Item No. 3
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: BRITTANY BENDIX, CONSULTING TOWN PLANNER
DATE: APRIL 1, 2026
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON MENLO COLLEGE CAMPUS HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review and discuss the update regarding on-campus housing development at Menlo College and provide direction to staff on next steps.
BACKGROUND
On January 14, 2026, the City Council held a special meeting to receive an update from representatives of the Atherton Housing Coalition regarding their efforts to assist Menlo College with pursuing an on-campus housing development consistent with the Town’s 2023-2031 Housing Element goals. At that meeting the Coalition indicated that the College was considering a potential four-story residential building with below-grade parking on the parking lot off of Alejandra Avenue. Additionally, to accommodate this development the College indicated a need to replace the off-street parking lost from the residential development with a structure at the El Camino Real entrance to the campus. Upon receiving the report, the Council encouraged the Coalition to continue their efforts with the College to further refine the scope and needs of the campus to move forward with development.
Members of the Coalition have analyzed the site and estimated costs on a volunteer communityled basis. However, as discussions with staff have continued, it has become evident that to support the financing for a future project, the College should provide a cost estimation based on a realistic scope of development. Having real figures would assist in gaining the confidence of financial contributors and support a successful fundraising effort. As a result, the Coalition is seeking assistance from the Town to move this component of the effort forward.
ANALYSIS
The Town is limited in the mechanisms by which it can provide financial support while maintaining the Town’s interest and preserving the Town’s ability to define the parameters of the project. Based on information provided by the Coalition, staff anticipates that the resulting March 26, 2026, City Council Staff Report
Study Session – Campus Housing Update
professional scope of work would range between $50,000 - $100,000. If the Council desires to further support this effort, the financial contribution would be managed through a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) in which the Town directs the work and the consultant would engage the College and Coalition for informational purposes. This process would then require issuance of a formal Request for Proposals, requiring approval by the Council before public release. Selection of the proposal is also subject to Council approval. Staff did consider alternative funding vehicles; however, this would require incorporation of the Coalition or its designation as a non-profit organization. Based on the need for this process, the Coalition has indicated a desire to step away from this effort.
The absence of community support towards this effort compounds the limited resources the College has available to put towards affordable housing development on campus. Moving forward, without the volunteer effort would require staff dedication from the College or the Town. If the Council wishes to continue this effort, it may direct staff to add this to their work plan, or include project management as a component of the Request for Proposal effort. In either scenario, efforts made by the Town on behalf of the College should be structured by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to clarify roles, responsibilities and the scope of engagement. Additionally, the MOU could identify any repayment options to the Town should that be required.
Given the shift in community support on this project, staff is seeking direction from the Council on preferred next steps. Further action towards development of an MOU will necessitate additional Council discussion.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
▪ Goal 1 – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life ▪ Goal 4 – Be Forward Thinking
▪ Land Use & Planning Priorities – Objective 8 – Work with multi-family project developers to address the Town’s affordable housing targets with specific emphasis on Menlo College.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
March 26, 2026, City Council Staff Report
Study Session – Campus Housing Update
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission.
ATTACHMENTS
None.