How to bid on affordable housing development for San Mateo County

What the County of San Mateo is buying

The County of San Mateo is looking for qualified and experienced developer teams to propose and operate affordable housing. This project is for low-, moderate-, and middle-income households, with a preference for public employees within San Mateo County. The development will be on a County-owned property at 710 Hamilton St, Redwood City, CA.

The County intends to enter into a long-term ground lease with the selected developer. The County may contribute up to 80% of the total development costs to the project financing. Up to $250,000 in initial predevelopment funding may also be available, subject to Board approval, at the time an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement is signed.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Proposals (RFP) was published on September 03, 2026. The deadline for submissions is November 06, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.

The County will evaluate submissions based on qualifications and conceptual proposals to select a development team. The goal is to maximize development quality and value to the County and its employees.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for experienced developer teams with a demonstrated competency in delivering affordable, deed-restricted development projects of similar scope and type. Proposers must show the capacity of their personnel and financial resources.

The project is categorized as construction, specifically for affordable housing development and operation. Firms with a strong track record in developing housing for public employees or similar community-focused projects will find this relevant.

How to respond to this RFP

To access the solicitation, click “View original source” on the platform where you found this article. This will open the opportunity on OpenGov Procurement, the County’s procurement portal.

Once on OpenGov, you may encounter a brief security check. After it completes, sign in or create a free vendor account. This will allow you to download plans, ask questions, join the planholders list, and submit your response before the deadline. Addenda notices will be sent through OpenGov.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Clearly demonstrate your team's experience with affordable housing projects, especially those involving public employee preferences or similar community benefits. Highlight successful projects of comparable scope and type.

Provide a well-structured conceptual proposal that aligns with the County's goals, including maximizing development quality and value. Detail your financial resources and capacity to implement the project effectively. Ensure your proposal addresses how County financing would be repaid and any proposed returns.

Pay close attention to all instructions and requirements outlined in the RFP. Submit your proposal well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Utilize the Q&A feature on OpenGov Procurement to clarify any ambiguities in the solicitation.