To the Honorable City Council of Menlo Park,
As a longtime Menlo Park resident and parent of three—two at Menlo-Atherton High and one in college—I care deeply about the future of our city. I also serve as Executive Director of Community Equity Collaborative, which advances equity in education, and as a Commissioner on the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women. I’m writing in strong support of Agenda Item G-1 and urge the Council to move forward with a proposal that maximizes affordable housing downtown. This is a rare opportunity to meet urgent housing needs on public land—land we can use to benefit the very people who serve and sustain our community and who are the future of this community.
We are losing teachers, essential workers, and young families—not because they want to leave, but because they can’t afford to stay. According to the County’s Fund the Future report, a significant portion of single mothers in San Mateo County live below the Real Cost Measure, even while working full time. Mixed-use affordable housing helps address this gap while strengthening our civic and economic fabric so that working families can live in Menlo Park. Downtown homes near transit and services reduce traffic, support local businesses, and foster walkable, sustainable neighborhoods. These developments bring steady foot traffic and renewed vitality to our business district. Some disruption is inevitable—I’ve parked in these lots countless times for coffee, doctor appointments, restaurants, and errands. Construction will impact daily routines and small businesses. But the city can—and should—take steps to ease short-term disruptions in service of long-term community gains. That means planning ahead: offering alternative parking options, clear signage, and visible support for merchants. This doesn’t have to be either/or—we can build much-needed housing and keep our downtown businesses strong.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to maximize the benefit of city-owned land. By supporting shared parking strategies, increased height, and a thoughtful income mix—including both 80% and 30% AMI units—Menlo Park can create more homes for the teachers, retail workers, and families who keep our city running. The city’s original goal of 345 units should be a floor, not a ceiling. Building more homes will make deeper affordability feasible, lower per-unit costs, and accelerate project delivery. Moving forward with approvals instead of issuing a new RFP would streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays—especially with state laws like SB 423 available to reduce legal risk and protect the city’s investment.
This vision aligns with San Mateo County’s Shared Vision 2025, particularly its goals of fostering a livable community—where growth occurs near transit and promotes affordability—and a prosperous community, where innovation and opportunity are accessible to all. Ultimately, this is about our vision for the future of Menlo Park. We all want a vibrant downtown. We want our small businesses to thrive, our teachers and caregivers to live in the communities they serve, and our neighbors to stay rooted here. And we want our children to have the option of returning to the Bay Area—their hometown—after college or when starting their own families. Let’s make that possible.
Sincerely,
Dayna Chung
Resident, Menlo Park
Executive Director, Community Equity Collaborative
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Dayna Chung (Pronouns: she/her/hers)
Community Equity Collaborative
Co-Founder & Executive Director
www.communityequitycollaborative.org
*What are pronouns and why are they in my email signature? More information.
