Community Development - City of Menlo Park
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Community Development
STAFF REPORT
Community Engagement and Outreach Committee
Meeting Date: 8/12/2021
Staff Report Number: 21-002-CEOC
Regular Business: Receive update on recent outreach activities and
review and provide feedback on the upcoming
outreach and engagement efforts for the Housing
Element Update project
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Community Engagement and Outreach Committee receive an update on
recent Housing Element Update community outreach activities and also provide feedback on upcoming
outreach activities in support of the updates to the Housing and Safety Elements and the City’s first
Environmental Justice Element.
Policy Issues
The components of the Housing Element Update will consider a number of land use, environmental, and
housing policies. The Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC) will not be discussing or
making recommendation on policy issues. The CEOC assists the City in ensuring a broad and inclusive
community outreach and engagement process. Committee members help guide and provide feedback on
the types and frequency of activities/events/meetings and the strategies and methods for communicating
with the various stakeholders in the community.
Background
The City of Menlo Park is currently in its sixth cycle of Housing Element adoption, as mandated by the
State of California. During this process, the City is also updating the General Plan’s Safety Element and
preparing the City’s first Environmental Justice Element. Public outreach and engagement is an important
piece in achieving completion of these policy documents. Specifically, public participation will help inform
the formation of a preferred land use strategy that will identify where and how the City’s housing goals will
be achieved. The project team will also use input during the process to help guide the formation of policies
and programs within the Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. These policies and
programs will then provide a framework for future City growth and management.
Recent Housing Element Update Community Outreach Activities
Between the CEOC’s last meeting on July 15, 2021, and the CEOC Meeting of August 12, 2021, a number
of community outreach activities have been completed. These activities include a Renters Focus Group
meeting, Homeowners Focus Group meeting, launching of the Community Survey, and hosting two pop-
up events, one at the Downtown Farmers Market and another at Mi Tierra Linda Supermercado Y
Taqueria in Belle Haven. On August 4, 2021, the Housing Commission conducted a study session to
provide input to the project team on potential land use strategies to meet the City’s Regional Housing
Need Allocation (RHNA). Recent outreach activities are summarized in Attachment C.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.orgStaff Report #: 21-002-CEOC
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Analysis
The following information summarizes the upcoming outreach and engagement efforts targeted at
achieving a land use strategy and forming future policies and programs to meet the City’s RHNA. Specific
information relating to the format, purpose, and overall process for each type of outreach effort is also
included at the end of this section.
Land Use Strategy to Meet RHNA
Within each Housing Element, a city must plan for their fair share of the region’s housing need for all
income categories. For the next planning period, the City must plan for between 3,400 and 3,800 housing
units. The Housing Element must demonstrate that there are sufficient sites and adequate capacity to
accommodate the housing. The draft land use strategy, which would be the framework for how to meet the
RHNA requirements, will be developed by the project team with input from the following community
events:
• Preliminary Land Use Strategies Study Session with the Housing Commission
• Preliminary Land Use Strategies Community Meeting
• Housing Strategies and Opportunity Sites/Areas Community Workshop
• Land Use Meeting with the Planning Commission and the Housing Commission
• Preferred Land Use Alternative Meeting with the City Council
Please note that general comments about land use strategies from the community-wide survey, pop-ups,
focus groups, and interviews will also guide the development of land use strategies. If the public is unable
to attend these events, they may provide comments through the Housing Element Update webpage or by
reaching out directly to City staff (Attachment B).
Policy Planning
Information gathering and outreach events will be used to update and develop policies for the Housing,
Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements. These events include the community-wide survey, pop-ups,
focus groups, interviews, and community meetings/workshops. In addition to the preferred land use
strategy, demographic data, and specific information relative to Menlo Park will be integrated into the
policy documents.
All the community input received throughout this process will be summarized and included in the policy
documents. This is a requirement for the Housing Element. A Vision and Outreach Summary will be
prepared and presented as part of the process. The draft Elements will then be reviewed by the Housing
Commission and Planning Commission in November 2021 (tentative) prior to the preparation of public
review draft documents and draft Housing Element submission to the California Department of Housing
and Community Development (HCD). After the project team receives comments from HCD, the Housing
Element will be revised to address any comments from HCD and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
will be prepared for the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements. After the preparation of the
EIR, the Housing Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council will review the Housing,
Environmental Justice, Safety Elements and the EIR. The City Council is anticipated to adopt the
documents in December 2022.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.orgStaff Report #: 21-002-CEOC
Page 3
Upcoming Outreach Efforts
Below is a highlighted list of upcoming events and activities. At the CEOC meeting of August 12, 2021, the
project team is seeking feedback and suggestions on the form and outreach for these events.
1. Focus Groups
Format: These meetings will be designed to garner comments to develop an
understanding of local issues and concerns in various topic areas. The
targeted groups will include Housing Organizations, Service Providers,
Renters, Homeowners, Businesses, and Housing Developers. The project
team will provide a background presentation and ask various questions via
Zoom. The focus groups are scheduled for completion in August 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of these focus groups is to gain insight from a wide variety of
perspectives. We will ask about challenges, recommendations, and other
concerns they would like to share. This information will be used to describe
issues and concerns to address in the Housing, Environmental Justice, and
Safety Elements.
Overall Process: These meetings will help identify pressing issues and community concerns.
The information provided will help form policies for the Housing,
Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements.
2. Individual (and/or group) Interviews
Format: This series of meetings will concentrate on smaller groups such as seniors,
veterans, and people with disabilities. These meetings will also include
talking to people who may not have access to technology and would rather
talk on the phone or in-person rather than join a video meeting. The
individual (and/or group) interviews are scheduled for completion in
August/September 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of these interviews is to actively include various groups and
individuals into the engagement process. The individual interviews will allow
for traditional phone or in-person interviews with community members.
Overall Process: These smaller interview meetings will result in insights shared by key
stakeholders. The information provided will help form policies for the
Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements.
3. Community Survey
Format: The survey will be provided online and in-person at pop-ups. Hard copies of
the survey will also be provided at the project galleries. The survey will be
open for responses online until August 29, 2021. The online and paper
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.orgStaff Report #: 21-002-CEOC
Page 4
surveys have been prepared in both English and Spanish. The online survey
is available as Attachment A.
Purpose: The purpose of the survey is to receive feedback from a wide cross section
of the community on a variety of issues and concerns.
Overall Process: The survey will provide information on a city-wide scale that can help identify
issues of concern and define policy choices for many of the housing, safety,
and environmental issues under consideration. The information provided will
help form policies for the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety
Elements.
4. Pop-ups
Format: Pop-ups will occur at locations throughout the city, including the Downtown
Farmers Market and at Mi Tierra Linda Supermercado Y Taqueria in Belle
Haven. These pop-ups will allow the project team and CEOC members to
interact directly with community members. The pop-ups are scheduled for
completion in August/September 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of these pop-up events is to reach out to individuals as they go
about their daily lives and bring them into the engagement process. This will
allow us to interact with people directly as they visit the booth.
Overall Process: These pop-ups will help provide further outreach to people who may not be
aware of the other outreach events.
5. Project Gallery
Format: Project galleries will be located in both the Main Library and the Belle Haven
Branch library. Posters and hardcopies of project materials will be provided.
The project galleries will be installed in August 2021.
Purpose: The project gallery is intended to provide a low-tech forum where people can
get information about the project without the need to rely on the Internet or
technology to obtain information.
Overall Process: The project gallery will result in wider community outreach and engagement
by providing a real-world display that is more accessible than computer-
based methods.
6. Housing Commission Study Session - Preliminary Land Use Strategies
Format: A study session with the Housing Commission to discuss and receive
feedback on the preliminary land use strategies to implement the RHNA. The
study session was held online via Zoom on August 4, 2021.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.orgStaff Report #: 21-002-CEOC
Page 5
Purpose: The purpose of the meeting was to introduce land use strategies to the
Housing Commission and the public and to receive feedback.
Overall Process: The information provided and feedback received will help develop the land
use strategies to meet the RHNA.
7. Community Meeting – Preliminary Land Use Strategies
Format: This outreach meeting will be designed to provide an overview of preliminary
land use strategies to implement the RHNA and gain community feedback.
