Half Moon Bay solicits homeless policy feedback

That ordinance was passed with the idea that cities could then pass similar legislation, Matthew Chidester, Half Moon Bay city manager, said. 

“Their hope would be that all the cities in San Mateo County would have a similar ordinance, so we’re not moving people around jurisdictions, but really taking a unified approach,” he said. 

Other cities in the area have taken these steps — Millbrae passed a no-camping ordinance in May 2025, and Redwood City passed the Homeless Horizons ordinance in September 2025. 

Half Moon Bay is now conducting outreach to see if a similar policy, or one like it, would have public support. 

“Were looking at it as a potential option to continue to address homelessness in Half Moon Bay,” Chidester said. 

The city typically has between 20 and 40 homeless individuals at any given time, Chidester said, and the majority reside in vehicles or along creeks and natural areas. 

The City Council will take up a discussion of the topic in March to gauge interest, he said. 

“It’s not intended to be geared toward moving forward with an ordinance, it’s simply informational, and helps them understand what it would take and what some of the community sentiment is,” he said. 

While a recent survey, which generated around 100 responses, has now closed, those with thoughts on a potential ordinance can email jacosta@hmb.gov with feedback on homelessness encampments and enforcement in Half Moon Bay.