Councilmember· 2022-11-01 - 2026-12-01
Sara McDowell
San Carlos
About
Sara McDowell's campaign centers on fiscal conservatism, notably taking a stance against increasing local sales taxes. Her platform also engages with key local issues such as housing developments as she contends for a seat on the San Carlos City Council.
Campaign promises (1)
- taxesSara McDowell opposes the proposed sales tax increase.Related votes
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 18
- Total speaking time
- 2:32:39
- Avg per meeting
- 8:29
- Segments
- 1994
Want every word McDowell has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has McDowell said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Downtown Parklet Program Extension and 700 Block of Laurel
Businesses on and near the 700 block report struggling without curbside access and parking.
Teamsters Labor Agreement
Labor agreements can affect the city budget, but no costs were disclosed at this meeting.
Winter Storm and Flood Preparedness
The city has an existing emergency budget but may return to the council for additional funding if a major storm hits; grants may offset costs.
Youth Sports Field Use Fee Reductions
The existing $86-per-player fee and proposed $43 add-on fund a projected $2.1 million Highlands Park turf replacement; leagues pay roughly $90,000 a year in combined fees.
Tobacco Retailer Permit Zoning Update
No new city requirements or direct costs — permits stay with the county — but unpaid fines by problem shops run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Restricting oversize vehicle parking on city streets
The city has twice paid a $3,500 tow release fee after 30 days, and the current $50 fine is widely unpaid.
$46 million street repair investment
$44 million committed over five years for paving and street repair.
Measure G spending plan accountability
Measure G would raise an estimated $84 million over 14 years; no itemized spending plan has been published.
Parks Master Plan and trail expansions
About $90 million in recommended improvements over 20 years, none of it funded yet.
$84 million sales tax criticism
Would raise an estimated $6 million per year for 14 years if voters approve it in November.
Harrington Park Project Costs and Bid Process
Up to $6.2 million total contract cost, with $3.5 million shifted from the Phase 1B budget.
Neighborhood Traffic Speeding on San Carlos Avenue
City funds are being used for this trial, though successful measures could save money on future emergency responses.
Community mediation services partnership
The proposed contract was $20,000 annually; council members signaled a $5,000 pilot is more appropriate.
Regional transportation grant applications
The city would contribute matching funds — $27,000, $6,500, 10% match for the East Side plan, and committed local funds for Holly/101 — but grant awards would offset major project costs.
Flock ALPR Camera Contract and Privacy
It's totally free to download and use, though city resources benefit from faster emergency response times.
Affordable housing at Cherry Street Commons and new proposals
While building costs are high, adding more affordable units helps stabilize skyrocketing local rents and keeps our tax dollars working locally.
Protected Tree Ordinance Implementation
Crestview Drive Pilot Improvements — Los Vientos Intersection
Not stated at this meeting; the project remains in study phases.
Formula Business Ordinance Review
No direct cost tonight, but the rules affect downtown vacancy, lease rates, and whether chains like an Apple store can open here.
Northeast Area Specific Plan Opposition
Could bring significant new tax revenue and housing, but also traffic and infrastructure costs over 20 years.
Decisions during term (132)
Recorded while McDowell was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Consent Calendar (Items 8.a through 8.e)
Approve the City Council September 28, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Adopt a Resolution of Local Support Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Funding Assigned to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Committing any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurance to Complete the U.S.…
Consent Calendar (Items 8.a through 8.g)
Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
Approve the City Council September 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Authorize the City Manager to Sign a Letter Prepared by Staff in Response to the 2025-2026 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report Titled "Is our Flock of ALPR Cameras Properly Tended?"
Adopt Ordinance 1639 Amending San Carlos Municipal Code Title 18, Sections 18.05.020 – Mixed-Use Districts Land Use Regulations, 18.06.020 – Commercial Districts Land Use Regulations, 18.07.020 – Industrial Districts Land Use Regulations,…
Adopt Consent Calendar Items a–g, including Ordinance 1638 (Sidewalk Vending)
Accept 2025 Sewer Rehabilitation Project (C9617) — Resolution 2026-113
Close Public Hearing on Tobacco Retailer Permit Zoning Ordinance
Introduce Ordinance 1639 — Tobacco Retailer Permit Requirement in Zoning Code
Consent Calendar Items a through j
Resolution 2026-112 — El Camino Real Multimodal Plan Support
Introduction of Ordinance No. 1638 — Sidewalk Vending (SB 635)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-105 — Field Use Fee Adjustments for FY 2026-27
Adoption of Resolution 2026-106 — Teamsters Local 856 Memorandum of Understanding
Consent Calendar Approval
Consent Calendar (Items 9a-9k)
Close Public Hearing on Field Use Fees
Voting record (63)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Consent Calendar (Items 8.a through 8.e)
Consent Calendar (Items 8.a through 8.g)
Adopt Consent Calendar Items a–g, including Ordinance 1638 (Sidewalk Vending)
Introduce Ordinance 1639 — Tobacco Retailer Permit Requirement in Zoning Code
Supports translating the county ordinance into city zoning code; wants better county communication
Adopt City Council Consent Calendar Items ‘a’ through “j”.
Adopt Resolution 2026-112 supporting SamTrans’ coordination with Caltrans and the City of San Carlos to plan, design, and implement complete street improvements on El Camino Real in San Carlos as part
Introduce Ordinance No. 1638 amending San Carlos Municipal Code Chapter 5.43 - Sidewalk Vending, to conform with SB 635 and making findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act with an
Adopt City Council Consent Calendar Items ‘a’ through “k”.
Close the Public Hearing.
Adopt Resolution 2026-105 authorizing adjustments to the Cost-of-Services Schedule for Field Use Fees for fiscal year 2026-27.
Adopt Resolution 2026-106 adopting a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of San Carlos and the American Local 856, Freight Checkers, Clerical Employees and Helpers Union, International Brothe
Consent Calendar (Items 9a-9k)
Resolution 2026-105 — Field Use Fee Adjustments for FY 2026-27
Resolution 2026-106 — Teamsters Unit MOU (Sept 2026-June 2028)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-105 — Field Use Fee Adjustments for FY 2026-27
Adoption of Resolution 2026-106 — Teamsters Local 856 Memorandum of Understanding
Consent Calendar Approval
Adopt City Council Consent Calendar Items ‘a’ through “i”.
Adopt Resolution 2026-097 approving modifications to the Notice of Funding Availability for the Childcare Grant Program.
Adopt Resolution 2026-098 approving the revised improvements at the intersection of Crestview Drive and Los Vientos Way as part of the Crestview Drive Pilot Improvements Project.
Consent Calendar (Items a-i)
Resolution 2026-097 — Childcare Grant Program NOFA Modifications
Resolution 2026-098 — Crestview Drive and Los Vientos Way Intersection Improvements
Consent Calendar (Items 9.a–9.n, including Ordinances 1636 and 1637)
Mid-Cycle FY 2026-27 General Fund Budget and $5M Reserve Transfer (Resolution 2026-085)
Capital Fund Mid-Cycle Budget Adjustments (Resolution 2026-086)
FY 2026-27 Appropriations (Gann) Limit (Resolution 2026-087)
Half-Cent Sales Tax Ballot Measure (Resolution 2026-088)
Believes the city should invest in itself and keep dollars local