Redwood City – The County of San Mateo invested $50 million from the Measure K sales tax to build and protect affordable housing and prevent homelessness in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
The $50,445,137 provided services to individuals and families at-risk of becoming homeless, connected people living outdoors and in vehicles with assistance and helped increase the supply of places to live for residents with low and very low incomes.
Today, March 11, the Measure K Oversight Committee presented its annual report – tallying Measure K revenues and expenditures – for the 2023-24 fiscal year to the Board of Supervisors.
In total, the County spent $124,185,522 in Measure K funds during the 2023-24 fiscal year to address local needs. Measure K – a half-cent countywide sales tax approved by voters – provided $116,044,097 in revenue during the same period. July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.
The County tracks all Measure K funds and places funded initiatives into categories to enhance transparency and accountability.
Investments in the category of Housing and Homelessness were 41 percent of the total, the most of any category.
Among the highlights: the May 2024 opening of Gateway Rising in Menlo Park, a showpiece funded in part by Measure K for what’s possible in affordable housing, and continued funding for Homeless Outreach Teams that link people experiencing homelessness with housing and services.
Investments in Community Services totaled $23.14 million, or 19 percent of the Measure K total. This included funding that assists residents struggling with the high cost of putting food on the table as well as expanding access to free public WiFi.
At $18.54 million, or 15 percent of the total, investments in Health and Mental Health. This includes support for Serenity House, which fills a gap for adults undergoing a short-term mental health crisis as well as medication-assisted treatment to help break the cycle of alcohol and opioid use.
The next highest category was Youth and Education at $14.46 million, or 12 percent. Highlights include funding for youth trauma intervention services, support for a temporary shelter for youth and the Big Lift’s Inspiring Summers program, which helps young learners strengthen language and literacy skills.
Parks and Environment followed at $6.88 million, or 6 percent. Investments in parks included the rededication of Memorial Park in its 100th year and ongoing construction work at Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach.
Investments in Public Safety totaled $3.35 million, or 3 percent. This included funding to purchase new fire-suppression apparatus, gun buyback events and legal expenses for survivors of domestic violence.
The category of Older Adults and Veterans Services, at $2.96 million, or 2 percent, includes funding that links veterans with the benefits they earned. Funding also supported the Elder and Dependent Adult Protection Team, a coordinated effort by County Health’s Aging and Adult Services division, the District Attorney’s Office and County Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute suspected elder abuse.
In a separate action, the Board approved Measure K budget allocations in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommended Budget.
Measure K adds a dime to a taxable purchase of $20. Most groceries are exempt from sales tax. Prescription drugs and certain medical devices are also exempt.