Share your feedback on the University Avenue Streetscape Project goals, design elements and ideas about special events on University Ave.

Palo Alto is widely known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley and has a rich history of innovation that attracts people from all over the world. University Avenue serves as a focal point of Palo Alto’s downtown and is a unique commercial district serving residents, visitors and businesses and is the main route to Stanford University. University Avenue is a regional and local public destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The University Avenue Streetscape Project is intended to facilitate people-centric activities and create a more vibrant and inclusive space that would support residents, visitors, and local businesses. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted local businesses and the City closed a section of University Avenue to facilitate outdoor dining and enhance the retail experience in an effort to support these businesses. When University Avenue was re-opened to vehicular traffic in Fall 2021, the City launched the University Avenue Streetscape Project, a new effort to build upon this experience and reimagine infrastructure changes enhancing this important commercial district and re-shaping the future of University Avenue and Downtown Palo Alto alike. 

City Council has adopted the following Project Vision: “Celebrate the unique character of the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” by creating a vibrant, visually attractive streetscape with spaces and elements that enhance the visitor experience, provide safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists, and encourage shopping, dining, and gathering.”  

Share your feedback on the University Avenue Streetscape Project goals, design elements and ideas about special events on University Avenue. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and perspectives with us. Initial survey feedback will help inform the current planning effort underway. The City is committed to engaging stakeholders over the course of the project and will continue to share future opportunities for community input. 

To learn more about this effort, find the project page at: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/UniversityAveStreetscape