The Housing Element is the city's framework for housing goals and policies and helps guide designs that will facilitate the creation and preservation of housing in the city.

State law requires every city and county to adopt a Housing Element as part of its General Plan. Housing Element law requires local governments to adequately plan to meet their existing and projected housing needs, including their fair share of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The law recognizes that in order for the private sector to adequately address housing needs and demand, local governments must adopt land use plans and regulatory schemes that provide opportunities for housing development.

The update of the 2015-2023 Housing Element was completed in early 2015. The city is currently working on the 2023-2031 Housing Element and will be engaging the public throughout the process.

Please subscribe to the Housing Programs and Policy Updates email list for upcoming meetings and updates.

The City is updating its General Plan at the same time as it is drafting the new Housing Element.  The City wants all residents, business persons, and community members to have a voice in the future of San Mateo.  Visit the project website to see how you can get involved: http://strivesanmateo.org