San Carlos Input Sought: SMC Wants Your Thoughts On Housing, Community Development Needs

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The County of San Mateo invites residents and organizations to four community meetings this month where the Department of Housing will ask the public to help set federal funding priorities for local needs such as affordable rental home development, job training and street and sewer repairs.

The Department of Housing is currently drafting its 2018-2022 Consolidated Plan which proposes uses for federal community planning and development block grants. Funding originates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) three federal formula programs: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and the Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG). The overall goal of these programs is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, maintaining a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

At each of the upcoming meetings, attendees will learn about the funding options and be able to express their views on housing and community development needs. Department of Housing staff will incorporate input gathered at these meetings into the Consolidated Plan’s funding goals and priorities. Those interested need only attend one session.

The meetings will be:

Monday, Oct. 23: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Municipal Services Building
• 33 Arroyo Drive
• South San Francisco, CA 94080

Wednesday, Oct. 25: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Fair Oaks Community Center
• Multipurpose Room
• 2600 Middlefield Road
• Redwood City, CA 94063

Thursday, Oct. 26: 10 a.m. to 11:30 am

• Department of Housing
• Jupiter Room
• 264 Harbor Boulevard, Building A
• Belmont, CA 94002

Thursday, Oct. 26: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• San Mateo County Health System
• Multipurpose Room
• 225 37th Ave.
• San Mateo, CA 94003

To gather information about housing needs, the Department of Housing also developed the “San Mateo County Consolidated Plan Survey” to gather information. Attendees can complete the survey at the meetings. The survey is also available online in English, Spanish, Tagalog and Chinese through Oct. 30, 2017:

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/smcconplan

Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/89YPYRV

Tagalog: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/893BR5Z

Chinese: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/99swd8k

The community meetings will be accessible upon request to non-English speaking residents or persons with disabilities. Those needing special accommodations should contact the Department of Housing by Oct. 18, 2017 at (650) 802-5050 or conplan@smchousing.org .

— SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: County of San Mateo / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone