San Carlos City Council · Nov 3, 2026

Sara McDowell

Candidate for City Council (incumbent)

4 candidates · 3 seats8 sourced positions

Sara McDowell, the incumbent, is running for San Carlos City Council in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 4 candidates are running for 3 seats.

Ballots mailed to registered voters (week of October 5) · Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Today

San Carlos City Council member for eight years, including two terms as Mayor.

Where Sara McDowell stands: positions on the record

Transit-area housing (SB 79)1 sourced position

Voted yes on introducing Ordinance 1634, temporarily excluding sites near the San Carlos Caltrain station from SB 79 development standards (passed 5-0, March 2026).
Council voteSan Carlos City Council minutes, March 23, 2026 (Regular Meeting) · Mar 23, 2026

Northeast Area plan1 sourced position

Voted yes on introducing Ordinance 1637 adopting the Northeast Area Specific Plan (passed 5-0, June 2026).
Council voteSan Carlos City Council minutes, June 8, 2026 (Regular Meeting) · Jun 8, 2026

Sales tax measure (Measure G)1 sourced position

Voted yes on the resolution placing a half-cent sales tax measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot (passed 4-0-1, June 2026).
Council voteSan Carlos City Council minutes, June 22, 2026 (Regular Meeting) · Jun 22, 2026

Community and aquatic center1 sourced position

Voted yes on Resolution 2026-054 selecting a preferred site for further study of Options 3 and 4 for a community and/or aquatic center (passed 4-0-1, May 2026).
Council voteSan Carlos City Council minutes, May 11, 2026 (Regular Meeting) · May 11, 2026

Crestview Drive pilot1 sourced position

Voted yes on Resolution 2026-053 approving the Crestview Drive Pilot Improvements Project with an amendment removing the Los Vientos roundabout (passed 4-0-1, May 2026).
Council voteSan Carlos City Council minutes, May 11, 2026 (Regular Meeting) · May 11, 2026

Childcare grants2 sourced positions

Voted yes on Resolution 2026-006 awarding 2025 Childcare Grant Program funds to Shu Academy Preschool, Curious Beans and Bright Horizons (passed 3-1-1, January 2026).
Council voteSan Carlos City Council minutes, January 12, 2026 (Regular Meeting) · Jan 12, 2026
Voted yes on Resolution 2026-097 approving modifications to the Notice of Funding Availability for the Childcare Grant Program (passed 3-1-1, August 2026).
Council voteSan Carlos City Council minutes, August 10, 2026 (Regular Meeting) · Aug 10, 2026

Development projects1 sourced position

Says she will take a strong stance on development projects so they include community benefits.
“I will continue to take a strong stance on development projects to ensure they include meaningful community benefits that positively impact San Carlos.”
Own statementSara McDowell for San Carlos City Council (campaign website)

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