Who We Are

UMPAPA is a labor association of approximately 48 managers, supervisors, and analytical staff dedicated to the representation and protection of our members, and to the continued delivery of the highest quality utility services to the residents and businesses of the City of Palo Alto. To accomplish these objectives, we recognize the critical need to attract and retain experienced, qualified workforce members throughout the entire organization to ensure the safety of employees and community members, and the reliability of our utility services. 

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Members of the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department formed the "Utilities Management and Professional Association (UMPAPA)" to represent our mutual interests in future labor negotiations with the City. Petitioning the City in 2009 to recognize UMPAPA as the newest City bargaining unit, the association stated that the City of Palo Alto Utilities "functions as a utilities business unit separate and distinct from other city business. The management and execution of the successful delivery of water, gas, wastewater, electric and telecommunications products is very different from the normal City of Palo Alto government business of providing information, planning, permits, protection and recreational outlets."

The City initially rejected the petition, but was overruled by an independent arbiter in April 2011, stating that the City's Utilities Department is "unique compared to all other municipalities in the state."