San Carlos · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Carlos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
$84 Million Sales Tax Criticism
The Council voted to send a half-cent general sales tax to voters on November 3, 2026. It would raise about $6 million a year for 14 years for general city purposes like streets, parks, and public safety. Supporters say it keeps local dollars local; opponents worry about the total tax rate nearing 10% and impacts on small businesses.
Structural Budget Deficits and Mid-Cycle Budget
San Mateo County says the state is shorting local governments on vehicle license fee backfill — a $119 million countywide gap this year, roughly $2.3 million hitting San Carlos. That's real money for parks, libraries, and public safety, and the state left it out of this year's budget entirely. County leaders are organizing cities, schools and nonprofits to fight back, with a press conference April 7.
Northeast Area Specific Plan Opposition
The east side's industrial land near Highway 101 is now slated for a 20-year transformation into a mixed-use district with housing at 75-90 units per acre, active ground-floor uses, and flood protections. Existing businesses can stay, and the council added protections to keep space for plumbers, cabinet makers, and other trades as redevelopment happens.
SB 79 zoning exclusion near Caltrain
A new state law would override local zoning within a quarter mile of the Caltrain station, allowing up to 75-foot buildings and 120 units per acre — including in the downtown core where the city wants ground-floor retail. The council introduced an exclusion ordinance preserving current zoning until 2032 while staff prepares a local transit-oriented development plan. Councilmembers also want the city's story told in Sacramento.