From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 12:02:51 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Friday, November 7, 2025 11:17 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Hermann Schmid
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 12:03:10 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Friday, November 7, 2025 10:58 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Deborah Miramontes
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 12:03:32 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Friday, November 7, 2025 10:48 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Robert Pedro
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 12:03:51 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Friday, November 7, 2025 9:32 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Raymond Laherrere
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 12:04:08 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 7:34 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Christine Steel
Contact: Reverend Álvaro Durán
*MEDIA ADVISORY*
Community Rally: “Renter Protections NOW!” – Calling for Expanded Eviction Protections in San Mateo
Former Mayor Rick Bonilla, Faith Leaders, and Community Advocates Urge the City Council to Adopt Renter Protection Ordinance
San Mateo, Calif. – On Tuesday, November 11, Former Mayor Rick Bonilla, faith leaders, and community advocates will gather to call on the San Mateo City Council to adopt strong tenant eviction protections that were previously voted down at an April 2025 study session. Since that meeting, federal actions have worsened conditions for renters, particularly Latino communities. The coalition is demanding that the Council adopt policies that prevent renters from entering states of housing desperation rather than only providing relief after crises occur.
The event falls on Veterans Day to highlight that veterans are among those facing the greatest housing insecurity. The City Council will consider these policies at its Monday, November 17, 2025 meeting.
WHAT: “Renter Protections NOW” Rally
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM
WHERE: Congregational Church of San Mateo, 225 Tilton Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 (Rally will take place on the church lawn. Parking is available in the parking lot on Catalpa Street behind the church.)
WHO:
● Former San Mateo Mayor Rick Bonilla
● Former San Mateo Planning Commissioner and One San Mateo Member John Ebneter ● Minister of Community Life at the Congregational Church of San Mateo Reverend Álvaro Durán ● Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County Community Engagement and Language Justice Lead Paola Arellano-Rosales
● San Mateo Resident and Veteran Peter Pierson
● San Mateo Resident Natalia Medina
BACKGROUND
In April 2025, the San Mateo City Council considered five renter protection policies but declined to adopt any of them. While the Council did establish a $150,000 annual rent relief fund, it failed to take adequate measures to keep vulnerable communities in their homes. As the Council prepares to revisit this issue, the Our Home San Mateo coalition is mobilizing community support for stronger protections.
Specifically, the coalition is supporting increased relocation assistance above the one month currently required by state law; a right to return for tenants after a substantial remodel; prohibition of no-fault evictions during the school year; requiring a just cause for eviction starting on the first day of tenancy, instead of year two; and creation of a rent registry to generate data about current realities in the rental market.
About Our Home San Mateo
Our Home San Mateo is a coalition of organizations engaged in an ongoing campaign to uphold the interests of renters in San Mateo, including a set of eviction protection policies set forth by the renter community in early 2025. The core members of this coalition are One San Mateo, the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County, the Congregational Church of San Mateo, and the San Mateo Climate Action Team.
–30–
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:29:31 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:27 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Christina Vernazza
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:29:49 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:27 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Danielle Shapiro
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:30:31 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:25 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Theresa Aiello
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:30:48 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:18 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Praneeta Sharma
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:31:21 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:16 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other. karen vega
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:31:38 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:14 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Susan Herman
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:33:28 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 10:30 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Steve Zmay
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:33:46 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 10:29 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Kathy Zmay
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:34:06 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 10:20 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Denise Cronan
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:34:25 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 10:14 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Rachel Salomon
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:34:43 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 9:46 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
David Zigal
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:35:01 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 9:42 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Rich Sanchez
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:35:17 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 9:34 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Louis Lin
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:35:31 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 9:34 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
David Martin
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:35:46 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 9:34 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Brian Boisson
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:36:00 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 9:33 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Tina Wong
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:36:24 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Sunday, November 9, 2025 8:14 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Anna Ow
From: Rachel Horst
To: Jennifer Mora
Subject: FW: VOTE NO on proposed rules "relocation assistance" and "right to return" rules.
