San Mateo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Mateo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Self-Guided Art Walks
The commission is considering creating one or more self-guided art walks — possibly three mini-walks given how spread out the city's art is — and even a scavenger-hunt style format to draw families and visitors downtown. Staff hope it will support downtown businesses and tie into Chamber of Commerce and downtown events.
Downtown B Street Mural Maintenance
The beloved downtown pedestrian mural cost $200,000–$300,000, is the city's most popular public art piece, and was just resealed in July by the original artist. The city missed its original two-year resealing window and now has an ongoing maintenance plan including power washing.
Fourth of July Fireworks Enforcement Success
Reports of illegal fireworks dropped 77% this July 4th thanks to police planning, drones, and outreach — a big quality-of-life win after two miserable prior years.
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.
Peninsula Clean Energy Rebrand to Westlight Energy
PCE is changing its name to end confusion with PG&E; San Mateo customers have saved nearly $27 million over ten years. The city formally updated its ordinance to match.
Future uses of surplus project parcels
Leftover project land could become neighborhood amenities — a pump track and skate elements were floated for parcels near Mariners Island and J. Hart Clinton Drive, and a lot on El Camino near 41st is being eyed for future affordable housing under the Housing Element.
Peninsula Pure Water Project participation
San Mateo is staying engaged with the regional effort to turn purified wastewater into drinking water, but its participation has slipped to a later phase. In the meantime, staff are talking with Cal Water and Burlingame about producing recycled water locally.
Small Cell Wireless Permit Appeals
A resident questioned why some cell tower appeals were upheld while earlier similar permits were not, and asked for an independent investigation. The city attorney explained the differing proceedings cannot be reopened.