A general plan is the planning guideline for the future of a city. It contains goals and policies that regulate urban development, the protection of the natural environment, and public safety. It reflects the community’s long-term vision, and provides the perspective to judge day-to-day decisions by these future goals.
The general plan is used by the City Council and the Planning Commission in considering land use and planning-related decisions, and guides future funding decisions. City staff refer to the general plan on a daily basis administering and regulating land use and development activity. The plan also enables citizens and those seeking to develop property to understand San Mateo’s values and objectives.
All California cities and counties are required by the State of California to have a general plan. State law requires the general plan to address seven specific topics (elements): Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Open Space, Conservation, Noise and Safety.
On October 30, 2017, the City Council provided direction to staff to initiate the update of the General Plan including the hiring of consultants to assist city staff with the multi-year effort.
On April 16, 2018, the Council approved the Agreement with PlaceWorks, Inc. for consultant services.
On May 21, 2018, the City Council reviewed the draft public participation plan for the General Plan update effort, which will include coordination with the Downtown Plan Update effort, and provided direction for the formation of the General Plan Subcommittee.
On June 18, 2018, the Council approved the composition and appointment process for the subcommittee.
On August 6, 2018, the Council finalized the appointment of the seven member General Plan Subcommittee.
• General Plan Subcommittee Meeting #1
Date/Time: Monday, September 24, 2018 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Senior Center (Activity Room)
2645 Alameda de las Pulgas
San Mateo, CA 94403
• General Plan Subcommittee Meeting #2
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 16, 2018 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Garden Center
605 Parkside Way
San Mateo, CA 94403
Visit www.cityofsanmateo.org/whatshappening and StriveSanMateo for updates on this effort. Read the City’s 2030 General Plan online to learn more!
Come enjoy music and dance performances in Central Park to support Self-Help for the Elderly. 
The 14th Annual Disaster Preparedness Day in San Mateo County will be held Saturday, September 22 from 10 AM-4 PM at the San Mateo County Event Center. The event will provide vital information on preparing, surviving, and recovering from emergencies/disasters as well as great networking and hands-on learning opportunities, plus a lot of fun for the whole family!
USA Swimming Foundation Awards Burlingame Aquatic Club Grant for FREE Swim Lessons. Come fill out an application for a swim lesson scholarship at the King Pool (725 Monte Diablo Avenue, San Mateo)!
The City Council is recruiting for a new leader to replace San Mateo’s outgoing City Manager, who is retiring at the year’s end.
This influential position is appointed by the Council. A City Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our municipal government while implementing policy direction set by the Council.
We want your feedback to help guide our recruitment and selection strategies for the next City Manager.
Please take a few minutes to share your input!
In 2017 more than 900 volunteers collected about 2 tons of litter and close to 100 pounds of recycling from our shoreline, lagoon, and San Mateo Creek. We are hoping for even more volunteers in 2018! The highlight of the event each year is the “Catch of the Day” where volunteers get to show off their most “unusual” finds. Be prepared to get dirty, have a good time, and help the environment!
Location: Ryder Park, 1801 J. Hart Clinton Dr, San Mateo (Directions)
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2018
Registration: 7:30am – 9:00am
Cleanup: 8:00am – Noon
The nature of the event makes it most appropriate for children 10 years of age and older. Also, be sure to wear old clothes and sturdy shoes (no flip flops or open-toed shoes!). If you really like an adventure, wear old water resistant boots and look for “unusual litter” in the “Tidelands Mud Crawl”!
Get Healthy San Mateo County gave a presentation on our North Central Community Health Profile which included data on housing, economic, food security, school challenges in our neighborhood. Please download the HANCSM Get Healthy Presentation.
Learn about the library improvement project and share your input! Please download the Library Community Presentation to see the proposed ideas and complete your Community Feedback Form and return it to the library.
North Central Neighborhood 