Despite ongoing challenges in Washington, D.C., nearly $14 million in federal funding is headed to San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, announced by Congressional District 16 Rep. Sam Liccardo – formerly the mayor of San Jose – on Thursday.
Local Projects to Receive Funding
The funding will support a range of projects across the region, including affordable housing, flood protection, fire infrastructure, and services for people experiencing homelessness in San Jose, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Campbell.
Specifically, $2 million will be allocated to a San Jose program providing low-interest financing for climate-resilient affordable rental housing, including seismic retrofits. Another $2 million will support the Evelyn Avenue affordable housing project in Mountain View, a five-story development with 143 apartments for low-income households.
Mountain View will also receive $1.1 million to improve flood protection along the Charleston Slough, benefiting both Mountain View and Palo Alto. Palo Alto is slated to receive $850,000 for a new fire station, while Campbell will receive $250,000 to improve walkability, bicycle access, and street conditions downtown.
A Shift in Washington Dynamics?
Liccardo characterized the funding as a “modest indication” of a changing dynamic in Washington, D.C. He stated, “Republicans finally sat down with Democrats to craft these appropriations bills, rather than bulldozing a partisan bill against Dem opposition, as in the past.”
Liccardo believes this shift reflects a growing awareness within the GOP that their standing with the public is declining as they align with former President Donald Trump. He intends to “continue to push to expand the fracture between the president and his party with initiatives that have broad appeal to all Americans.”
Los Gatos will receive $200,000 for a van to provide mobile navigation services to people experiencing homelessness in the West Valley. Los Gatos Mayor Rob Moore stated, “Meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors…is how communities like Los Gatos make real progress on homelessness.”
The House passed a bipartisan funding bill on Thursday incorporating these requests, totaling $10 million for Liccardo’s district, in addition to $3.2 million secured earlier this month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of projects are being funded?
The funding will support affordable housing, flood protection, fire infrastructure, and homeless services in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
How much funding is going to each city?
San Jose and Mountain View will each receive $2 million, Palo Alto will receive $850,000, Campbell will receive $250,000, and Los Gatos will receive $200,000.
What is the Community Project Funding pipeline?
The Community Project Funding pipeline is a process where members of Congress submit funding requests for projects in their district to the Appropriations Committee for review and potential inclusion in federal funding bills.
How might this infusion of federal funds impact the long-term development and well-being of communities in Silicon Valley?
