About Keith

I grew up in a multiracial family in a small town in rural Minnesota.  I learned the importance of public service from my parents, who were both dedicated schoolteachers and community volunteers.  My mother tirelessly supported students with learning difficulties as a Special Education teacher and served on a variety of community boards. My father spent years in local government and his dedication to improving people’s lives is part of what motivated me to serve my community.

After earning my Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota, I received a National Science Foundation Fellowship for graduate school at Stanford, where I completed my Masters and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. While at Stanford, I met my wife Becky Epstein, and we later settled in the Charleston Meadows neighborhood, raising our two children, Elise and Eric Epstein, who attended Ohlone, JLS, and Gunn High School.

We have cherished Palo Alto’s strong community and all its amenities.  My nine years on the Parks and Recreation Committee were dedicated to ensuring our parks and facilities continue to meet the community’s changing needs. I made significant contributions to the Parks Master Plan which proposed improvements needed in both the City’s Park system and Recreation Programs.  I also promoted reducing water use, limiting the use of harmful chemicals, and creating outreach programs for teens, seniors, and underserved groups. Our family has enjoyed biking to local events, swimming at Greenmeadow Pool, and participating in community sports. I want future generations of Palo Altans to have the same opportunities.

My frequent biking and walking have also allowed me to focus on how we meet our transportation goals for cars, bikes, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. I am currently the Vice Chair of the Planning and Transportation Commission and I served on the Expanded Community Advisory Panel to develop plans to eliminate the city’s railroad crossings. Since the City Commission’s policy decisions impact nearby residents, I’ve sought to ensure neighbors have a voice and are part of the solution, resulting in better solutions that avoid unintended consequences.  I also championed community-focused retail to support local businesses and enhance the shopping experience for residents. Vibrant communities need accessible retail, parks, and transit alternatives in all areas of our city.

I’ve also focused on housing, particularly housing for our under-served populations. I served on both the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan and the Housing Element Working Group, where I advocated for both affordable housing and providing our new residents with the same quality bike lanes, parks, and city amenities as our current residents enjoy. In 2022, I led the successful campaign for Palo Alto’s Measure K which helped fund our Police, Fire, and emergency services, affordable housing, and transportation improvements. 

I believe that the role of the City Council is to enhance our community’s livability for all residents.  I would like to serve you in ensuring efficient, effective governance where our voices are heard.

 Keith's Facebook Page

Paid for by Keith Reckdahl for City Council 2024 FPPC#1470088