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 1:13:18 PM
From: Chantal Eaton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 12:27 PM
To: Rachel Horst <[email protected]>; Van Diggans <[email protected]> Cc: Zachary Dahl <[email protected]>; Alex Khojikian <[email protected]>; Christina Horrisberger <[email protected]> Subject: FW: VOTE NO on proposed rules "relocation assistance" and "right to return" rules.
Hi all,
Kindly see comment below.
Best,
Chantal
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 12:02 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Subject: VOTE NO on proposed rules "relocation assistance" and "right to return" rules.
We are adamantly opposed to new “relocation assistance” and “Right to Return” rules. Not only does it negatively impact renters with reduced properties and higher costs, but taxpayers as well for yet another bureaucracy.
WE support the city’s rental assistance program — proven to prevent evictions and displacement without discouraging housing investment.
We do not own rental property. We are concerned for renters due to owners inability to remain landlords. This is a bureaucratic nightmare, requiring years of tracking, record keeping and filings, legal costs, cumbersome rules and regulations to wade through. Many owners will simply throw in the towel.
We need more housing. We need more AFFORDABLE housing. These proposals increase costs to renters and owners, and preclude willingness to risk making rentals available.
Taxpayers do not want to pay for yet more bureaucratic government regulatory rules and legal
expense; these regulations reduce housing and increase costs, impeding adding housing.
Please vote NO on “relocation assistance” and “right-to-return” considerations.
Keep rental assistance.
Respectfully, Tom and Carol Gillett
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 5:36:37 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 2:46 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Frank Vella
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 5:36:51 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 2:20 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Marie Pease
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 5:37:09 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 12:50 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Jessica Eva
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 5:37:24 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 12:37 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Karen Wright
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 5:37:39 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 12:06 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Neville Batliwalla
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 5:38:14 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:39 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Moises Pelayo
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:21:32 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:21 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Bijan Amini
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:21:47 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:01 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Nate Velasquez
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:22:15 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 8:30 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Omar Galindo
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:22:33 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 7:13 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Joanna Ramies
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:23:09 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 3:33 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Ignacio C. Lopez
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:23:28 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 11:48 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Ara Croce
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:23:46 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 7:19 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Dan Brosnan
From:
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Renters Protection
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 6:26:21 PM
Dear Mayor Newsom and Members of Council,
Considering recent federal actions that are very damaging to the well-being of middle-and lower- income community members, I am writing to urge the council to reconsider the decisions made at its study session on April 21, 2025.
In the past few months, the federal government has weakened many essential safety net programs, leaving the lives of many San Mateo residents ever more fragile, ever more vulnerable to hardship.
The programs subject to cuts include SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, ACA subsidies, and support for immigrant students. These cuts risk plunging middle-and lower-income residents into poverty and destabilizing their lives. And we know, of course, that the Latino community has been targeted most aggressively—and will suffer the most.
I am calling upon the City Council to counter this assault by adopting the eviction protection policies set forth by the renter community earlier this year. These policies, all of which are modest in nature, are intended to discourage no-fault evictions and help keep renters in their homes. The situation since April has changed dramatically. I urge the city council to acknowledge this new reality and evolve its response accordingly.
Sincerely,
John Ebneter
From:
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Tenant Protections on Nov 17 Agenda
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 7:03:54 PM
Honorable Mayor and Council
Since the time that the City Council last considered tenant protections to reduce housing insecurity of San Mateo residents, so much has changed. At the federal level, food benefits have been drastically cut and continue to be threatened. Health care is becoming less affordable as it loses subsidies. The economic impacts of layoffs have left their mark.
Meanwhile locally, other cities have taken a deeper look into these issues, as they study and consider solutions.
