Greg Lin Tanaka
(林田中)
I am a 2nd generation Chinese American from my mom’s side and a 4th generation Japanese American from my dad’s side (in California since 1880!). I’ve lived in the Bay Area since '93 and Palo Alto since '04 when my wife and I bought our house in College Terrace. My son attends Paly and my daughter is attending Greene, where I coach the robotics team!
I envision a vibrant Palo Alto where all are properly represented by City Hall and where real collaboration and neighborhood participation are used to solve challenges.
City Council Service (2017 - Present)
I worked to eliminate excess spending, frequently being the lone vote against staff raises. I worked to minimize city tax & fee increases while funding critical priorities, such as safety and youth.
2017-2018, 2020
Chair and Member, City Council Finance Committee
2020
Liaison, City/School Committee
2020
Liaison, Human Relations Commission
2019
Member, Policy and Services Committee
2019
Member, Rail Committee
2017-2019
Liaison, Palo Alto Downtown Business and Professional Association
2017
Liaison, Business Association of California Avenue
2019
Liaison, Chamber of Commerce, 2018 (Alternate)
2017
Alternate, Chamber of Commerce Government Action Committee
2017
Alternate, Caltrain Policy Maker Committee
2017
Alternate, San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority
Chair (2015), Commissioner (2010-2014, 2016)
Planning & Transportation Commission
I championed the popular California Avenue Streetscape Project, which widened the sidewalks, increased the sense of community, and also created more much-needed parking space. This led to the revitalization of the business district.
June 2015 - April 2016
Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Commission
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Improved our roads’ Pavement Condition Index ratings from “fair” to best in the county.
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Improved fire stations to speed response times and delivery of services.
Four terms, 2006-2010
President, College Terrace Residents' Association
Under my leadership, the neighborhood was able to implement a traffic calming program and Palo Alto’s first Residential Permit Parking Program. This popular program became the template for all neighborhoods in Palo Alto.
2012-Present
Technology Entrepreneur and CEO
My venture-funded company focuses on providing analytics to physical retailers.
University of California, Berkeley
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Stanford University
Electrical Engineering
California Institute of Technology
Electrical Engineering