San Mateo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Mateo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Utility Box Public Art Program
The city wants to launch a program putting art on utility boxes around San Mateo, including possibly opening it to community and student artists. It requires coordination with Public Works and could take roughly a year to develop, with work expected to start around January or February 2027.
Equitable access to EV charging infrastructure
Public chargers nearly doubled since 2023, but east San Mateo has almost none and renters can't easily charge at home. The Council is exploring curbside charging, after-hours access to school and employer chargers, and partnerships to fill the gaps.
Sea level rise adaptation plan coming this fall
Staff previewed a new climate adaptation plan focused on sea level rise, funded by Caltrans and tied to state shoreline requirements, with the first public meeting expected in fall 2026. Commissioners noted it doesn't yet cover extreme heat.