San Mateo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Mateo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Labor negotiations with city employee unions
The city's vacancy rate improved to 6.6%, but SEIU workers told the council low pay — library wages 20% below comparable cities — keeps driving turnover, and asked the city to address compensation in bargaining.
Library Employee Compensation
Multiple library staff and supporters urged the council to bring library pay to market median, saying workers are 10% under market despite a city commitment to market-median salaries. No action was taken — the item was not on the agenda.
Senior Congregate Meal Program Waitlists
The City Council allocated $15,000 to the congregate nutrition program, allowing five extra seniors per day to eat at the King Center and Senior Center.
Quarter-Cent Sales Tax Ballot Measure
San Mateo has one quarter-cent of sales tax capacity left before hitting the state cap. The city is weighing whether to use it to raise about $7 million a year for services and infrastructure — or risk losing it to a countywide measure. The ballot decision comes in July.
Charter Amendment on November Ballot
The council heard the first hearing on updating the City Charter — reflecting district elections, giving more flexibility on meeting times and council vacancies, and modernizing outdated rules. A second hearing comes in May before a possible June ballot decision.
Authority administrative structure and officers
A proposed resolution would set who leads the Authority, how meetings are scheduled, and how much contracting authority staff have — up to $25,000 without board approval. It also names Urban Futures Incorporated as the Authority's municipal advisor.
Authority financial statements for fiscal years 2023-2025
The Authority was scheduled to accept and file its basic financial statements covering three fiscal years. This is the annual paperwork trail showing how the two cities' joint financing vehicle has performed.
Independent audit services for the Financing Authority
The Authority was scheduled to hire an outside auditor to independently review its books, at a cost of up to $13,249 for the fiscal year. Independent audits are how residents know the shared financing operations between San Mateo and Foster City are being handled properly.
Get Around Senior Transportation Program Costs
The senior ride program is running $185,000 over its $200,000 budget as participation jumped from 10,000 to 13,000 riders. Staff will make program tweaks and report back in six months; council members want it kept a priority.
State Ballot Measure 1983 Threat to Local Taxes
The council formally opposed a Howard Jarvis initiative that would invalidate local taxes like San Mateo's real property transfer tax — worth $10-15 million a year for streets, parks, and stormwater.
Solid Waste Rate Increases for 2026
Trash bills for single-family homes will rise $4.16 to $6.50 a month as the city continues shifting to a cost-of-service model required by Prop 218. Commercial rates stay flat. The council asked staff to look into assistance for low- and fixed-income residents.