The Vision and Guiding Principles are a foundational first step for the General Plan Update, describing a shared image of the kind of place that Los Altos residents and businesses would like their community to be in 2050. The Vision and Guiding Principles are intended to be broad, aspirational statements that will inform the more specific, detailed language of the goals and policies in the General Plan.
The Draft Vision and Guiding Principles were developed with community input and reflect ideas and insights that community members shared between January and May 2026 through a variety of engagement activities, including a citywide survey, a community open house meeting, and pop up outreach at events around Los Altos where people visited stop and chat stations to share input. A series of study sessions was also conducted with appointed City Commissions to collect input. Through these activities, community members shared their thoughts on what they love about Los Altos, what they think can be improved, and what their priorities are for the future of the city.
The City Council accepted the Vision and Guiding Principles on July 14. This fall, as different alternatives for future land use, transportation, and quality of life are explored with the community, the Vision and Guiding Principles will be used as a lens for evaluating the different options.