The Impact of SSMC

Government and community leaders share their stories about how SSMC is creating a more sustainable world for us all.

“Sustainable San Mateo County’s 2023 Indicators Report on children, youth and families was a powerful affirmation for those of us working in early childhood. Too often, we feel like we’re alone in raising these issues impacting the youngest in our community, so having the report elevate the need for child care support was both validating and catalytic. It helped build momentum for the 2024 Fund the Future report by the Commission on the Status of Women and contributed to the Board of Supervisors’ unanimous vote to pursue a new county-level office focused on children and families. That proposal is now expected in June 2025. The work of Sustainable San Mateo County helped move key ideas into action—and reminded us that when children thrive, the whole community benefits.”

Dayna Chung, Nonprofit Leader & Commissioner
Sarah Kinahan, School Board Member + Early Childhood Consultant

“I love your Dashboard and refer to it all the time. The fact that it’s regularly updated makes it all the more valuable to users.

“I’ve always been in awe of the comprehensive work you do for our county.”

Coleen Mackin, Mayor Pro-Tem, Brisbane City Council

“SSMC’s Annual Indicators Report is a valuable resource that benefits not only the County of San Mateo and our cities but all stakeholders through its detailed analysis and insightful recommendations that help guide our decision-making.

“In doing so, the report helps all of us enhance the quality of life for residents in a thoughtful and measurable way.”

Mike Callagy, San Mateo County County Executive

“I just saw your Dashboard, and it’s amazing! San Mateo is lucky to have this resource. I could easily see this being a blueprint for similar tracking in other counties.”

Alexis Fineman, Councilmember, former Mayor of San Anselmo, Director at SEI Building Leaders for a Resilient World

“The Ideas Bank is a treasure trove of ideas. Members of the Fossil Free Building group are using it to find high potential solutions.

“And because these have been successfully implemented elsewhere, it’s going to make our work getting buy-in and moving to execution faster and easier.”

Debbie Mytels, Board Chair of Peninsula Interfaith Climate Action (PICA)

“We all will need to work together to create a sustainable future. SSMC connects local sustainability leaders, organizations and businesses to start and sustain the work ahead!”

Adam Loraine, Deputy Mayor, City of San Mateo

“The new Ideas Bank is a great resource for exploring tried and tested sustainability policies and programs. It’s my go-to place for learning about proven solutions that can help my city become more sustainable.”

Vicki Sherman, Redwood City, Environmental Initiatives Coordinator

“SSMC has some of the GIS-based data that is so sorely missing from our planning process today.

“For example, having geographical tree canopy data is going to be critical to getting grants for a big planting program on our east side that will help with air pollution, noise from SFO and even the trains for those living close by.”

Ann Schneider, Councilmember, Millbrae

“The Dashboard is really impressive. It’s very helpful to see where we stand, compared to the rest of the county.”

Antonio Lopez, former Mayor, East Palo Alto

“I really am pleased that you have updated the Ideas Bank and made it easier to use. These solutions for cities are so inspiring that I’d like to see you share them on a regular basis.”

Vanessa Brannon, Foster City Sustainability Manager

“As I delve into my new role, I’m so pleased to have come across the invaluable risk metrics featured on the SSMC Dashboard. They allow me to see relative areas of risk across the county and are an important part of my decision making process.”

Boya Ye, San Mateo County, Department of Emergency Management