When it comes to Measure T, it’s not just about building more housing—it’s about where and how we grow. Research supports San Mateo's Measure T and there are significant long-term benefits of concentrated development near downtown and transit. From reducing traffic to boosting local businesses and supporting a more sustainable and walkable way of living in San Mateo, Measure T is about making choices that benefit our community and environment now and in the future. Let’s explore the numbers behind these benefits and why it matters.
Reduced Traffic Congestion
No one likes sitting in traffic. It’s frustrating, it’s polluting, and it eats away at our quality of life. By supporting Measure T, we’re setting ourselves up for a smarter, less congested future. Studies by the Urban Land Institute show that concentrating housing near transit hubs and central areas can reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by up to 20%. That’s a big deal in a city of over 100,000 residents. Imagine fewer cars trying to cut through Alameda de las Pulgas, going down Hillsdale Blvd, or cutting through side streets around the lanes because they walked to the train to commute to work that day —not only would it mean a smoother commute, but it would also mean fewer greenhouse gases polluting our air.
Measure T directs growth to where it makes sense—places that are already connected to transit options like Caltrain. The closer people live to transit, the less likely they are to drive everywhere for every trip, which means fewer cars on the road and more space for the rest of us.
Support for Local Businesses
Think of your favorite local coffee shop or the family-owned grocery store down the street. These businesses thrive when people are nearby and out and about. According to a study by the American Planning Association, mixed-use developments near housing can boost local business revenue by an average of 10-20%. More residents in downtown areas mean more foot traffic, more loyal customers, and more thriving small businesses. This is an easy win for our local economy.
Measure T is all about supporting this kind of healthy growth. It’s not about dropping multi-family units wherever we can happen to get them built around the city; it’s about concentrating housing where people, especially younger working professionals and those seeking a built in community, already want to be—close to cafes, shops, and community spaces. When we create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, we create more opportunities for local businesses to succeed, keeping our dollars circulating within the community.
Increased Public Revenue
A lesser-known but crucial benefit of concentrated housing is the increase in public revenue it can bring. Denser developments typically generate more property tax revenue per acre compared to sprawling suburban neighborhoods. Why? Because they’re using land more efficiently, resulting in a higher concentration of taxable properties. This means more resources for the city without the need to raise taxes across the board.
With Measure T, San Mateo has a chance to bolster its public revenue in a sustainable way. Concentrating new development near transit and downtown means tapping into areas where infrastructure already exists, leading to more funds for schools, public safety, and other essential services—making sure everyone in the community benefits from the growth.
Efficient Use of Infrastructure
Infill redevelopment is to Measure T—it’s about making smarter use of what we already have by building within existing developed areas where there is an opportunity to have compounded benefits instead of building wherever we happen to get a project. This kind of redevelopment fills in the gaps, putting underutilized spaces to better use.
Building up is the natural partner to infill redevelopment. Instead of using more land, we use height. Vertical growth is a far more efficient way to accommodate more residents without encroaching on green spaces or residential neighborhoods. It means more people can access the amenities, transit, and services concentrated in these well-connected areas.
Research from Smart Growth America shows that infrastructure costs can be up to 38% lower when cities grow up instead of out. Measure T encourages building up in key areas where scalable infrastructure already exists—downtown and along transit lines. This not only saves money but also minimizes the environmental impact of new developments.
Measure T’s focus on building where it makes sense is a win-win. We save on costs, reduce environmental strain, and maintain the character of our existing neighborhoods. By embracing infill redevelopment and vertical growth, we’re making our city more efficient, sustainable, and prepared for the future—all while keeping the unique charm of San Mateo intact.
Enhanced Public Transit Use
People are far more likely to use public transit when they live close to it. The National Association of Realtors found that homes near transit are five times more likely to be used by public transportation commuters. More residents living near Caltrain or bus lines means more people choosing sustainable transit options over driving. It’s a domino effect—more transit use leads to improved service, fewer cars on the road, and ultimately a lower carbon footprint for our entire community.
Measure T is crucial to this kind of sustainable growth. By concentrating housing where transit is easily accessible, we’re making it easier for people to ditch their cars when they can and choose greener options. Not only does this reduce emissions, but it also encourages a healthier, more active lifestyle—walking or biking to transit, instead of getting behind the wheel.
Research Shows Measure T Benefits San Mateo
Research supports Measure T in San Mateo as more than just a housing policy—it’s a smart growth strategy. It’s about reducing traffic, supporting local businesses, increasing revenue for public services, making efficient use of infrastructure, and encouraging the use of sustainable transportation. The data tells us that concentrated housing isn’t just good for new residents—it’s good for everyone in San Mateo.
We have a chance to build in a way that benefits the entire community, and Measure T is a blueprint for doing just that. With Measure T, we can make choices that reduce congestion, protect our green spaces, and ensure that San Mateo remains a vibrant, connected, and sustainable place to live for generations to come. Let’s grow responsibly, together.
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