, priorities and the community's civic values.
Office of the City Attorney
The Office of the City Attorney's mission is to serve Palo Alto and its policymakers by providing legal representation of the highest quality.
Office of the City Auditor
The Office of the City Auditor's mission is to promote an honest, efficient, effective, and fully accountable City government.
Office of City Clerk
The City Clerk's Office is dedicated to providing excellent service to the public, City Staff, and the City Council through providing timely and accessible service in response to all inquiries and requests for public information and records and administers elections, records management, and the legislative process.
Departments
Administrative Service Department
The Administrative Services Department strives to provide proactive financial and analytical support to City departments and decision makers, and to safeguard and facilitate the optimal use of City resources.
Community Services Department
The Community Services Department's mission is to engage individuals and families in creating a strong and healthy community through parks, recreation, social services, arts, and sciences.
Development Services Department
The mission of the Development Services Department is to work collaboratively with other departments to provide citizens, business owners, developers, and applicants reliable and predictable expectations in the review, permitting, and inspection of development projects that meet the minimum municipal and building code requirements to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Fire
We are a professional team of men and women dedicated to safeguarding and enriching the lives of anyone, anytime, anywhere with compassion and pride.
Information Technology Department
The Information Technology Department's mission is to provide innovative technology solutions that support City departments in delivering quality services to the community.
Library Department
Palo Alto City Library connects and strengthens our diverse community through knowledge, resources, and opportunities. We inspire and nurture innovation, discovery, and delight.
Office of Emergency Services
The mission is to prevent, prepare for and mitigate, respond to, and recover from all hazards.
Office of Sustainability
The Office of Sustainability's mission is to lead the organization, residents, and visitors in promoting a culture of environmental sustainability by developing, coordinating, and leading initiatives citywide, regionally, and through partnerships with the community.
People Strategy and Operations Department (Human Resources)
The People Strategy and Operations Department's mission is to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, well qualified, and professional workforce that reflects the high standards of the community we serve, and to lead City departments in positive employee relations, talent management, succession planning, and employee engagement.
Planning and Community Environment Department
The mission of the Planning and Community Environment Department is to provide the City Council and the community with creative guidance on, and effective implementation of land use development, planning, transportation, housing and environmental policies, and plans and programs that maintain and enhance the City as a safe, vital, and attractive community.
Police
To proudly serve and protect the public with respect and integrity.
Public Works Department
To preserve and enhance the quality of life for Palo Alto residents and visitors by providing efficient, safe, and cost effective services in partnership with our citizens while maintaining City assets, supporting private development, and being environmental stewards of the community.
Utilities Department
The City of Palo Alto Utilities' mission is to provide safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable and cost effective services.
