SMC To Review Community Survey Results

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider the findings of a community survey and several listening sessions held across the county in recent months to help better inform local leaders about residents' needs.

The county has hosted a series of in-person listening sessions over the last two months and distributed an online survey aiming to reach residents across ages, incomes and ethnicities. Officials said more than 2,600 neighbors helped them gauge concerns and emerging needs relating to housing and homelessness, children and families, mental health services and emergency preparedness.

Using the information collected from listening sessions and survey results, the county identified a few areas where common themes emerged:

• Increase the supply of housing that is affordable to a greater share of the community.
• Support positive mental health by addressing the economic pressures on individuals, families and seniors.
• Expand access to affordable and culturally sensitive child care and youth enrichment programs.
• Provide clear communication and localized planning to help communities plan for emergencies.
• Support the needs of seniors as unique from those of children and families.
• Increase access to trade schools and varied career options after high school.

Supervisors are scheduled to enter a study session on Tuesday morning that will include a presentation with detailed results and a discussion of ways to address community needs utilizing Measure K funds. Residents can review the report online and participate in the Tuesday meeting in person or over Zoom.