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I’ve called Palo Alto my home for over 38 years and have dedicated 17+ years to community service, including city-wide leadership roles. For the past eight years, I’ve tackled major challenges on the Planning & Transportation Commission and I was honored to be elected Chair in 2023. My deep knowledge of city issues, experience achieving results for residents and local businesses, and relentless dedication to protecting our quality of life make me the best candidate for City Council member.

I am proud to be endorsed by the Palo Alto Daily Post, Sierra Club, and the Palo Alto Professional Firefighters local 1319 These endorsements recognize my dedication to climate action, protecting parks, public safety, safe bike routes, and affordable housing. 

Palo Alto Daily post Endorses Doria Summa

“We favored those who had a practical mindset with realistic ideas. Candidates who have the ability to roll up their sleeves and get the job done, rather than grandstanding and virtue signaling.”—Burt, Stone, Summa and Reckdahl for Council, Oct 4, 2024

Palo Alto needs an experienced leader who can navigate complex issues, make responsible decisions, and truly listen to the needs of our residents and businesses. That’s why I’m running for City Council. 

Why Choose Me

  • I deeply understand our community and know the critical issues we face. Palo Alto has been my home for over 38 years. I know what our residents love about this city, such as our schools and parks, and the issues they care about, such as preserving the quality of life we enjoy in Palo Alto. 
  • I have been focused on community service for 17+ years. I have been devoted to serving the city since being selected as President of my neighborhood association followed by appointment to Palo Alto-wide leadership roles with increasing responsibility, scope, and impact.
  • I will hit the ground running as a City Council member. For the last eight years I have been engaged on major city issues on the Planning and Transportation Commission including being elected chair by my colleagues. That service and leadership required constant interaction with council members, city staff, residents and local businesses and a proven ability to analyze complex topics, think independently, and make responsible decisions.This experience equips me to be an effective city council member on day one.
  • I listen carefully to residents, businesses and my colleagues. I am known for doing my homework. I prepare intensely, and am accessible to residents and local businesses. I actively seek their perspectives, and work collaboratively to construct reasonable and actionable solutions that serve the community.
  • I will protect Palo Alto quality of life while guiding inevitable change. I truly believe we can make changes for the better going forward that will improve, not threaten, quality of life. I will help lead these changes thoughtfully, inclusively, and constructively.

My Promise to You: To Protect Palo Alto’s Quality of Life While Guiding Change

  • On Housing: Support the construction of affordable housing and plan for the right mix of housing types for our future needs.
  • On Environment: Implement practical programs to continue Palo Alto’s environmental leadership, including dedicating park land, preserving creek habitats and trees, modernizing the electric grid, and using best building practices to protect wildlife and address sea level rise.
  • On Local Business: Take immediate action to support our businesses – especially the shops, services, and restaurants we all treasure by providing attractive outdoor spaces and easy access to customers including bike lanes and adequate parking.
  • On Public Safety: Restore Fire and Police staffing levels so people feel safe in their homes and on our streets and expand enforcement of our city codes to address community concerns.

What I've Done

My Solid Track Record of Concrete and Pragmatic Outcomes

  • Spearheaded the city’s 1st residential parking permit program in College Terrace, which served as a city-wide model for additional neighborhoods. 
  • Consistently championed policies that provide and protect affordable housing while ensuring safeguards for current residents.
  • Approved land use and transportation actions to protect renters, and mitigate traffic and parking congestion.
  • Advised the City Manager on land use and the natural environment for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan that guides policy decisions for the next decade.
  • Advanced tree protection ordinances and the dedication of Palo Alto parkland to preserve our tree canopy and outdoor spaces.

I’ve Held Numerous Leadership Roles in Palo Alto

  • Palo Alto Planning & Transportation Commission (including Chair)
  • 2030 Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee 
  • California Avenue Concept Plan workshops
  • California Avenue Tree Replanting and Streetscape Project 
  • Citizens Committee to Update Palo Alto Tree Ordinance 
  • North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP)
  • Pedestrian Safety, Bike lanes, and Traffic Calming advocacy
  • Community Working Groups: College Terrace Residents’ Association Board (including President), Palo Alto Development Center Advisory Group Community Representative
  • Nonprofit Boards: Wildlife Rescue (facilitated merger with Humane Society), La Comida (first county nutrition program for healthy low-cost senior lunches)