County of Santa Clara Housing, Land Use, Environment, & Transportation Committee June 30, 2026

The County of Santa Clara Housing, Land Use, Environment, and Transportation Committee convened on June 30, 2026, to discuss the 2023 Stanford University Community Plan, focusing on housing policies and in-lieu fees related to affordable and market rate housing. The committee reviewed the history and impact of Stanford's affordable housing in-lieu fee program, which has collected over $61 million since 2000, contributing to nearly 1,160 affordable housing units in the region. The 2023 community plan update requires Stanford to address housing demand generated by campus growth through on-campus or nearby housing construction, including market rate housing, based on a nexus study. Various options were presented to provide flexibility in meeting housing obligations, such as directing in-lieu fees to support missing middle income housing or allowing some market rate housing off-campus near transit. Committee members and public speakers debated the effectiveness of in-lieu fees versus on-site housing construction, the definition of market rate versus affordable housing, and the need to balance housing development with transportation impacts. The discussion emphasized the importance of affordable housing for Stanford affiliates and the broader community, the challenges of financing and development feasibility, and the potential for innovative funding mechanisms. No formal motions were taken; the committee received the report and planned further engagement with stakeholders.