Beyond City Hall

As students head back to the classroom, co-hosts Dr. Robert Franklin and Former Mayor Lee take a closer look at the partnership between the City of San Mateo and the school districts to ensure students have what they need to succeed. From the Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP) that provided essential resources during COVID-19, to safety improvements like reduced speed limits around schoo...

In this episode of Beyond City Hall, we're thrilled to announce that the City Services Academy is now accepting applications! Join us as we dive into this unique opportunity for residents and workers in San Mateo to gain an insider's perspective on city government. The City Services Academy is not just an educational experience; it's a model of transparency in governance. This immersive 3-month pr...

Former Mayor Amourence Lee joined Dr. Franklin to discuss a momentous day in American history that marked the actual end of African-American slavery in the United States, some two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had been made effective: Juneteenth. In 2024, the City of San Mateo declared Juneteenth an official City Holiday. Former Mayor Lee played a pivotal rol...

Celebrating the North Central neighborhood in the City of San Mateo and 10 local leaders including Former Mayor Amourence Lee, honored by the prestigious Daniel E. Koshland Civic Unity Community Fellowship.  For forty years, this fellowship program has empowered over 500 community leaders and invested $7M+ in over 35 neighborhoods throughout the Bay Area. In 1982, the San Francisco Foundation esta...

Many cities are struggling to support their growing homeless population. Our City of San Mateo in California launched an innovative program that fills gaps between services and is successfully moving homeless folks into support services and housing. This cost-effective model is helping to reduce calls for service and officer involvement in homeless calls. San Mateo created two civilian positions w...

Childcare is the essential social infrastructure supporting working families & working moms like me!  During the pandemic, we saw the childcare industry come to the brink of collapse. I joined other #momleaders to create a $5.5M County Grant Program that benefited 300 childcare providers, including 75 childcare programs in the City of San Mateo. California.   ❤️ $5.5M COVID-19 County Childcare Gra...