San Mateo County Multi-City Inclusionary Zoning and Affordable Housing Study
Also known as the San Mateo County Grand Nexus and Feasibility Study
Background
Eleven jurisdictions in San Mateo County are collaborating on an initiative to explore updates to and/or adopt new affordable housing policies applicable to future development projects. These policies may include residential affordable housing impact fees, inclusionary housing requirements (and in-lieu fees), and commercial linkage fees.
This study is focused solely on evaluating these potential policies. Each jurisdiction will conduct its own separate decision-making process for adoption and implementation should it choose to move forward with any new or updated fees or requirements.
If implemented, these policies would apply only to new development and would not affect existing developments.
Policies Under Study
Residential Affordable Housing Impact Fees
Fees that may be charged on certain residential developments to help fund affordable housing.
Inclusionary Affordable Housing Policies
Policies that may require certain residential developments to designate a percentage of units as affordable to households at specified income levels. Developers may also have the option to pay an in-lieu fee, which is a payment made to the jurisdiction instead of providing affordable units within the development. These funds are then used to support affordable housing elsewhere in the community.
Commercial Linkage Fees
Fees that may be charged on certain non-residential developments (such as office, life sciences/research & development, hotel, industrial, retail, and residential care facilities) to support affordable housing.
Different jurisdictions are participating in different components of the study. Some jurisdictions already have affordable housing policies in place, while others are exploring them for the first time.
Participating Jurisdictions
The following jurisdictions are participating in this study:
- Belmont
- Brisbane
- Daly City
- East Palo Alto
- Half Moon Bay
- Menlo Park
- Pacifica
- Redwood City
- San Bruno
- City of San Mateo
- San Mateo County
Project Set-Up and Consultant Team
Strategic Economics is leading the economic and feasibility analysis and will share policy recommendations later this year. Community Planning Collaborative is helping coordinate the work across the participating jurisdictions.
If you have questions or comments, please email stakeholderfeedback (at) strategiceconomics (dot) com
If you would like to receive email project updates, please email Josh at ellsworth (at) planningcollaborative (dot) com
April 13, 2026 Public Virtual Meeting
On April 13, 2026, the project team hosted a virtual public meeting to share the study’s purpose and goals, explain how findings may inform housing policies, and respond to participant questions.