Council Endorses Stanford University Expansion Plan

Stanford University, the fountainhead for Silicon Valley innovation, is advancing a bold, 20-year vision for expanding the campus to maintain its global academic and research leadership. The university is seeking approval from Santa Clara County for a permit that would allow up to 2.2 million square feet of new academic, research and academic support buildings, 3,150 new on-campus housing for students, faculty and staff and 40,000 square foot of childcare centers. The Bay Area Council Housing Committee endorsed this visionary project following a presentation by university officials that highlighted how Stanford’s continued excellence in academic and research activities requires additional academic space, and housing to accommodate those students, faculty and workers. University officials also described the incredible success under its current use permit with the county in reducing vehicle trips and related emissions, among other benefits. Stanford almost three years ago began an exhaustive community outreach and planning process for developing its expansion plan, which would be implemented over 20 years. Stanford is working to finalize a package of community benefits in the form of a development agreement. Reach out to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to encourage continued negotiations for a development agreement that can ultimately benefit the county, the public and Stanford.