Council Helps Win Approval of Affordable Housing in Menlo Park

A project the Bay Area Council endorsed to build 88 affordable homes in Menlo Park won unanimous City Council approval today (March 12) following a long and grueling review process that highlights the continuing challenge of building housing in California. The project on Sheridan Drive will provide housing for local teachers. The Council endorsed the project in 2022, but delays, appeals and significant opposition from nearby neighborhoods made winning approval particularly challenging. Congratulations to Linda Klein from Bay Area Council member Cox, Castle & Nicholson for leading the entitlement process. In addition to our direct advocacy, legislation (AB 1633) the Council co-sponsored in 2023 helped spur the decision by subjecting Menlo Park to financially damaging legal action for refusing to approve the project.

The Council believes the Bay Area needs to more than double its housing production from about 25,000 homes per year to 55,000 homes per year in order to improve housing affordability in the region. Thanks to Alliant Communities, the developer of this project, and everyone who made this project happen, more than 90 families who work for the Ravenswood City School District will have shorter commutes and more affordable housing options in the communities they serve. To request a Bay Area Council endorsement or to engage in our housing policy work, please contact Vice President of Public Policy Louis Mirante.