TACKLING ISSUES IN SAN MATEO TODAY

Throughout my campaign, I promised to address resident concerns about the proposed 101/92 highway widening and expansion project. Thanks to all of you, at the April 7, Special Session of City Council, we agreed to oppose this project. Our Council plans to send a formal letter of opposition to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) and the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG). We are also actively working to enroll the City Council of Foster City to do the same.

However, our work is not done. We all need to stay involved and vigilant to ensure elected officials at all levels of government understand our perspective and partner with us to end this ill-conceived project.

For ways to get involved, message me @danielleforsanmateo@gmail.com 

Since leading passage of the Community Flood and Stormwater Initiative, I’m happy to report the City of San Mateo is actively pursuing permits to dredge the south end of the lagoon. Additionally, the Flood Free San Mateo Coalition is working with State, Federal and private grant agencies to further accelerate improvement projects. I'm proud of the work that our Coalition achieved, and I'm grateful to Mayor Nash for recognizing us with the Mayor's Hero Award!

Across the City of San Mateo, up to seven (7) community centers, pools and senior centers are currently at risk of permanent closure. Our pools need $20 million in investment to remain open, and our community centers need $32 million to stay up to code. I am working with local leaders to explore how we can secure dedicated, sustainable funding. Read the latest on Joinville Pool here: https://danielleforsanmateo.com/community-engagement/f/all-hands-on-desk-to-save-joinville-aquatic 

Like our community pools and community centers, Central Park requires an estimated $65 million in repairs and upgrades to remain a safe and vibrant recreational area for all city residents. In  working with our Department of Parks and Recreation to understand both their short- and long-term needs and the City Council was able to explore how we can secure dedicated, sustainable funding for this project. 

Our project to revitalize Central Park in downtown San Mateo breaks ground on April 24th. This work will kick off the first phase of millions in new investment coming to our amazing Central Park over the next few years. I played in this park as a child and I know how important this landmark is to everyone in our city. 

I support the mission of Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate pedestrian and bicycle fatalities in San Mateo, starting with intersections around our schools. 

Update as of 4/12/2025: 

As your newly elected council member, I'm pleased to report on safety improvements happening in our area...

Safety Improvements at the 3rd Avenue & Norfolk Intersection

Phase I of the safety improvement project at the 3rd Avenue & Norfolk intersection is almost complete. Thank you for your patience as this important work continues.

The project includes upgrading the intersection for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, including adding a new pedestrian walkway and class IV bike lane. The City of San Mateo has also upgraded the 3rd Avenue Creek Trail, removing tree roots, branches and repaving the pathway for all to enjoy. Soon, a safe passage from 3rd Avenue to the Bay Trail will be complete!

Bringing Back Essential Traffic Studies

In January, I asked my colleagues on the San Mateo City Council to make traffic studies a priority in our city once again. These projects are essential if we want to make our streets safer and make smarter investment decisions to improve roads, crosswalks, and bike lanes. I’m happy to report the council agreed and traffic studies are now an official “blue sky” priority of the city.