Housing Element 2023-2031

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The update of the Housing Element 2023-2031 is underway!  The plan will include an overview of housing policies and programs as well as identify locations that can accommodate the future growth of housing.

Housing Element Survey

Take a quick survey to tell us what types of housing policies and programs you think would benefit the community on Speak Up San Mateo.
Tome una encuesta rápida para decirnos qué tipos de políticas y programas de vivienda cree que beneficiarían a la comunidad en Speak Up San Mateo.

Participate in Community Meetings

The shortage of homes impacts all of us. That’s why now is the time to participate in conversations and plan together for current and future housing needs in all our communities. See below for a list on Upcoming Meetings & Events. You can also see Prior Meeting Videos & Materials in the other tab below.

  1. Upcoming  Meetings & Events
  2. Prior Meeting Videos & Materials

City of San Mateo Housing Policy Workshop Webinar

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The City of San Mateo administers several housing related programs to address the complex array of housing issues that we continue to face. As part of the Housing Element update, the future direction of housing programs in the city must be tailored to fit the evolving needs of the community. 

Register here to join us for a community workshop and tell us what housing programs you think the city needs, or how we can change our existing programs to provide the best service to the people of our city.

Let’s Talk Housing San Mateo County - Webinar and Discussion Series

Why are our housing prices so high, and what can we do about it? How can we create more affordable housing and great places to live? Join your fellow residents in San Mateo County for a four-part webinar and discussion series to learn about housing issues in the County so that you can help plan for a shared future that is better for all of us. (Hosted by 21 Elements of San Mateo County) 

Wednesdays at 6:00 pm:

  • 10/13  Why Affordability Matters
  • 10/27  Housing and Racial Equity
  • 11/10  Housing in a Climate of Change
  • 12/1    Putting it All Together for a Better Future

To register and learn more, visit: letstalkhousing.org/events

Future Public Meetings

Please note these dates for upcoming public meetings discussing the Housing Element, including a Joint Study Session with the City Council and Planning Commission. You will be able to access the meeting details on the Public Meeting Portal for these meetings.  The specific times in January will be added as soon as confirmed...watch for them!

  • January 2022:  Joint Study Session City Council and Planning Commission
  • January 2022:  Fair Housing Workshop

General Plan and Housing Element Timeline

General Plan Housing Element Timeline Opens in new window

View .pdf version of the timeline

Stay Informed

Housing Programs and Policy Email Updates

More information will be added to this page when updates become available. Please check back frequently or sign up for the Housing Programs and Policy Updates email list to keep current on the progress and be notified of community events.

General Plan Updates - Strive San Mateo

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 General Plan project website to see how you can get involved: http://strivesanmateo.org

Let's Talk Housing

Let's Talk Housing is a collaborative effort of all the jurisdictions in San Mateo County focused on getting community feedback that will shape our Housing Elements – a housing plan that is part of every General Plan. Through an ongoing initiative called 21 Elements, we are working together to learn from and listen to the community about their housing needs, helping to make sure everyone is involved in shaping our shared future.

Frequently Asked Questions & Background Information

For more information about the Housing Element, you may visit the FAQs online or download this PDF version.

In 2019, the City hosted “Community Conversations about Housing”.  To read what community members talked about, see the reports from two workshops on the Community Conversations webpage and select 'Feedback and Reports'.