Quick poll questions may be asked during the meeting in order to keep
participants engaged and interested. The community meeting will be online
via Zoom on August 14, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to introduce land use strategies to the public
and to receive feedback.
Overall Process: The information provided and feedback received will help develop the land
use strategies to meet the RHNA.
8. Community Meeting – Housing Equity, Environmental Justice, and Safety
Format: This outreach meeting will share information about housing equity,
environmental justice, and safety issues in Menlo Park and provide an
opportunity to receive feedback from the public. Quick poll questions may be
asked during the meeting in order to keep participants engaged and
interested. The community meeting will be online via Zoom on August 26,
2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to provide educational information and obtain
feedback to support the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety
Elements.
Overall Process: The information provided and feedback received will help form policies for
the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements.
9. Community Workshop – Housing Strategies and Opportunity Sites/Areas
Format: This workshop will highlight the parameters and policy requirements,
including equity and Fair Housing Act principles, surrounding planning for
new housing. This background information will contribute to the feedback
people provide on which housing strategies are supported and where new
housing should be planned for within Menlo Park. This workshop will give an
opportunity to provide feedback regarding potential housing opportunity
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.orgStaff Report #: 21-002-CEOC
Page 6
sites/areas to meet the RHNA. The community workshop is targeted for
September 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this workshop is to provide educational information and
receive direct community input on potential housing opportunity sites/areas
to meet the RHNA.
Overall Process: This workshop will provide a forum to learn more about the opportunities and
constraints facing Menlo Park. Participants will be encouraged to share their
preferences for how the City can meet the RHNA. The feedback received will
help inform the development of three land use alternatives for the Planning
Commission and Housing Commission to consider prior to review and
guidance by the City Council.
Next Steps
The bulk of outreach and engagement events is occurring during the next few months in order to help
prepare the draft documents and initiate the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report. With
consideration and incorporation of feedback received during this outreach period, the project team plans to
provide three land use alternatives to the Planning Commission and Housing Commission at a joint
meeting, tentatively scheduled for Fall 2021. Upon recommendation of the Planning Commission and
Housing Commission, the City Council would review and provide direction on the land use alternatives.
Information about the Housing Element Update project and upcoming and past events will be posted on
the project webpage (Attachment B) as it becomes available.
Environmental review
This item is not a project within the context of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
§§ 15378 and 15061(b)(3) as it will not result in any direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
As part of the Housing Element Update process, an environmental impact report will be prepared.
Attachments
A. Hyperlink – Housing Element Update Community Survey (English):
https://publicinput.com/HousingElement
Hyperlink – Housing Element Update Community Survey (Spanish):
https://publicinput.com/HousingElementES
B. Hyperlink – Housing Element Update project webpage: https://menlopark.org/HousingElement
C. Summary of Recent Housing Element Update Community Outreach Activities
Report prepared by:
Deanna Chow, Assistant Community Development Director
Geoff Bradley, Principal, M-Group
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.orgATTACHMENT C
m-group a new design on urban planning
policy planning Ÿ urban design Ÿ environmental review Ÿ historic preservation Ÿ community engagement Ÿ staffing solutions
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 11, 2021
To: Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC)
From: Christabel Soria Mendoza
Assistant Planner
Subject: Summary of Recent Housing Element Update Community Outreach Activities
The purpose of this memo is to provide a summary of recent community engagement and outreach
activities in support of the Housing Element Update.
Renters Focus Group
On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, beginning at 10:00 a.m., the project team hosted a focus group for renters of
Menlo Park regarding the Housing Element Update. Out of eight total confirmed participants, four renters
attended the meeting. The goal of the focus group was to gain an understanding of housing challenges
and opportunities in Menlo Park.
Some renters recently moved to Menlo Park for the first time while others had been away but recently
moved back to the city. The renters have lived in Menlo Park from a range of 4-14 years in apartments,
duplexes, and below-market-rate (BMR) housing. Common concerns cited by the group included issues
related to lack of on-street parking (or affordable on-site parking), traffic congestion, and poor air quality.
Additionally, zoning restrictions such as minimum lot size and setbacks, as well as the challenging/lengthy
public review process for additions, remodels, and new construction, were noted as constraints to the
supply of housing.
