For today’s young families, the vision of suburban life has shifted significantly. The classic suburban dream of a single-family home with a large yard is evolving. Now, families are looking for communities that prioritize walkability, quality schools, and sustainable living options, all within a convenient distance from major hubs like San Francisco or San Jose. San Mateo has the potential to lead the way, and Measure T offers the roadmap to make this vision a reality. With Measure T, San Mateo can redefine suburban living, creating spaces that meet the needs of modern families while preserving the qualities that make the city unique.
At the heart of Measure T is the concept of transit-oriented design (TOD), a smart growth strategy that emphasizes medium-density neighborhoods designed to reduce car reliance. Unlike the dense urban centers many might envision, TOD encourages balanced development that supports family-friendly spaces where residents have convenient access to everyday needs without needing a car for every trip. For many young families, this is life-changing; it means more time spent with loved ones and less time stuck in traffic.
Beyond convenience, TOD also supports stronger community connections. The types of neighborhoods that Measure T would promote bring together local parks, playgrounds, shops, and dining options within easy walking distance. This layout supports a lifestyle that prioritizes safety, health, and neighborly connection. Instead of a neighborhood where everyone commutes separately and returns home only to stay indoors or in their fenced in backyards, TOD invites residents to engage with their surroundings, whether it’s a morning walk with the kids to school, a family outing to a nearby park, or a stop at a local café. For young families, this sense of belonging and connection is invaluable.
Sustainability is another core benefit of Measure T. By reducing car dependency, the plan aligns with our collective environmental goals, creating a healthier community and reducing our overall carbon footprint. Many of us are concerned about the future, and TOD is a critical step toward building a city that our children and grandchildren can enjoy without inheriting the environmental burdens of unsustainable growth.
To those who feel this new model of suburbia is unfamiliar or out of place, it’s worth noting that communities across the country are adapting in response to the needs of younger generations. Families today seek neighborhoods that support both their environmental values and their desire for a convenient, socially active lifestyle. By dedicating a small portion of San Mateo to true medium density TOD, we can meet these needs without altering the city’s overall character. Most of San Mateo will remain as it is today; Measure T simply offers a vision for a more connected and sustainable future.
Supporting Measure T means committing to a San Mateo that’s designed for the long term. It positions our city to attract and retain families who value convenience, sustainability, and community engagement. By voting yes on Measure T, we’re choosing a future that balances progress with preservation, fosters a thriving community, and ensures a quality of life we can proudly pass on to future generations. San Mateo has the opportunity to be a leader in shaping the future of suburban living - let’s seize it.
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