July 2022 Update from Supervisor Connolly

JULY 2022 ISSUE

WILDFIRE UPDATE AND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES ADDRESSING AND PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS CARE COURT (SB 1338) ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION BUCK'S LANDING ACQUISITION NORTH-SOUTH GREENWAY RIBBON CUTTING

Dear Friends,

During the County budget hearings, we had an opportunity to see the great work happening throughout the County. I want to take the time in this District 1 newsletter to share what the County has done and plans to do over the coming years.

The budget reflects the excellent work done by community partners, non-profits, and staff. I want to acknowledge the many people who have made this work possible. It's a team effort and I could not be more proud of the tremendous work happening at the County! 

As we kick off the new fiscal year on July 1, 2022, we have our work cut out to continue to address preserving and increasing affordable housing and addressing homelessness, building a racially equitable community, reducing carbon emissions, and adapting to climate change, enhancing disaster preparedness, investing in county infrastructure, and addressing recruitment and retention in the County workforce and beyond.

 

WILDFIRE UPDATE AND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

 

Marin has a history of stepping up and answering a call to action. In the early 2000’s the Tamalpais Forest Fire Crew created the first fire plan highlighting the firefighting needs throughout Marin. Using that model as a guide to better understand the resources needed to combat wildfires, Marin has continued to expand its firefighting capacity. 

In 2021, the Fire Foundry program was formed as a career pathway program designed to support community members through career exploration in the fire service. The program has taken an equity lens, offering a pathway to sustainable wage jobs.

The state has recognized the tremendous need for firefighters and is increasing funding for local crews. Last year, the County received roughly $2.4 million in one-time funding followed by $3.7 million for this fiscal year and is expected to receive $5.3 million in ongoing funding.

Marin County will be able to expand to a total of five crews next year. The increased capacity will help respond to active fires at the state and local level, and maximize efforts to create defensible space and further vegetation management work. The plan is for two crews to support larger fires in the state while the other crews stay in the community. 

Community preparedness is a critical factor in our response to the next big fire. We are investing $4 million towards community preparedness through home hardening and defensible space evaluations. Here are some of the things we can do to prepare: Learn about Evacuation and Personal Preparedness, Home Hardening, Defensible Space, Community Preparedness, and Evacuation and Warnings: How to Survive a Wildfire. Check to see if you would qualify for a Defensible Space and Home Hardening Grant. The grants are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Don't miss out! 

 

ADDRESSING AND PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS

 

In 2017 we began the work to address homelessness through a Coordinated Entry system, built on collaboration to identify and provide resources to the most vulnerable. We have continued to make changes, invest in permanent supportive housing, and lead with data-driven decision-making and results. Since 2017 we have seen a 67% increase in permanent supportive housing units, from 388 to 649, and have housed over 488 people experiencing chronic homelessness. Our Health and Human Services team created a new data dashboard to track our efforts. I'm happy to share that, thanks to our community agencies, partners, and staff at all levels, we have helped house 111 homeless families and 72 veterans. There is more work ahead as we continue to think strategically to find funding to provide support.

On June 21, the Board of Supervisors extended the eviction moratorium in unincorporated Marin through September 30, 2022. The resolution bars evictions of residential tenants for nonpayment of rent due to the ongoing impact of COVID. The Town of Fairfax, City of San Rafael, City of Larkspur, and the City of Novato have adopted similar resolutions and the Town of Corte Madera will consider a moratorium on July 19.  

 

CARE COURT (SB 1338)

 

During the last Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Committee meeting I chaired, we discussed the potential impacts of SB 1338, also known as the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court. Throughout the State, communities are grappling with how best to help residents who are struggling with mental health and substance use conditions and experiencing homelessness. The question of how to meet the needs of people with mental illness and experiencing homelessness has spurred debate that ranges from jurisdictional roles and responsibilities, funding, compassionate and effective healthcare, and basic human rights and civil liberties. If passed, CARE Court would provide comprehensive treatment, housing, and support services to Californians with complex behavioral health care needs. A key part of the ongoing conversation is funding and resources, with counties being asked to take on new responsibilities and obligations, counties need support at the state level to ensure that services, including housing, will be provided in a sustainable and compassionate manner. The Board of Supervisors set aside $500,000 to support and implement Care Court should it be enacted into law. 

 

ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION

 

This summer the County is working on 40-plus miles of pavement preservation. The $3 million project will provide maintenance for about 10% of our County maintained roads in Lucas Valley, Marinwood, Santa Venetia, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Strawberry, Tamalpais, Hicks Valley, Nicasio, Point Reyes, San Geronimo Valley and unincorporated San Rafael. Sealing of residential roads is scheduled to start in August and is anticipated to be completed by November 2022. A huge thank you to our Public Works Department and crews who are working hard to maintain our infrastructure to get us to where we need to go. 

 

BUCKS LANDING ACQUISITION

 

Buck’s Landing is a jewel in Santa Venetia, and I’m proud of our work with community members who have been advocating to preserve Buck’s Landing for future generations. In May 2020, the County purchased a portion of Buck's Landing for $1.6 million, adding 33 acres to public lands. Now, the Board of Supervisors will consider moving forward to secure an additional 7.27 acres for $1,850,000 directly adjacent to the 33 acres purchased in 2020. On July 12, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to issue a letter of intent to purchase the property and schedule a public hearing for August 9. Community members have advocated for decades for the acquisition and preservation of this site. I couldn’t be happier to see this project come together. You can learn more about this project in this Marin IJ article. 

NORTH-SOUTH GREENWAY RIBBON CUTTING

 

One of the best parts of my job is when a hard-fought and community-shared vision becomes a reality. The North-South Greenway over Corte Madera Creek is open, and is even better than anticipated! This project transformed a hair-raising 3.5 feet wide path into a 12 feet wide multi-modal pathway, connecting people to the Golden Gate Ferry, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, and the San Francisco Bay Trail. A huge thank you to the Transportation Authority of Marin, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Caltrans District 4, and most of all to the voters who have consistently stepped up through bridge tolls and taxes to support innovative infrastructure like this. Thank you!

 

Let's keep talking,