Despite approving other campaign finance reforms, San Mateo decided to stop short of pursuing a public financing program for City Council candidates.
Providing funds to local candidates has gained traction in many cities across the state and has been implemented in cities such as Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. San Mateo started seriously discussing the idea back in 2023. Proponents of subsidizing campaigns say it diversifies the pool of candidates, as it has historically consisted of those who are already retired or are wealthy enough to fund their own campaign — as well as reduce “the influence of money in local elections,” said a staff report.
“If we want more diversity of thought and we want more people to run, and I think we do, then I think we need to find pathways to take a step forward and explore this type of augmenting of policy,” Councilmember Danielle Cwirko-Godycki said.
While both Cwirko-Godycki and Deputy Mayor Adam Loraine were supportive of proceeding with the funding, others, including Councilmember Lisa Diaz Nash said it wasn’t the right time, given the city’s already constrained budget. The city faces an $12 million budget deficit this fiscal year, which started in July, according to recent projections.
“The amount of money we’d be able to do is relatively minor and symbolic as opposed to making a fundamental difference,” Nash said. “Given the budget problems we are having and also staff resources … I would recommend stopping any further research right now for a few years.”
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According to a staff report, a staff-proposed program could cost anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 per election cycle, depending on the model used.
Though the council delayed the initiative, it approved an increase to its campaign contribution limit to a $1,000 maximum for both individuals and organizations. Previously, the limit was $500 for individuals.
According to a previous report, among California cities of comparable size to San Mateo, the average individual donor limit is $768.
Elections for District 2, currently represented by Councilmember Nicole Fernandez, and District 4, represented by Cwirko-Godycki, were held in 2024, with the remainder of districts up for reelection in 2026. On average, about $49,000 was raised per candidate, a 70% increase from the 2022 election.
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