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San Mateo council approves increase to emergency rental assistance funding
Summary
Council voted 4–0 to increase the city’s emergency rental assistance allocation, directing staff to expand the program from $150,000 toward $200,000 for the coming program year; city staff said Samaritan House typically disburses approved aid in about 10 days and an annual report will follow.
The San Mateo City Council voted to increase the city’s emergency rental assistance allocation after staff described program operations and demand.
Deputy Mayor Nicole Fernandez asked staff about access and reported resident complaints from the North Central neighborhood. Zach Dahl, community development director, said staff has worked with Samaritan House — the program administrator — and that application screening and related steps take, on average, about 10 days from receipt to disbursement. Dahl told council the city’s allocated $150,000 is expected to be fully utilized by the end of the month and recommended increasing the allocation to $200,000 for the next program year.
Councilmembers asked for program metrics and success stories; staff said a preliminary year‑one report has been prepared and a full annual report will be published following the completion of the program year. Council discussed opportunities for improved public education about eligibility and application completeness to reduce processing delays.
Motion and outcome: Council moved, seconded and adopted the emergency rental assistance program amendment by roll call vote, 4–0. Staff said they will continue coordinating with Samaritan House and will follow up with residents who raised concerns.
