August 5, 2026 - Housing Commission

The City of Menlo Park Housing Commission held a meeting on August 5, 2026, where they approved previous meeting minutes and discussed key housing-related projects and policies. A significant agenda item was the recommendation for below-market-rate (BMR) housing in connection with proposed research and development life sciences projects at 985-1005 O'Brien Drive and 1320 Willow Road. Senior planner Chris Turner presented details on the project phases and BMR fee payments totaling approximately $3.75 million, which will support affordable housing initiatives. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the BMR housing in line with staff recommendations. Additionally, the commission selected Chair Osler to present the annual housing commission report to the city council. Updates on subcommittees related to housing development, community engagement, and anti-displacement policies were also provided, with discussions on expanding community participation and monitoring displacement impacts. No new procurement contracts or vendor selections were reported, but the meeting focused on policy recommendations and funding allocations related to affordable housing development and community support programs.