June 17, 2021 Update from Supervisor Connolly

IN THIS ISSUE COVID Resources Economic Vitality Strategic Plan Marin County Budget Hearings Eviction Moratorium and Accessory Dwelling Units Drought, Wildfire, and Climate Community Resources Funding Transportation Solutions San Rafael Canal - Full Dredge Potential Roundtable with Rachel Kertz Congratulations to the Class of 2021 and Venetia Valley District 1 Survey

Dear Friends,

The State of California is officially open! What does this mean? There are no capacity or social distancing restrictions. Members of the public that are vaccinated, no longer need to wear a mask - except in specific settings. We can share a collective sigh of relief as we mark 458-days since the March 16, 2020, Shelter In Place Order.

I hope one of you received a $1.5 million phone call this week. A Marin County resident won the State's Vax for the Win lottery.  

We have a lot to be proud of in Marin. On June 14, Marin reached zero COVID confirmed hospitalizations. 89.4% of Marin residents 12 and over have received at least one vaccine, and 80.8% have completed their vaccine series. Marin became the most vaccinated county in the country on May 18 and we have made notable efforts toward an equitable vaccine rollout.

As of June 17, 98% of Marin residents 65 and over have received at least one vaccine dose. Latinx residents, who were among the hardest hit by the pandemic, have the highest vaccination rates within the county at 90%. 

As we move Beyond the Blueprint we will remain vigilant. Marin has reached this milestone with great sacrifice, generosity, and compassion. I am incredibly proud of our community, healthcare workers, teachers, essential workers, public servants, and neighborhood heroes. Thank you.

COVID RESOURCES

 

Vaccine Data

Beyond the Blueprint

Vaccine Finder

ECONOMIC VITALITY STRATEGIC PLAN

Supervisor Arnold and I chair the Marin Economic Recovery Task Force with a focus on information exchange, state and federal advocacy, and developing an economic vitality strategic plan. In partnership with the Marin Economic Forum, the County is receiving $130,820 in federal grant money to assist in funding a strategic planning process.

Marin is finalizing the formation of a steering committee with roughly 15-members to help guide the economic vitality strategic plan. The committee will have a range of representation including elected officials, public and private sector leaders.

We know we need to focus on creating a business climate that attracts and retains businesses. We can promote a vibrant and dynamic labor market by investing in human capital through upskilling opportunities like apprenticeships for a post-COVID economy. Marin also has a robust pool of entrepreneurs who can provide a wealth of knowledge and creative energy.

We have an opportunity to find solutions to long-standing issues like reliable and affordable childcare, meeting aging workforce needs, and incorporating an equity lens in workforce recruitment and retention. A healthy economy means providing opportunities for everyone.

 

MARIN COUNTY BUDGET HEARINGS

Our fiscal outlook, local and statewide, is vastly different than a year ago. The Governor's May Revise reflects the changing fiscal landscape. Last year, California faced a $54 billion shortfall it is now working to allocate a $76 billion surplus. The May Revise includes funds to address homelessness, mental health, childcare, and broadband. According to the California Employment Development Department, Marin's April 2020 unemployment rate was 12.1%. A year later, Marin's unemployment rate is 4.6%. 

In November 2020, the Board of Supervisors approved $7.8 million in budget reductions and the elimination of 22 vacant positions to address the $16 million General Fund Budget shortfall. As of the March 2021 preliminary budget hearings, the County was working to address a projected $6.7 million shortfall for FY 2021-22. Next week, we will be finalizing the FY 2021-22 budget where we will approving a balanced budget and allocating approximately $25 million in one-time funding to address pressing needs.

I invite you to attend the budget hearings, beginning June 21, for more information on the County's fiscal outlook and what opportunities and challenges lay ahead. As always, I will be looking to align the budget with the taxpayer's priorities and promoting active public engagement and transparency.  

SB 91, which currently protects qualifying Californians from eviction, will expire on June 30. On June 8, the County passed an urgency ordinance temporarily prohibiting residential evictions without cause through September 30, 2021, in unincorporated Marin. The City of San Rafael is expected to consider an eviction moratorium on June 21. Landlords and tenants are struggling to address months of back-rent. The County is continuing to work to distribute Emergency Rental Assistance dollars. The additional time will help tenants and landlords recover from back-rent due to COVID-19. 

Increasing the availability of affordable housing is a priority, and we must create housing in a way that makes sense for Marin. I'm proud to share that Marin's approach to increasing affordable housing availability through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU), among other strategies, has remained successful since we started in 2017. Interest in ADU's continues to increase. In 2017, the County permitted seven units, 67 in 2019, and 50 in 2020.

On May 25, the Board of Supervisors approved the ADU/JADU incentives program through 2023. The incentives include: 

1. Extension of the Community Development Agency Director’s authority to waive or reduce building permit fees for eligible JADUs in amounts not to exceed $1,500 per unit;
2. Extension of the Director of Public Works authority to waive Roadway Impact Fees for eligible JADUs;
3. Extension of the Community Development Agency Director’s authority to waive building permit fees for eligible ADUs in amounts not to exceed $2,500 per unit; and
4. Approve waiving and reducing fees for eligible ADUs that are rented under affordable housing parameters for up to $10,000.

Whether you are looking for inspiration, thinking about building an ADU, or are ready to build, ADUMarin is a great resource to learn about what may be available to you. Don't forget to try the ADU calculator! 

 

DROUGHT, WILDFIRE, AND CLIMATE | COMMUNITY RESOURCES

We are taking a holistic approach to climate change and disaster preparedness. On June 15, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution. I'm proud of the many efforts underway to address climate change and look forward to reaching our net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2045 if not sooner.

Drought and wildfire prevention is a top priority. Marin and many communities throughout the state are facing an exceptional drought. Being prepared for emergencies is crucial, whether wildfire, drought, earthquake or any other disaster. I invite you to take action and explore the resources and rebate options available to help conserve water, firescape or harden your home, and prepare a 'go-bag.' Small steps today can dramatically improve your ability to respond to an emergency. As in preparation against fire, each of us doing our part to conserve water will make a positive impact.

Resilient Neighborhoods will be hosting a Climate Action Workshop Series to support community members in accessing local resources, helping you calculate your carbon footprint, and making a personalized climate action plan to help you make your household more resilient to droughts, wildfires, and power outages. The workshop is comprised of 5 meetings over ten weeks, the next series starts tonight, June 17 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. 

Low-income seniors may be eligible for a Measure C - Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority - parcel tax exemption! Applications must be received or postmarked by June 30, 2021, to be considered for the 2021-22 tax year. You must re-apply every year - don't miss out on the opportunity!

Drought Resources	Wildfire Resources
Saving Water Partnership - NEW Conservation Tips  Do it Yourself Water Survey Marin Water Rebates List of Carwashes Using Recycled Water Water-Saving Tips for Your Home & Garden How To Read Your Water Meter How To Be A Leak Detective Water Watch	Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority - NEW Evacuation and Personal Preparedness Home Hardening Defensible Space Community Preparedness Evacuation and Warnings: How to Survive a Wildfire