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East Palo Alto Today
By the People, for the People
East Palo Alto Approves Affordable Housing and MLK Jr. Park Expansion
New land swap deal aims to add 60 affordable units and grow community green space
Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:08am
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A vibrant pop art interpretation of the park benches that will be part of the expanded Martin Luther King Jr. Park in East Palo Alto, celebrating the community's investment in green spaces.East Palo Alto TodayEast Palo Alto officials have approved a major land swap that could add about 60 affordable housing units on University Avenue and expand Martin Luther King Jr. Park by 1.6 acres. The long-term plan would bring new sports courts, a dog park, and upgraded amenities to the park, while the city, county, and local community development organization continue gathering input on the development.
Why it matters
This deal represents an effort to address the Bay Area's affordable housing crisis while also investing in and expanding a beloved community green space. The MLK Jr. Park expansion aims to provide more recreational opportunities for East Palo Alto residents, building on the park's history as an inclusive gathering place.
The details
The land swap agreement will allow the city to develop around 60 new affordable housing units on University Avenue, while also expanding the adjacent Martin Luther King Jr. Park by 1.6 acres. The park expansion plans include adding new sports courts, a dog park, and other upgraded amenities. City, county, and local community development organization EPACANDO officials are continuing to gather community input on the specific development plans.
- In April 2026, East Palo Alto officials approved the land swap deal.
- The long-term plans call for expanding MLK Jr. Park and adding affordable housing, with ongoing community engagement to finalize the details.
The players
East Palo Alto
The city that approved the land swap deal to add affordable housing and expand MLK Jr. Park.
EPACANDO
The East Palo Alto Community Development Organization that is working with the city and county on the development plans.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
The community green space in East Palo Alto that will be expanded by 1.6 acres as part of the land swap deal.
What they’re saying
“This deal represents an important step in addressing the affordable housing crisis while also investing in and expanding a beloved community green space.”
— East Palo Alto Mayor
What’s next
City, county, and EPACANDO officials will continue gathering community input to finalize the specific development plans for the affordable housing and MLK Jr. Park expansion.
The takeaway
This land swap demonstrates East Palo Alto's commitment to both increasing affordable housing options and preserving and enhancing community green spaces that serve local residents. The ongoing collaboration between the city, county, and community organization aims to balance these priorities in a way that benefits the entire East Palo Alto community.
