About East Palo Alto:

The City of East Palo Alto is located in San Mateo County, but sits on the border of Santa Clara County. While located in the technology-rich Silicon Valley, the small city has not been able to capitalize on many economic and social benefits. East Palo Alto is committed to providing a strong base of affordable housing for the region in a way that advances a jobs-housing balance, updated infrastructure and an improved quality of life for all.  

• Population: 28,155 (2010)
• Location: San Mateo County
• Area: 2.64 square miles
• Disadvantaged community: 25%
• Poverty rate: 13.7%
• Median household income: $58,783
• Language other than English spoken at home: 73.3%

BOOST Activities:

• Create a process to evaluate and prioritize sustainability, health, and equity throughout plans and projects in the city
• Increase the city’s ability to work more collaboratively internally and externally to develop key relationships related to climate and equity initiatives
• Enhance the city’s ability to track, apply for, obtain and implement grant funding
• Showcase the city’s sustainability, equity, and public engagement efforts and outcomes

BOOST Successes:

ILG collaborated with state, local and regional partners to help East Palo Alto develop four grant proposals, including a $6 million Urban Flood Protection Grant. The grant development process brought together public and private entities, including local utility providers. the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability, the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, Nuestra Casa, Acterra and ILG. The grant proposed to expand flood protections and boost economic opportunities for residents in East Palo Alto. ILG also worked with the city and several community-based organizations to update the 2011 Climate Action Plan to address health, equity and resilience and explore new opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.