Following a series of listening sessions in San Mateo County, the Board of Supervisors will release results this Tuesday, October 3, on residents' needs in four key areas.
Over the past two months, the County has held a series of listening sessions and conducted surveys in communities from Daly City to East Palo Alto to learn about residents’ needs and concerns regarding housing and homelessness, children and families, mental health and emergency preparedness.
Outreach materials, listening sessions, and surveys were provided in multiple languages. Deliberate and targeted community outreach was also conducted to encourage participation from residents of a wide range of ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities.
Following these, San Mateo County published a report last Friday detailing the results of a months-long process, which will be released on Tuesday, October 3 at 9:00 a.m. in the Board Room at 400 County Center in Redwood City.
The information collected offers unique insights into the needs and challenges identified by 2,661 residents who attended a listening session or responded to a survey available online or in print.
Based on the results of the listening sessions and surveys, the following main themes emerged:
- Increase the supply of housing that is affordable to a greater proportion of the community.
- Supporting positive mental health by addressing economic pressures on individuals, families and older people.
- Expand access to affordable, culturally sensitive child care and youth enrichment programs
- Provide clear communication and localized planning to help communities plan for emergencies.
- Support the unique needs of older people compared to those of children and families.
- Increase access to trade schools and diverse career options after high school
The “Measure K Survey and Listening Sessions Summary Report” is available at the county website.
According to a statement released by the county, Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors study session will include a presentation of the findings, followed by a discussion of ways to address the needs through funding from Measure K, the countywide voter-approved half-cent sales tax that provides local funding for local needs.
Participation of those interested may be in person or virtual. In addition, there will be live translation into Spanish.
You may be interested in: Learn how to spot phishing scams and what to do if you fall victim
