As San Mateo continues to grow, the challenge of providing affordable housing has become a central issue for both residents and policymakers. Measure T ensures that the city remains responsive to these challenges by preserving the 15% affordable housing requirement for new developments through the Below Market Rate Inclusionary Program, which has been a cornerstone of the city’s housing policies for decades. In addition, the measure allows for smart, measured growth while maintaining the integrity of Measure Y zoning across more than 75% of the city.
Preserving the 15% Affordable Housing Requirement
San Mateo has long been committed to addressing housing affordability, recognizing that the vibrancy of a community is directly tied to its ability to provide housing for residents of all income levels. Through its Below Market Rate (BMR) Inclusionary Program, San Mateo requires developers of new residential projects to allocate 15% of their units as affordable. This policy, which has been in place for decades, ensures that working families, essential workers, and those from diverse economic backgrounds can continue to call San Mateo home.
However, under current zoning, San Mateo has seen a severe slowdown in housing development as compared to jobs growth over the past two decades.
Measure T reaffirms the City's commitment to affordable housing while enabling net more affordable homes to be built. As housing prices continue to rise, the need for affordable housing has never been greater. By maintaining the 15% requirement, Measure T ensures that all new developments contribute to the solution. This policy isn’t just about creating more housing—it’s about building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The Role of Measure Y Zoning
While Measure T continues to champion affordable housing, it also respects the careful zoning framework laid out by Measure Y. Passed by voters in 2020, Measure Y limits the height and density of buildings in many parts of the city to preserve the character of San Mateo’s neighborhoods. Importantly, more than 75% of the city will retain Measure Y zoning under Measure T. This means that while some areas will see growth, the city remains committed to managing development in a way that aligns with the values of its residents.
By retaining Measure Y zoning in most of the city, Measure T balances the need for affordable housing with the desire to protect the character of San Mateo’s cherished neighborhoods. This approach demonstrates the city’s responsive governance—listening to both the demands for more affordable housing and the concerns about overdevelopment.
Measure T Enables More Affordable Housing
San Mateo’s growing population and slow housing development has put pressure on its housing market, driving prices higher and making it more difficult for many families to find affordable homes. Measure T directly addresses this challenge by enabling more affordable homes to be constructed, particularly in areas where zoning allows for increased density. By doing so, Measure T not only meets the current housing demand but also prepares the city for future growth.
The preservation of the 15% affordable housing requirement is key to this strategy. As more housing developments are built, the city will see a steady increase in the number of affordable units, helping to ease the housing burden on low- and middle-income families. In this way, Measure T is a forward-thinking policy, ensuring that San Mateo continues to be a place where people from all walks of life can afford to live.
Decades of Commitment to Affordable Housing
The City of San Mateo’s Below Market Rate Inclusionary Program has been instrumental in ensuring that affordable housing remains a priority. Decades ago, San Mateo recognized the importance of requiring developers to include affordable units in all new residential projects, and this vision has helped maintain a more inclusive and diverse community.
Measure T builds on this legacy. It continues the policies that have worked for years while making room for new solutions to San Mateo’s housing challenges. By reaffirming the 15% requirement, Measure T guarantees that every new development will contribute to the city’s affordable housing stock, ensuring that San Mateo remains a place where people of varying income levels can live and work.
Looking to the Future with Measure T in San Mateo
As San Mateo looks ahead, Measure T offers a path forward that addresses the city’s most pressing housing concerns while respecting its past. The balance between affordable housing and maintaining neighborhood character is crucial, and Measure T achieves this by retaining Measure Y zoning in more than 75% of the city. At the same time, it empowers the construction of more affordable homes, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to live in San Mateo.
With the Below Market Rate Inclusionary Program continuing to drive affordable housing development, Measure T reinforces the city’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity. As a result, San Mateo’s future will not only be defined by growth but also by the preservation of its core values: affordability, diversity, and community.
Measure T solidifies San Mateo’s dedication to addressing the housing crisis in a thoughtful and balanced way. By continuing the 15% affordable housing requirement and enabling more affordable homes to be constructed, Measure T proves that San Mateo remains responsive to the needs of its residents.
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