Facts on Menlo Park Population: 2007 estimated: 31,146 2000 census: 30,785 1990 census: 28,040 Median age: 37.4 years Households Total households (2000): 12,387 Average household size (2000): 2.1 Single family housing (2000): 54% Median Home Selling Price (2005): $1,270,000

Menlo Park is a city of beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods and active commercial districts. Located conveniently between the major metropolitan areas of San Francisco and San Jose, Menlo Park is home to more than 30,785 in its 19 square miles. The stunning natural surroundings of the city afford views of the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Coastal Range to the west. Menlo Park’s climate is moderate to warm, with an average of 265 sunny days a year. The city retains a bucolic flavor and was declared Tree City USA for its abundance of trees. Menlo Park’s residents reflect a range of backgrounds and interests and tend to be well-educated and engaged in community life. Its many young families are served by excellent public and private schools, while residents of all ages enjoy the City’s 13 parks and numerous recreational facilities. The city’s close proximity to Stanford University and Menlo College provide a multitude of academic, cultural and athletic event opportunities. The arts and leisure activities of the major urban areas of San Francisco and San Jose are close by. These and many other amenities contribute to Menlo Park’s outstanding quality of life. Located in the heart of Menlo Park is a downtown featuring unique and upscale shops and restaurants. Set in a pleasant, pedestrian-oriented atmos-phere, Menlo Park’s downtown area attracts locals and visitors alike. Known as the “Venture Capital” of the world, Menlo Park is well-situated to benefit from and help shape new technologies and markets originating from the Silicon Valley. The city hosts such major employers as SRI, Sunset Publishing, the US Geological Survey, OfficeMax Regional Distribution Center, Tyco Electronics and Sun Microsystems.

Menlo Park has one of the most beautiful civic center campuses in the Bay Area.

City Government

The City of Menlo Park operates under the council-manager form of government. The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney as well as members of a variety of commissions and committees. City departments that report to the City Manager include Administrative Services, Community Development, Community Services, Library, Police, and Public Works.

The City’s resources include a staff of 243 permanent and 200 temporary employees and an operating budget of $35 million. Menlo Park has earned a reputation as a stable and well-run city. Over the past 48 years, the City has had only four city managers. The current city manager, who joined the City in 2007, maintains a positive working relationship between the Council and staff.

In addition to its many attributes, Menlo Park has one of the most beautiful civic center campuses in the Bay Area. The administration building is surrounded by lush landscaping including heritage trees, a running fountain and a duck pond. The campus also includes a nine-acre park, recreation facilities and the main Menlo Park library. These civic amenities make the campus a noted destination for City residents, local employees and visitors alike. Conveniently located, the campus is a short-walk to the Caltrain depot and Menlo Park’s downtown.

The Menlo Park City website at
www.menlopark.org is a good source of information about City services, programs, events, meetings, policies and volunteer opportunities.

City Council

The City Council is the City’s five-member governing body. In general municipal elections, its members are elected at-large to four-year overlapping terms. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem (vice mayor) are selected to one-year terms by the Council at its first meeting in December of each year. The Mayor, who represents the City of Menlo Park, serves as the presiding officer of the City Council and signs enacting legislation and contracts. The Menlo Park City Council holds meetings every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers located at 801 Laurel Street. Menlo Park’s City Council members serve part-time, retaining their positions in private industry, personal enterprise, business or the professions.

Commissions and Committees

Menlo Park welcomes and encourages residents’ active participation serving on the commissions and committees that act as advisors to the elected City Council. Commissions’ primary roles are to advise the City Council on policy matters, review specific subjects and carry out assignments as directed by the City Council or as prescribed by law. Commission members are appointed by the City Council. The City currently has nine commissions: Arts, Bicycle, Environmental Quality, Housing, Las Pulgas, Library, Parks and Recreation, Planning, and Transportation. In addition, the City has instituted a new Finance/Audit Committee, which includes among its members two Council Members.