Half Moon Bay News: Measure Q Places Senior Farmworker Housing Ground Lease Before November Voters

HALF MOON BAY NEWS | 2026 LOCAL NEWS

A Half Moon Bay housing dispute is headed to the November 3, 2026 ballot as Measure Q. The city explains that voters will consider whether to approve agreements that allow a proposed senior agricultural-worker housing development on city-owned land at 535 and 555 Kelly Avenue. The measure concerns a particular ground lease and related agreements, not a statewide housing law.

What the proposed development includes

City information describes 39 affordable housing units plus one manager’s apartment—a total of 40 units—and a roughly 2,653-square-foot community space. The development is intended to serve older agricultural workers and includes a Farmworker Resource Center. These plans identify proposed uses; they are not an opening schedule or a tenant selection announcement.

The legal question on the ballot

The city says Measure Q would adopt Ordinance No. 2026-01, which authorizes a 99-year ground lease at $1 per year and the necessary housing disposition and regulatory agreements with Mercy Housing California 110, L.P. The city describes this lease structure as customary for the project type; the measure asks whether to approve these actions.

Why a referendum followed city approval

The City Council approved the ordinance on second reading May 5. A referendum petition followed, and the county elections office verified enough signatures by June 30 to meet the qualifying threshold. On July 21, the council voted to place the issue before voters in November. A prior city planning approval in 2024 is part of the history but does not substitute for the current referendum decision.

What happens if the measure passes or fails

According to the city’s impartial explanation, a yes vote approves the ordinance and authorizations, while a no vote rejects adoption of the ordinance. Half Moon Bay News does not endorse either outcome. Readers should consult the actual ballot text, official impartial analysis and any future city implementation records rather than infer that a yes vote starts construction immediately.

Official sources

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