Measure P Campaigns Over Menlo Park Parking Surpass $500,000 in Cash

Campaign groups fighting over Measure P in Menlo Park have collectively raised more than $500,000 in political donations, according to recent campaign finance disclosure filings. The initiative, slated for the November ballot, would require city officials to obtain voter approval before developing, leasing, or selling public parking lots in the downtown core.

Opponents of the initiative, organized as Menlo Park Neighbors and Small Business Owners for Affordable Homes, currently hold the fundraising lead with more than $300,000 received. Notable donations include $20,000 from the Grove Action Fund and $5,000 from affordable housing developer MidPen Housing, alongside numerous four-figure gifts from local residents.

Supporters campaigning under Save Downtown Menlo have pulled in more than $200,000. Backers state that protecting ground-level parking spaces is vital to supporting neighborhood businesses and patrons, while opponents argue that adding mandatory public votes will stall needed affordable housing developments on city-owned plazas.