This Letter to the Editor was originally published here.
Why I'm voting yes on Measure T
Editor,
If people don’t believe there is a need in our community for housing that people can afford, I encourage them to get involved with organizations like Samaritan House. Seeing the struggles that so many families face can really open your eyes to the challenges right here in San Mateo. People asking for help have jobs like you and me but costs have risen so rapidly — much of it in rent. It is gobbling up food and basic necessities budgets. The need is real, and it’s growing.
What I hear from a lot of people is a concern about protecting single-family neighborhoods. Measure T isn’t about disrupting those neighborhoods. Instead, it focuses on building affordable housing along transit corridors, in areas where it makes the most sense. These are spaces already designed for growth, and putting homes near public transit is a smart, efficient way to help more people live and work here without adding to traffic.
For me, the environmental impact of Measure T is just as important. By building near transit, we reduce long commutes, car dependence and emissions. It’s a win-win for both the people who need housing and the planet.
Measure T offers a thoughtful solution to a pressing issue. It’s not just about housing — it’s about keeping our community connected, supporting our local workforce, and protecting the environment for future generations. I’m voting yes on Measure T because it’s the right step forward for San Mateo.
Mary Burns
San Mateo
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Why Yes on T for San Mateo?
Mary brings up a crucial point: the need for affordable housing in our community is more pressing than many realize. The fact that nearly 84% of educators in San Mateo County qualify for Below Market Rate housing tells us that this issue isn’t abstract or distant—it affects the people we depend on every day. When teachers and other essential workers are priced out of their own communities, it strains not only our schools but also our local economy and overall quality of life.
By supporting Measure T, we’re making a smart investment in our future. Building affordable housing near transit corridors is a solution that addresses multiple problems at once. It offers housing options for those who contribute to the fabric of our community while reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions. This approach is not only practical but also sustainable, ensuring that San Mateo grows in a way that benefits all of its residents, not just a few.
At the same time, Measure T protects the integrity of our single-family neighborhoods. It’s important to understand that this measure isn’t about altering the character of those areas. Instead, it focuses growth where it’s most feasible—along public transit lines and in zones already primed for development. This kind of smart urban planning makes sure that we’re meeting our housing needs without creating new problems, like increased traffic in residential neighborhoods.
The bigger picture here is about creating a San Mateo that is accessible, inclusive, and forward-thinking. As housing becomes more and more unattainable for average families, we risk losing the diversity and vibrancy that make this city unique. Measure T is a tool to help us avoid that future. It allows teachers, service workers, and others to live in the communities they serve, fostering a deeper sense of connection and belonging across San Mateo.
Measure T represents a balanced approach to growth—one that ensures our city remains a welcoming place for families of all backgrounds and income levels. It’s not just about building housing; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient community that reflects the values we all share.
By voting yes on Measure T, we can take meaningful action to address the housing crisis, reduce our environmental impact, and ensure that San Mateo remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to live in or near the community they invest in.
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