On behalf of renters, I respectfully request that the City Council at its November 17 meeting direct staff to undertake a more focused review of methods for improving tenant protections. I know that many cities are already collecting meaningful, policy shaping data about rents, evictions, and possibilities.
Looking at some of the alternative data collection techniques discussed many months ago, I have concluded that better data collection through such techniques as a formal rental registry, would be one robust solution. Because the
possible data sources discussed by Council did not,
in my view, pan out, I urge staff and Council to look more deeply.
This Council has been so thorough in its review of other climate issues.
Lack of adequate, affordable housing is a climate problem as we force our valued workforce to live in expensive or substandard housing, or make long tortuous commutes Please direct staff to spend additional time and consultant assistance on additional study of renter protections.
Thank you
Robert Whitehair
San Mateo
Acknowledgement: I reside on the unceded lands of our indigenous ancestors the Ramaytush Ohlone, while benefiting from racial privilege. We begin making reparations by accepting only a kinship view of our place on the planet: All life is interconnected, interdependent, and interrelated.
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 9:23:51 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 4:19 PM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Norma Sayage
From: Laurie Strange
To: Zachary Dahl; Rachel Horst
Subject: FW: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 9:24:28 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:27 AM
To: City Mgr <[email protected]>
Subject: Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return Vote NO on relocation assistance and right to return
The Honorable Alex Khojikian
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
Dear City Manager Khojikian
Please vote NO on adding relocation assistance and right to return in the proposed ordinance. These rent control like provisions are not required by HCD or MTC. In fact, MTC commissioners have not even voted to approve it's TOC policy. Other jurisdictions have approved Housing Elements that don't include such provisions. or rent control at all.
Please let staff know you are opposed to policies that will negatively impact housing supply and affordability.
Voters in your city have rejected similar proposals, including Measure Q. The staff proposal places a burden on housing providers, adds administrative taxpayer expense and complexity, adds possible legal conflicts, and impacts housing supply and affordability negatively. Instead, please direct staff build on the successful rental assistance program that actually provides a solution and that does not take one side over the other.
Silvia Martinelli
From: Chantal Eaton
To: Clerk
Subject: FW: Opposition of New “Relocation Assistance” and “Right to Return” Provisions Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 8:37:29 AM
From: Omar Galindo
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 8:30 AM
To: Rob Newsom <[email protected]>; City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]>; Adam Loraine <[email protected]> Subject: Opposition of New “Relocation Assistance” and “Right to Return” Provisions
Dear Mayor Newsom and Members of the San Mateo City Council, I am writing to urge you to vote NO on adding relocation assistance and the right to return provisions in the proposed ordinance. These rent control–like measures are not required by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) or the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). In fact, the MTC Commissioners have not yet voted to approve its Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) policy.
Other jurisdictions have successfully adopted compliant Housing Elements without including such provisions—or any form of rent control. San Mateo voters have also clearly rejected similar measures in the past, including Measure Q, yet these restrictive policies continue to be reintroduced.
As someone who owns two rental properties in San Mateo and has represented clients in Oakland, I’ve seen firsthand how overly complex tenant laws can create major challenges. In Oakland, these regulations are so complicated that property owners often require legal representation just to navigate them, stripping away basic ownership rights and discouraging responsible investment in rental housing.
We seem to face new layers of regulation year after year—whether it’s rent control proposals or mandates like home electrification. While I support sustainability and energy efficiency, these programs often translate into excessive government red tape, higher costs for homeowners, and fewer choices for property owners. Given the rising cost of living, materials, and utilities, I believe residents and small property owners should have the freedom to choose what improvements make sense for their own homes without government mandates dictating what systems or appliances we can use.
The proposed staff recommendation would:
Create additional financial and administrative burdens on housing providers Increase taxpayer costs and legal complexity
Discourage new housing production and reduce overall affordability Instead of punitive regulations, I urge the Council to focus on proven, effective programs— such as the rental assistance program—that directly help residents facing displacement or