Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Marin County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues with high priority
Local Coastal Program housing amendment
The Board adopted coastal zoning amendments to carry out the 2023-2031 Housing Element in the coastal zone — recognizing 36 housing overlay sites, implementing ADU and density bonus laws, and adding a coastal form-based code with a 35-foot height limit. It now goes to the Coastal Commission.
Santa Venetia levee emergency repairs
The flood control district moved forward on a 7,800-foot sheet pile floodwall protecting 900 low-lying homes, adopting the environmental review and streamlining easement acquisition. Residents raised concerns about endangered smelt, levy safety this winter, and limited board oversight of easement deals.
Bolinas Highlands road repair special tax
A landslide cut off the main road out of the Bolinas Highlands, and the board called a March 2027 election on a ten-year parcel tax to fund retaining walls, drainage, and repaving.
Elections records disclosure and November 3 election preparations
The county accepted $185,000 in state funding to speed vote counting and outreach, with 9,500 ballots already in and 21 vote centers opening this weekend.
Sir Francis Drake Blvd Landslide Repair
A construction contract was awarded to fix the landslide on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at milepost 20.28 — good news for West Marin commuters.
Habitat Redwood Boulevard affordable housing project
Habitat for Humanity's Novato project redesign and housing fund allocation were approved on consent — 50 affordable homes coming to Novato.
Latin American Heritage Month and workplace inclusion
The Board proclaimed Latin American Heritage Month, but county employees testified about feeling unsafe and discriminated against in county workplaces. Supervisors acknowledged there's more work to do beyond symbolic recognition.
Oak Hill Apartments Affordable Housing Financing
The county approved loan, grant and regulatory agreements with Education Housing Partner for the Oak Hill Workforce Housing Project, moving a workforce housing effort forward.
Upper Bay Permanent Road Division special tax election
Residents of the Upper Bay area petitioned to form a Permanent Road Division to fund road maintenance; ten speakers testified at the hearing before the Board acted.
School district cash-flow transfers
The Board authorized temporary transfers of county-held funds to eight local school districts totaling over $115 million so they can cover costs before property tax revenue arrives — routine but essential cash-flow help for schools.
Sea level rise adaptation governance
The county accepted a final AECOM study on how Marin should organize its sea level rise adaptation efforts and make decisions countywide. Thirteen residents spoke on the item.
Marin County Child Care Initiative on November ballot
The voter-sponsored Child Care Initiative qualified for the ballot, and the Board consolidated its special election with the November 3 statewide general election. Voters will decide the initiative this fall.
New Marin County Fire Headquarters in San Geronimo Valley
The county took a major step toward building a new fire headquarters, approving a $3.4 million design-build contract. It's a big investment in fire and emergency response facilities for the valley.
Ross Valley Paramedic Parcel Tax on the November Ballot
Voters in County Service Area 27 will decide in November whether to continue the paramedic special parcel tax for four more years (2027-2031). If it fails, paramedic service funding is at risk.
CAL FIRE fire protection contract
The county locked in three more years of state-funded fire protection on wildland lands, at $71.4 million. This keeps Marin County Fire crews covering state responsibility areas without a funding gap.
FY 2026-27 housing and community development funding
The Board approved the year's CDBG, HOME, affordable housing fund and PLHA allocations after a public hearing, directing money to affordable housing, homelessness services and improvements in lower-income neighborhoods.
Homeless shelter operations in San Rafael
The county added $439,313 to its contract with San Rafael to keep the Mahon Creek site running and add the Merrydale interim shelter site, on top of a $4 million total.
Strawberry development at 201 Seminary Drive
The county's biggest land-use fight of the year got a final decision: the Strawberry project can move forward with its master plan, design review, tree removal permit, use permit, and tentative map, but the community plan amendment was denied. Neighbors turned out in force — 26 spoke at the hearing.
FY 2026-28 budget released for review
The proposed two-year county budget is now public, with hearings starting June 8 — the public's window to weigh in before the Board adopts it.
$2.5M farmers market at the Civic Center
The County will fund the Agricultural Institute of Marin's future farmers market site on the Civic Center campus with up to $2.5 million. This gives the farmers market a permanent home and boosts local food access and small farms.