Residents to decide next November on whether to build public housing downtown

"Menlo Park City Council has decided to put a citizens initiative to repeal plans for public housing downtown on the November 2026 ballot. Council also had the choice of scrapping the plans or putting it to a vote in March. The city said it would allow buildings as tall as 85 feet or seven stories. Mayor Drew Combs said he was concerned about whether the initiative would affect developers who are planning to build on the lots. Council selected six developers, and asked them come back with more fleshed out ideas. They have until Christmas Day to submit proposals."

"Had council decided to put the question to voters in March, such a special election would have cost between $315,000 and $378,000, according to City Attorney Nira Doherty. Combs said he had a hard time deciding because a special election would end the divisive discussion. "(A) special election is a quick resolution," Combs said."

"Residents said they were concerned the turnout for a special election would be low. Karen Grove, who supports housing on the parking lots, pointed out the March special election to authorize the Board of Supervisors to fire Sheriff Christina Corpus, drew only 24% of registered voters. Brittani Baxter said many families who have kids may not have time to go out and vote. (However, nowadays ballots are mailed to voters and can be returned in the mail, like other pieces of mail such as bills.)"

Menlo Park City Council voted to place a citizens' initiative repealing downtown public housing plans on the November 2026 ballot. Council had the alternative of abandoning the plans or holding a March special election. The city set zoning parameters allowing buildings up to 85 feet or seven stories. Council selected six developers and requested more detailed proposals, with submissions due by Christmas Day, which pauses progress on parking-lot projects. A March special election would have cost an estimated $315,000–$378,000, and residents expressed concerns about low turnout. Supporters noted low turnout in prior special elections and argued mailed ballots ease voting.

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