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San Mateo County 2024 Ballot Measures: A Guide to Key Local Propositions

Download Voter Guide

How to Use This Guide

The UWBA Voter Guide provides a summary of the measures on the November 2024 ballot that affect our mission and the communities we serve. This guide evaluates local and state measures that address both immediate needs and the systemic inequities contributing to poverty in the Bay Area.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Basic Needs: Access to food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services.
  • Employment and Career Opportunities: Building pathways for youth and adults to achieve career goals and earn a living wage.
  • Financial Stability: Empowering individuals and families to reach financial goals, navigate crises, and improve their quality of life.
  • Housing Justice: Working with communities to improve access to stable, affordable housing and prevent homelessness.

Evaluation Criteria

Each ballot measure was evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Fit: Does it align with UWBA’s Public Policy Agenda and our programs?
  • Impact: How does it affect the populations we serve, and does it help dismantle systemic poverty?
  • Benefits vs. Risks: Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Measure Recommendations

Each measure receives one of the following recommendations:

  • Support: Fully aligns with UWBA’s agenda and helps meet community needs.
  • Neutral: Related to UWBA’s agenda, but we remain neutral, often in collaboration with statewide networks.
  • Oppose: Detrimental to UWBA’s mission and programs.

For more information on our public policy efforts, visit our policy page

San Mateo County Ballot Measures – Quick Navigation

San Mateo Measure JJ |

General Plan Amendment (City of East Palo Alto)

This measure would utilize an existing gross receipts tax on rental units, generating $1.35 million to fund tenant rental assistance. The measure prohibits this tax from being passed onto tenants. The fund would support affordable homeownership opportunities, affordable housing preservation, cover administrative expenses, and protect residents from displacement and homelessness.

Rationale

We strongly support anti-displacement policies that prevent homelessness, preserve existing affordable housing, and prioritize homeownership opportunities. This funding source will ensure East Palo Alto has the policy tools they need to protect housing stability for their neighbors. Communities thrive when affordable housing is prioritized.

San Mateo Measure T |

City General Plan Amendment (City of San Mateo)

This measure allows for additional affordable housing for low and middle-income residents in transit-oriented, high-opportunity neighborhoods, primarily downtown along El Camino Real. This measure preserves low-density residential neighborhoods in the City of San Mateo, reduces traffic impacts, and ensures the city can meet state housing requirements.

Rationale

We support rezoning for affordable housing at increased densities along transit corridors. This measure would build affordable housing close to Caltrain and existing businesses, making it a desirable and walkable place to live. Increasing the number of affordable housing units available to residents with middle and low incomes in San Mateo is necessary to meet State housing element requirements and benefits the community by providing quality affordable housing in high-opportunity areas.

UWBA Broadly Supports Investments in Education

View statewide and county-specific measures and propositions that impact education. Explore Education Measures

Explore Other County or California Propositions and Measures

Access the 2024 Greater Bay Area Voter Guide and Make Your Voice Count

  • PDF Download: Receive a downloadable PDF of the entire voter guide, covering all Bay Area counties for complete access.
  • Full Access to Key Ballot Measures: Gain detailed insights on both state and local measures shaping Santa Clara County’s future, including affordable housing and public safety.
  • Comprehensive Explanations: Understand how these measures impact financial stability, social equity, and align with United Way Bay Area’s mission to combat poverty.
  • Clear Recommendations: Get clear positions on crucial issues affecting housing, financial security, and essential community resources.

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