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What is Measure T?

Measure T is a measure on the November 2024 ballot represents the final piece of the City of San Mateo General Plan.

Measure T provides affordable and workforce housing for all income levels, supports a thriving downtown, and meets state-mandated housing requirements – all without increasing taxes by a single penny.

 

Why do we need Measure T?  

It is no secret that the City of San Mateo is an expensive place to live. As a result, long-time residents, seniors, and younger residents are being pushed out because they can’t afford to stay. San Mateo needs more housing that is affordable for: working families, seniors, veterans, teachers, nurses, and first responders.

 

Does Measure T help with affordable housing? 

For many years, San Mateo has had in place a Below Market Inclusionary Program which required affordable housing units for all new owned and rented developments. The percentage required was last updated in February 2020 to require 15% affordable housing allocation to all new housing developments for both ownership units and rental units, where previously depending on the type of project, it was either 10% or 15%.

Measure T does not contemplate or attempt to change this requirement, it is only a zoning update for specific parcels in downtown and along transit corridors. By increasing the zoning capacity on some of these parcels, the net number of affordable units available to current and future residents increases dramatically.

How will Measure T address housing needs?

Measure T allows the City of San Mateo to meet state housing mandates requiring that the City plan for about 7,015 new housing units by 2031 and 15,000 new units by 2040.

 

Will new housing be built throughout the City?

No, Measure T allows San Mateo to be smart about how it meets California Sate law requirements by locating new housing in designated, specific locations throughout the City. In total, Measure T focuses on updating housing and land use rules for 10% of San Mateo. The remainder of San Mateo remains unchanged from its existing zoning. 

 

Where will new housing be located?

Measure T's implementing smart, sensible planning by locating housing near existing infrastructure, transit hubs, shops, and along El Camino Real and near Caltrain stations where it will promote economic growth in our community and transit use. By doing so, Measure T will help reduce vehicle trips, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. To see the detailed list of where zoning updates will be located, visit the City of San Mateo General Plan 2040 Land Use Map here. Note that it's very likely that not all parcels will be redeveloped as many of them have existing buildings, leases, and uses - zoning and building are very different things. To see a view of what will not be changed across San Mateo, see this map (all green will not receive zoning changes from its current state)

 

Will Measure T increase taxes?

No, Measure T is not a new tax. It will not increase taxes for residents.

 

What exactly will Measure T do to address housing needs and help San Mateo?

Without raising taxes, Measure T will:

  • Meet state housing mandates

  • Provide affordable housing

  • Strengthen our local economy

  • Protect essential city services

 

Is Measure T good for small businesses?

Measure T will create jobs and support downtown small businesses by concentrating new homes nearby existing commercial zones. That is why the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce and the San Mateo Downtown Association both proudly support Measure T.

 

Does Measure T improve essential City services?

Yes, Measure T will not raise your taxes, but it will support essential San Mateo city services. According to an independent study, the additional housing is estimated to generate millions of additional dollars each year for essential City services that make San Mateo such a wonderful place to live.

 

What happens if Measure T does not pass?

If Measure T does not pass, San Mateo will need to increase density in residential neighborhoods elsewhere in the city to meet the State’s housing requirements. 

 

How many votes does Measure T need to pass?

In order to pass Measure T, over 50% of those who cast a vote on Measure T in the November election must vote YES.

 

Who can vote on Measure T?

All registered voters living within the City of San Mateo can vote on Measure T.

 

How can I get involved or learn more about Measure T?

Our campaign is a grassroots organization of community leaders dedicated to passing Measure T. We need your help! Sign up to volunteer, endorse the campaign as an individual or organization, or donate to the campaign - it is expensive to connect with and educate voters and every dollar counts.

 

How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?

You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the San Mateo Registrar of Voters at registrar@smcacre.gov or (650) 312-5222.

Measure T FAQ

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