Measure A Surpasses Expectations, Bringing Thousands of New Affordable Homes to Santa Clara County

Measure A Surpasses Expectations, Bringing Thousands of New Affordable Homes to Santa Clara County

Back in 2016, Santa Clara County voters approved Measure A, a $950 million bond dedicated to creating more affordable housing across the region. Nearly a decade later, that investment was not only delivered, but it also exceeded expectations.

A Promise Kept and Then Some

Measure A set out with a clear goal: to fund the creation of 4,800 new affordable homes at varying income levels. Today, it’s helping to build 6,665 homes, nearly 40% more than originally planned. While some projects are still in progress, funding has already been approved for 5,976 new units, with another 689 homes acquired or rehabilitated using the bond.

This includes developments like La Avenida Apartments in Mountain View’s North Bayshore neighborhood, just steps from Google’s headquarters. Where 100 affordable units are now home to veterans, seniors, formerly homeless residents, and others earning less than 60% of the area’s median income.

Making Affordable Housing Competitive

In a region where land costs can put affordable housing projects at a major disadvantage, Measure A helped level the playing field. With an average contribution of nearly $14 million per project, the county provided the early funding developers needed to secure land and move forward with planning. Something that might not have been possible without the bond.

These funds acted as a catalyst, unlocking additional support from nonprofits, state agencies, and private lenders to bring each project to life.

Partnerships That Moved the Needle

The success of Measure A wasn’t just about the funding; it was about collaboration. Key players like Housing Trust Silicon Valley and Destination: Home filled financing gaps and helped developers secure the tools they needed to keep projects moving. The Santa Clara County Housing Authority also played a vital role by leveraging Project-Based Vouchers, ensuring long-term affordability for residents.

Together, these partnerships created a ripple effect supporting not only individual developments but a more coordinated and responsive housing system across the county.

Where the County Fell Short—and What’s Next

While Measure A outperformed expectations in the number of homes created, two original goals fell short:

• Geographic reach: Four cities; Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos Hills, and Monte Sereno, do not yet have a Measure A-funded project, though conversations are ongoing in some areas.
• Rapid rehousing units: The county aimed for 1,600 units designed for temporary housing transitions, but only 671 have been approved.

Still, the county is on track to exceed its goal for permanent supportive housing, with 1,940 units approved to serve those who need long-term stability and wraparound services.

A Model for Future Investment

With nearly all Measure A funds now allocated, attention is shifting toward what comes next. While a proposed $20 billion regional housing bond didn’t make it into the 2024 ballot, leaders are already looking ahead to future funding opportunities. And thanks to Measure A’s impact, Santa Clara County has demonstrated that it can be a responsible and effective steward of public dollars.

Why It Matters

Affordable housing isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. Measure A has created safe, stable homes for thousands of residents who might otherwise be priced out of the region. It’s proof that with the right funding, smart partnerships, and community support, real progress is possible.

As the housing conversation continues, Measure A stands as a reminder that big goals can be met and even exceeded when a region comes together with purpose.

Sources: Mercury News,  Santa Clara County