January 21, 2022 Update from Supervisor Connolly

As we continue to fight Omicron, testing and masking are a key part of our strategy. January 4th was the peak of Omicron, and we are seeing evidence of a plateau in the Omicron surge. We hope to see a decline in cases by the end of January. What can we do? Four free tests will be delivered to your home by following this link: COVIDtests.gov. The quarantine and isolation recommendations have changed. If you are in close contact with someone who tests positive or if you test positive there is an easy-to-follow guide at https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/isolation-and-quarantine. If you're feeling sick, please get a COVID test.

On January 4, the Board reaffirmed the county's budget priorities: affordable housing and homelessness, racial equity, climate change, sea-level rise, disaster preparedness, and county infrastructure.  

The County has received an unprecedented amount of one-time federal dollars. This funding provides an opportunity to address long-standing issues. We are working to ensure that service expansions are sustainable and can be met with ongoing dedicated funding.

We are making significant progress in addressing our unfunded pension liabilities. Strong returns in 2021 of 32% (pending final actuarial report) will decrease the required contributions for the County's unfunded liabilities. We expect to have a better picture of the final impacts in early 2022. I will continue to push for prudent fiscal decision-making. 

The Board also published its 2022 Federal and State Legislative Programs and Policy Guidelines. The guidelines provide direction throughout the year for advocacy at the State and Federal levels for Marin residents.

 

Our Board continues to make addressing climate change and sea-level rise top priorities and I want to make sure we continue to deliver meaningful solutions in the years ahead. Addressing climate change is everyone’s responsibility and the county must continue to apply solutions and demonstrate leadership with an equity lens. We have set ambitious goals through our Climate Action Plan, and I am excited for the next iteration of Drawdown:Marin in 2022, with a new name, non-profit status, and board of directors.

I am pleased to share that in December, the Board of Supervisors allocated $4 million toward climate mitigation and adaptation efforts throughout the county, in addition to $1 million that we were able to secure for the Santa Venetia Timber Reinforced Berm project in District 1. We need to ensure that county dollars are put to their highest and best use. 

Vegetation management and fire prevention are budget priorities strengthened by partnerships with the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, FireSafe Marin, and community action. As always we encourage community members to stay informed and engaged.

Equity is a countywide priority and an integral part of our day-to-day work. In 2021 we added an equity impact analysis to all decisions made by the Board of Supervisors. The need to address disparities is clear and I am proud to be a part of our County's commitment to justice. 

The Board of Supervisors allocated $5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to support internal and external equity initiatives. $2.5 million is set aside for department-initiated equity projects that impact outcomes in low-income communities. Another $2.5 million is earmarked for community-initiated projects through a participatory budgeting process. The focus will be on mental health, jobs, and housing in communities with a Healthy Places Index score below 70. No more than 10% of funds allocated would go to speakers and/or training initiatives - demonstrating our commitment to move beyond education and into implementation.

 

Please tune in as we look at updating the Housing and Safety Elements of the County's General Plan in accordance with the State's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Community members are encouraged to learn more about the update process by attending community meetings and checking out Balancing Act, a mapping tool to strategize housing locations in unincorporated Marin.

• District 1 Marinwood/Lucas Valley Meeting: An online meeting on Thursday, February 10 from 6-7 PM to learn about housing sites under consideration throughout the unincorporated County, including the Marinwood/Lucas Valley communities.
  
  
• District 1 Los Ranchitos/Santa Venetia Meeting: An online meeting on Tuesday, February 15 from 6-7 PM to learn about housing sites under consideration throughout the unincorporated County, including the Santa Venetia and Los Ranchitos communities. 

I will work with community members to ensure their voice is heard throughout the process. We need to remain actively engaged as legislation emerges from Sacramento. Our goal is to make meaningful progress on providing a range of housing opportunities that make sense for Marin at different income levels. Please join the online community meetings to learn more about Marin County Housing and Safety Elements.

 

Our work in 2021 has positioned us well for 2022 with the addition of several Homekey sites, the Mill Street Center reopening, Homeward Bounds’ veteran housing, and continuing to utilize our supply of housing vouchers. Our landlords have been a key partner in the solution through the Landlord Partnership Program. 

Coordinated Entry and a Housing First approach are successful. Since 2017, we have housed 427 people, and 94% of those individuals remain housed. Since 2016 we have doubled our supply of Permanent Supportive Housing to 629 units. I look forward to continuing to partner with cities to address encampments and find solutions. 

2022 will bring many opportunities in transportation, particularly with the significant amount of one-time federal funding available. At the regional level, we narrowed the design alternatives for the direct connector from Highway 101 to 580. The environmental impact of three alternatives for the relocation of the San Rafael Transit Center is under consideration, and the planning for a Resilient Highway 37 continues along with completing the Marin Sonoma Narrows on Highway 101. 

I continue to meet regularly as part of the Marin Economic Recovery Task Force with local business leaders and public health. In the months ahead we plan to complete the Economic Vitality Strategic Plan and bring it before the Board of Supervisors. The plan will help set the course for economic success in Marin for years to come.

As we start the new year, I will continue to bring a strong focus to equity in health, education, meaningful employment with career opportunities, housing, transportation, community resiliency,​​​​ and justice. We have plenty to accomplish in the year ahead and I look forward to working with the community to get things done. My door is always open.

Let's keep talking,