May 3, 2022 Update from Supervisor Connolly

MAY 2022 ISSUE County Budget Update Climate Action: Big Oil Lawsuit Reusable Foodware Ordinance Marin Microbusiness Grant Program Supporting Childcare Ember Stomp Mobile Crisis Expansion May Mental Health Month Housing Update Civics Class Visit

Dear Friends,

Over the past year, we have been working hard to recover from the pandemic and continue to meet the County's top priorities. Together, we have made progress in holding Big Oil accountable, supporting microbusinesses, addressing our fiscal responsibilities, and improving access to childcare and mobile crisis response teams, among other initiatives. 

We are learning how to navigate a new normal. 92.5% of eligible Marin residents have completed their vaccine series. The pandemic has prompted changes in how our transit systems operate, how we work, how we think of open space and almost every aspect of our daily life. I'm glad to see us working together as a community to imagine a new normal.

If you're wondering about the timing between COVID vaccines and boosters, Health and Human Services shared a 'COVID-19 Vaccine Timing by Age' resource that may be of interest.

I'm looking forward to working with you and the community throughout the year as we tackle key issues. With significant one-time funding available, the County plans to address some of our greatest needs and highest priorities while working to identify ongoing funding for new or expanded services.

 

 

COUNTY BUDGET UPDATE

The County is fortunate to have a surplus. Two years ago, when we were beginning to grapple with the economic impacts of COVID, we did not expect to have a budget this strong. As part of the FY 2021-22 Budget, the Board approved an initial expenditure plan of $25 million which included funding for permanent supportive housing, racial equity initiatives, climate change projects, and enhanced emergency response capacity.

During the March budget workshop, staff provided an update on their work to develop proposals for the remaining $25 million. Proposals included: $7 million for Homekey/Permanent Supportive Housing, $5 million for Golden Gate Village, $4 million for Southern Marin Service Hub, $1 million for Capital Improvements, $2 million for COVID Response, $4 million for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Projects, $1 million for Broadband, and $1 million for West Marin Economic Support. In June, we will hear final recommendations when reviewing the proposed FY 2022-24 Budget. 

I want to take a moment to recognize the significant milestone we reached this year in addressing our unfunded pension liability. We reduced the total Unfunded Retiree Liability from $601 million to $178 million by eliminating over $400 million in pension liabilities and retiree healthcare obligations. I'm proud to share that the County's pension plan is now fully funded.

I look forward to the June Budget Hearing to continue working with residents to address our County's top priorities. If you're interested in learning more about our financial outlook, I encourage you to read the County Administrator's General Fund Budget Projections. 

 

CLIMATE ACTION: BIG OIL LAWSUIT

In 2017, Marin County jointly filed a suit with San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties, and with the cities of Richmond and Imperial Beach, to hold Big Oil accountable for deceiving consumers about the dangers associated with the use of their products. Big Oil has been working hard to have the case removed from state to federal court. Marin County had a recent victory in the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals to have the case heard in state court.

The energy companies may seek to petition the decision of the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, this is a big win toward holding these companies accountable. It will be a long fight. We're ready and will continue to stand up for our communities. You can learn more in this Marin IJ article.

REUSABLE FOODWARE ORDINANCE

On April 19, The Board of Supervisors heard the first reading of the Reusable Foodware Ordinance. The Board plans to consider the adoption of the ordinance on May 10, 2022.  I am pleased to see how this ordinance has evolved from compostables to reusable food ware. It is imperative that we eliminate single-use plastics at every opportunity for this generation and the next. 

The current proposal includes business grants to support the transition and an 18-month education and training period. During the first reading of the ordinance, I advocated for additional grant funding to help businesses navigate this paradigm shift.

Every piece of plastic in the environment will be here long after we are gone. I know from volunteering to clean up our Marin beaches that plastic is found along our beaches and in San Pablo Bay, it is along our paths and roads, and in our wildlife. This ordinance marks a significant step in keeping plastics out of the environment. This has been a long time coming.

MARIN MICROBUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM

The Marin Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) has launched a Microbusiness Grant program offering COVID-19 Relief with $262,500 in funding available for 105 microbusinesses at $2,500 each.

A few types of businesses that might be eligible include, artists & musicians, childcare providers, construction workers, food vendors, hairstylists, handypersons, house cleaners, gardeners & landscapers, and nail technicians. 

You can qualify to apply if you meet these criteria:

       Located in Marin County
       Been in business since December 2019
       Made less than $50,000 gross revenue in 2019
       Significantly Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
       Currently in business or plan to reopen
       Have less than 5 full-time equivalent employees
       Did not receive a CA Grant through Lendistry

Don't miss these info sessions to learn about the program: 

Tuesday, May 10, 10:00 am – REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, May 25, 12:00 pm – REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, June 8, 11:00 am – REGISTER HERE

Applications will open in May 2022 and take about 15-20 minutes to complete. Please take a moment to review this opportunity and share it with a microbusiness you know.  

 

SUPPORTING CHILDCARE

The County, in partnership with the Marin Community Foundation (MCF), is uplifting Marin's childcare system with a $1.5 million boost. On April 26, the Board of Supervisors approved $525,000 to First 5 Marin to support early childhood mental health, the Child Care Initiative Project - aimed at increasing and stabilizing family child care capacity, and increasing teacher capacity. In June 2021, the Board approved a $1 million set aside for childcare investments. In partnership, the MCF added $500,000 to support our childcare system and is convening a working group to develop longer-term solutions.  

 

EMBER STOMP