San Mateo County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Mateo County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Inclusionary Housing Zoning Updates
The county adopted an amended housing element and rezoning ordinances to comply with state law, upzoning parcels in Colma and other areas to add high-density housing capacity and avoid state penalties.
FY 2026-27 Final Budget Revisions and Vehicle License Fee Shortfall
The county faces a massive vehicle license fee shortfall of over $226 million for next year, threatening essential county services and local municipal budgets.
Shared Prosperity Action Plan and Economic Mobility
The board reviewed a comprehensive study session on economic mobility, income disparities, and regional strategies to support working families.
Horizon Palm Recovery Center Siting and Funding
The county is moving forward with placing a 69-bed behavioral health and recovery center at 826 Mahler Road in Burlingame, aiming to address regional addiction treatment needs while navigating community concerns and site feasibility.
Affordable Housing Fund Round 14 Commitments
The board approved multiple funding allocations using Measure K reserves to support permanent supportive housing projects like Casa Esperanza and 721 Airport, alongside mobilehome resident loans.
Electric Micromobility Regulations
Following numerous accidents and community advocacy, the county introduced an ordinance regulating e-bikes, setting speed limits on sidewalks and creating educational diversion programs for youth.
Public Infrastructure and Facility Improvements
Several contracts and fund transfers were approved for paving projects, park improvements, facility maintenance, and building remodels across the county.
County Acquisition of 1065 E. Hillsdale Boulevard
The county is purchasing an office building in Foster City for $29 million to house health and human services programs, aiming to save millions in rent. However, local residents and city officials pushed back, arguing the process was rushed, lacked proper community input, and could negatively impact local traffic and economic development.
Proposed Local Transactions and Use Tax Increase
The board voted to sponsor legislation allowing a 0.5% sales tax increase to fund essential local services and community needs.
Potential Acquisition of Burlingame Property for Sobering and Detox Center
The county is exploring the purchase of a 2-acre commercial property on Bayshore Highway and Mahler Road in Burlingame for $13 million to potentially house a sobering center and other county offices, offering an alternative to a disputed site in San Mateo.
Measure K Community Grant Allocations
San Mateo County is facing a potential $120 million loss due to state Vehicle License Fee policies that treat the county differently than most others in California. Supervisors discussed how this shortfall threatens local safety net programs, nonprofits, and services for vulnerable residents.
Senior Homelessness Crisis
Data reveals that senior citizens (aged 55 and older) comprise roughly 63% of the county's unhoused population, highlighting an urgent need for specialized permanent supportive housing and shelter options.
Electronic Health Record Expansion (Epic Mosaic)
County Health is expanding its Epic electronic health record system across specialty divisions with multi-million dollar contract amendments and 35 new permanent staff positions to streamline care and billing.