Google has tried to build housing in Mountain View multiple times but their plans have been rejected: http://www.mv-voice.com/print/story/2012/07/13/google-hou

Google has tried to build housing in Mountain View multiple times but their plans have been rejected: http://www.mv-voice.com/print/story/2012/07/13/google-housing-axed-in-citys-general-plan http://www.mv-voice.com/print/story/2012/07/13/google-housin... In general, it's much easier to build office space than housing. Cities like it because it generates revenue but they don't have to provide additional support services such as schools, police officers, etc.