March 4, 2026 - Housing Commission

The City of Menlo Park Housing Commission held its regular meeting on March 4, 2026, focusing primarily on the review and recommendation of the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR). The report detailed the city's progress toward meeting its regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) across various income categories, noting a total production of 102 new housing units in 2025, with a significant portion of units still in the pipeline or under review. Discussions highlighted challenges in meeting very low-income housing targets and the interplay between city regulations and market conditions affecting housing development pace. The commission recommended the city council accept the APR with a correction to reported unit numbers. Additionally, updates were provided on upcoming housing programs, including amendments to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinances, anti-displacement plans, and the BMR housing program. The commission also discussed community outreach efforts for an upcoming Housing and Neighborhood Resource Fair, emphasizing compliance with the Brown Act in communications. Future agenda items include further consideration of housing preferences and priorities to enhance equity in housing production across income levels, with ongoing studies like the Grand Nexus study informing potential policy adjustments.