The San Mateo City Council in September decided to create a task force to identify sensible ways to increase housing affordability.
The decision to form an advisory group of housing stakeholders came Monday, Sept. 21, following nearly six hours of presentations and public testimony at San Mateo City Hall.
This included comments from CAA Tri-County members with a variety of portfolio sizes. These members presented the council with facts and personal perspectives on the city’s housing market.
“CAA Tri-County would like to thank those who sent e-mails, made phone calls and attended the meeting on Monday night that went beyond midnight,” said Rhovy Lyn Antonio, government affairs director for CAA Tri-County. “Your patience, passion and commitment to our cause further demonstrated that the rental housing industry is answering the city’s calls for support . You’ve made a difference.”
CAA staff staff also offered ideas to boost housing affordability, such as through a community-based funding source, incentive-based below-market-rate programs and greater communication between renters and property owners/operators.
The mayor and City Council also heard strong opposition against rent control and eviction regulations and were asked to avoid punitive mandates that harm neighborhoods.
The council also agreed that the companies that driving housing demand through job creation have a role to play in funding new housing.
Multiple city officials expressed interest in engaging large employers to join the dialogue with the city and its housing stakeholders.