End of the Year Fundraiser


As we approach the close of another impactful year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has propelled our shared vision of a more inclusive San Mateo County. Whether through time, resources, or advocacy, your support has been the driving force behind our community-centered initiatives.

As we navigate the final stretch of 2023, we invite you to contribute to our End-Of-Year-Fundraiser. Your donation, no matter the amount, is a direct investment in building homes, developing leaders, and fostering community. That's why, at HLC, we've set a target to raise $10,000 by December 31, 2023, to sustain the momentum in our efforts to create additional affordable housing.

Join us in making a difference today! Your support in our year-end fundraiser is not just a contribution; it's a commitment to a brighter, more inclusive community. Let's close this chapter with gratitude, knowing that we've sown the seeds for a more equitable tomorrow.

 

Serramonte Del Rey Passes Planning Commission 🎉


Exciting news! On Tuesday, December 5, the Daly City planning commission gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to the Serramonte del Rey (SDR) development proposal with a resounding unanimous vote to support. Mark your calendars for Monday, January 22, when the City Council will discuss and vote on SDR.

 

South San Francisco Updates


Our South San Francisco leaders continue to meet every two weeks to discuss housing issues and potential solutions in South City. The pictures above shows our group sporting exclusive SSF "por el gran cambio: housing justice for all" T-shirts with the new South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman and Vice Mayor Eddie Flores at the Council’s Reorganization Event on Tuesday, December 5. Stay tuned for an upcoming big update!

Do you want to join our housing justice movement in South San Francisco? Please sign up to be a part of our network using the button below or email Paola at parellanorosales@hlcsmc.org

 

Opportunity to Purchase Act Rejected in East Palo Alto



On Tuesday, December 5, leaders on the East Palo Alto (EPA) City Council voted 3-2 to reject the proposed Opportunity To Purchase Act (OPA) ordinance, which would have made it easier for EPA renters, non-profits, and the City to purchase and preserve affordable homes. While we are disappointed by this decision, HLC would like to extend our appreciation to Councilmembers Ruben Abrica and Carlos Romero for their unwavering support for the EPA OPA.

 

đź“‹Housing Elements Reviewđź“‹


 

Housing elements have had quite a year in San Mateo County. Though housing elements were technically due on January 31 of this year, just four cities received certification from the Department of Housing and Community Development: Redwood City, Brisbane, South San Francisco, and, most recently, Hillsborough. Around the Bay Area, more than 50% of jurisdictions have achieved compliance; San Mateo County’s rate of success is less than 20%. 

 

Endorsements Updates:

San Mateo Planning Commission Supports

Proposed Project at 477 9th Avenue

 

On Tuesday, December 12 your leaders on the San Mateo Planning Commission voted to support the 477 9th Ave proposal by the Martin Group. It will now go to the City Council for a decision. If approved, 120 homes (12 affordable) will be built within a ½ mile of the downtown San Mateo Caltrain station.

For questions, please contact kchan@hlcsmc.org 

SRI Parkline - Menlo Park


As you may already know, SRI International near downtown Menlo Park wants to transform its campus headquarters into a “transit-oriented, mixed-use neighborhood with housing, retail and open space and one-for-one office replacement, with no increase in commercial space.” If you’re a Menlo Park resident, this is your opportunity to let them know that you want to see more homes (especially affordable) in their proposal.

 
 

Resource Alert - Stay Housed Bay Area

Stay Housed Bay Area is a new digital platform that helps Bay Area residents find the resources and services they need to stay in their homes—created by All Home & Partners.

 

Housing Happenings

Breaking: Black Applicants Are STILL Heavily Discriminated Against When Applying For Loans

Even in 2023, housing discrimination is alive and well. The largest US credit union denied over half of Black loan applicants in 2022. This discrimination directly impacts who can access safe, affordable homes and create generational wealth. The legacy left behind by housing segregation is still harming communities of color, which is why we must be proactive in advancing housing equity locally.

Are Community Land Trusts the Key to Unlock Deeply Affordable Homes? The answer may surprise you. 

“This guidebook is a product of a series of conversations with Community Land Trusts (CLTs), lenders, and city planners in California that we held during the first six months of 2023 to learn about SB9 and how it can help CLTs to grow a supply of permanently affordable housing in California. It provides visual tools to facilitate discussions about spatial opportunities of SB9, describe and clarify implementation problems, and inform potential advocacy strategies.” – The California Community Land Trust Network

 

Opportunities

San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) - Citizens Advisory Committee Opening

The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) currently has 2 vacancies on its Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)! Committee members are appointed to serve for 3 year terms during which they commit to meet monthly and advise the Authority Board, based on community input, on SMCTA-specific projects, priorities, and programs. 

If you are a resident of San Mateo County and this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, click the button below to apply

Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County
2905 S El Camino Real  | San Mateo, California 94403
650-242-1764 | info@hlcsmc.org

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