A majority of the renters expressed interest in homeownership, however, they were experiencing
difficulties finding housing opportunities in Menlo Park due to high costs for all income levels, including
those with higher wages and more assets. Looking ahead, the renters desired for Menlo Park to have a
wider array of housing options (rental and for-sale) suitable to all income levels and stages of life (e.g.,
students, single-person households, families with children, seniors). The renters also emphasized
diversity, walkability, and beautiful tree-lined streets connected to nearby amenities and services as high
priorities for Menlo Park
Homeowners Focus Group
On Thursday, July 22, 2021, beginning at 10:00 a.m., the project team hosted a focus group for
homeowners of Menlo Park regarding the Housing Element Update. Out of 15 total confirmed
participants, 11 homeowners attended the meeting. The goal of the focus group was to gain an
understanding of housing challenges and opportunities in Menlo Park.
Homeownership duration in Menlo Park ranged from 15 years to over 59 years, as well as two multi-
generational homeowners of 74 years. The focus group attendees generally acknowledged the past
patterns of discrimination in housing policy and had questions for that topic to which the project team
responded and provided reference resources. Challenges noted by the homeowners included the
adequacy of open space and recreation opportunities to accommodate the growing population as well as
whether or not the City has enough resources to accommodate new housing needs. When discussing
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C1potential housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), duplexes, and triplexes, several
homeowners noted challenges/constraints resulting from zoning regulations (e.g., restrictive land uses,
minimum lot sizes, required setbacks). While a minority of the homeowners noted that they would not
like other types of housing or services integrated into traditionally single-family residential neighborhoods,
a majority of the homeowners noted higher density, mixed-use development as desirable, particularly in
the downtown area, to foster a lively and robust community.
Housing Element Update Community Survey
The Housing Element Update Community Survey is available in English and Spanish, online and hardcopy,
and is scheduled to collect responses up to August 29, 2021, a duration of just over one month. The
survey is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of community values and priorities and to create
a foundation for future conversations about possible solutions and policy changes, which will be discussed
further at community meetings in the coming months. As of the compilation of this memorandum, the
online survey has been completed by about 160 participants and about 40 individuals have mailed
completed hardcopy surveys.
Downtown Farmers Market Pop-Up
On Sunday August 1, 2021, between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the project team hosted a pop-up booth at
the Downtown Farmers Market. Pop-up events are intended to be an informal way to meet people where
they are and garner comments/share project information in a relaxed setting. CEOC Members Feldman,
Fennell, and Dao also participated in the pop-up. As people shopped for produce, they were drawn in by
an interactive poster asking, “What type of housing do you want to see in Menlo Park?”, where they had
the opportunity to place dot stickers to show their preferences for different types of housing. Additionally,
participants had access to information about the Housing Element Update and developments in the
planning and approval process along El Camino Real and the Downtown corridor.
About 120 people including, but not limited to, residents, workers, and visitors participated and engaged
with the pop-up booth. Approximately 80 hardcopy surveys were distributed, accompanied by
addressed/postage-paid envelopes for ease of return. About 60 people used their mobile devices to scan
the QR code to access the survey and about 30 people returned completed hardcopy surveys directly to
the pop-up booth.
Belle Haven Pop-up (at Mi Terra Linda Supermercado Y Taqueria)
On Saturday, August 7, 2021, between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the project team hosted a pop-up booth
at Mi Terra Linda Supermercado Y Taqueria located at 1209 Willow Road in Menlo Park. Approximately 83
hardcopy surveys (in Spanish) were distributed, accompanied by addressed/postage-paid envelopes for
ease of return. A few people used their mobile device to snap the QR code for completing the online
survey.
Housing Commission Meeting
A Housing Commission Meeting took place on August 4, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m., to review and
provide feedback on potential land use strategies to meet the City’s Regional Housing Need Allocation
(RHNA) for the 2023-2031 planning period for further analysis and consideration. This is an essential step
in developing strategies to meet the City’s housing goals. Housing Commission Meetings are open to the
public. Individuals serving on City boards and commissions, such as the CEOC, are welcome to attend
public meetings and provide comment as individuals.
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