Half Moon Bay Measure Q: Farmworker Housing Proposal Trails by Just 64 Votes

HALF MOON BAY, California — November 4, 2026. A referendum over a proposed affordable housing project for older agricultural workers in downtown Half Moon Bay is narrowly trailing in the early count. The latest November 4 figures show just 64 votes separating the two sides.

Updated Measure Q results

KQED’s election tally, updated at 8:08 a.m. Pacific on November 4, shows 1,672 No votes (50.9%) and 1,608 Yes votes (49.0%). The measure requires a simple majority to pass, and the reported No lead should not yet be treated as the final decision.

What the project would do

Measure Q asks whether the city should approve agreements with Mercy Housing California to develop and operate 40 affordable apartments for senior agricultural workers at 535–555 Kelly Avenue. According to the City of Half Moon Bay, the agreements include a 99-year ground lease of city-owned land for $1 a year and roughly 2,653 square feet of community space.

The city says planning approvals were previously granted, but a referendum petition qualified the agreement for a public vote. A Yes vote supports adoption of the agreement ordinance; a No vote opposes it.

How both sides explain the decision

Supporters say the apartments address a serious need for affordable senior farmworker housing. Opponents say the project’s height, density and terms of use of public land raise concerns about downtown development. Those are attributed campaign arguments, not an editorial endorsement.

The next count

The city’s election-results page lists the next San Mateo County update for Thursday, November 5, before 4:30 p.m. Pacific. A change of several dozen votes could alter the reported lead. Earlier campaign and ballot background remains available in California58’s pre-election coverage.

Sources: KQED November 4 results; City of Half Moon Bay, official Measure Q information; City election results and update schedule.

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