General Plan - Preferred Scenario 

After years of collecting community input through dozens of meetings and public workshops, the City Council will take a significant step in the General Plan 2040 Update Process at the July 18 meeting.

The City is actively working to meet state mandates to plan for future housing needs, and the General Plan sets a long-range vision for how to best accommodate future population growth. The Council will select a “Preferred Land Use and Circulation Scenario,” which sets a goal for how many new homes and what type of transportation improvements we should plan for. The preferred scenario suggests planning for a population growth of nearly 56,000 residents, 22,000 new homes, and 15,000 new jobs. The preferred alternative also considers heights and density limits for new buildings, which would need to be approved by voters during a future election if changes are proposed to current voter-approved limits.

The Council meets 7 p.m. on Monday, July 18. The staff report and information on how to participate in the meeting is available on the Public Meeting Portal.

We'll be conducting another round of community engagement this summer! Learn more about the Strive San Mateo General Plan Update at www.StriveSanMateo.org. 

Interested in Running for City Council?

Ever wonder who helps make decisions about how San Mateo should best serve the community? Interested in representing your neighbors and residents on important issues? Then consider running to become the next City of San Mateo Council member!

This November voters will elect their first Council members by district. Based on community input, the City recently adopted a new map with 5 Council districts. Visit our District Elections web page to find your district!

Registered voters in Districts 1, 3 and 5 can file to run for City Council starting July 18 through Aug. 12. Visit our Elections web page on July 18 or email clerk@cityofsanmateo.org to learn more.

Will You Vote?

Not in a district up for election? Don’t worry, all registered voters will still receive a ballot and can vote on: a citywide ballot measure, any other local measures and statewide propositions, and representation on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, State Assembly, and Congress.

Celebrate the Spirit of National Night Out with Us!

Strengthen your community by knowing your neighbors, watching out for each other, and working together for a safe community. Join National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 6-9 p.m.

Organized by our San Mateo Police Department, the national event helps to raise awareness about how you can help prevent crime, strengthen neighborhood unity, and develop partnerships with the City and community. In addition to our officers visiting local registered block parties, we’re also hosting a free, family-friendly event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center from 5:30-8 p.m.! Visit our National Night Out web page for more information. 

Who’s Your Super Hero?

Join Super Hero Day on Saturday, July 16 at Los Prados Park from noon to 3 p.m.

This free event includes DJ music, inflatables, arts & crafts, photo booth, family games, and more! Come dressed in your favorite super hero costume and join the fun brought to you by the San Mateo Police Activities League and our Parks & Recreation Department.

To see all special events going on, check out our Special Events web page.

Borrow a State Park Pass from Our Local Library

Our San Mateo Public Library has received more California State Parks Passes, which can be checked out for a three-week period and allow free day-use and parking at select California State Parks.

Place a hold on a pass and we'll notify you when it's ready, or stop by the Main, Marina, or Hillsdale branch to see if a Quick Picks (no holds) pass is available for immediate use. View an interactive map of participating State Parks.