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Dear Neighbors,
This month has been a whirlwind of engagement, learning, and community connection. From sharing the joy of jazz with young minds to discussing the serious work of disaster preparedness, I’ve had the privilege of spending time with people of all ages across our county.
This week the County completed its budget workshop, where we took a deep dive into the priorities and funding needed to serve Marin residents. It was great to hear from county staff across myriad departments, learning about their work and the challenges they faced in delivering essential services. We are grateful for all the effort that the County Executive and his team put into place to ensure a thoughtful, transparent, and responsible budgeting process.
One of my favorite moments this month was reading a book about jazz to a lively group of 5th graders. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reminded me of the power of music and storytelling to inspire future generations. Moments like these reinforce why investing in education and the arts is so important.
We also rang in the Lunar New Year with vibrant celebrations both at the county offices and in downtown San Anselmo at the Pine Street Clinic. These events were a wonderful reminder of Marin’s rich cultural diversity and the importance of honoring traditions that bring us together as a community.
In my role as your Supervisor, I had the opportunity to present on the State of the County to the Marin Coalition, in partnership with Mayor Kate Colin, discussing the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our county is facing important decisions regarding housing, transportation, and environmental resilience, and I am committed to ensuring we navigate them thoughtfully and effectively.
I also attended the First 5 Children’s Summit, where we focused on early childhood development and the crucial role that early investments play in shaping the well-being of our youngest residents. When we prioritize children and families, we build a stronger, healthier community for all.
This month also brought significant storms to Marin County, serving as yet another reminder that we must always be prepared for natural disasters. From flooding to downed trees, these storms tested our infrastructure and emergency response systems. I want to extend my appreciation to our first responders, public works teams, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to review your emergency plans, sign up for alerts, and ensure your home is prepared for future weather events.
As always, my door is open. Whether you want to share concerns, ideas, or simply say hello, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s keep working together to make Marin a resilient, inclusive, and thriving place for all.
Cheers,
Brian Colbert
Supervisor, District 2
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  February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our history and continue to inspire our future. Here in Marin County, we kicked off the celebration with a powerful ceremonial proclamation written by the County of Marin African American Employees Association (COMAEA).
The event was a beautiful tribute to Black excellence, with remarks from the chair of COMAEA, LaToya Webb, members Qiana Davis (above), Robyn Barron (above) and other members. Their inspiring and uplifting messages set the tone for a month filled with reflection, education, and community engagement. It was a moment to recognize the rich legacy of Black leaders, artists, activists, and changemakers—both past and present—who have played a vital role in our shared history.
Throughout February, Marin County hosted a variety of events celebrating Black history and culture. From local exhibits and speaker series to cultural performances and community gatherings, there were many opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage. We encourage everyone to continue the conversation beyond this month.
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Tax season is here, and the Campaign for Working Families (CWF) Free Tax Assistance Program is offering free help to eligible individuals and families in Marin County. If you made $64,000 or less in 2023, you may qualify for professional tax preparation at no cost.
Through this program, IRS-certified volunteers provide assistance with filing federal and state returns, ensuring you receive all eligible tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). In-person and virtual appointments are available to fit your schedule.
To learn more or book an appointment, visit camarin.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your taxes done accurately and for free!
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We recently visited College of Marin to see the progress on the new Center for Student Success (CSS), a transformative student hub in the heart of the Kentfield campus. This 85,000-square-foot facility will expand and upgrade the library, consolidate student services, create flexible classroom space, and introduce tailored dining experiences—all designed to “serve the whole student.”
Once completed, the Center for Student Success will provide a welcoming, modern space where students of all ages can chart their own educational pathways. Thank you to College of Marin for your commitment to supporting student success and for leading the way in innovative campus design.
You can learn more about their community programs and classes here.
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Did you know?
Marin County residents can access free legal consultations through the Lawyers in the Library program at the Marin County Law Library. This program connects individuals with volunteer attorneys for brief, one-on-one consultations on a variety of legal topics, including landlord-tenant issues, family law, employment rights, and more.
If you need legal guidance, this is a great resource to get expert advice at no cost.
Learn more and schedule an appointment: Marin County Law Library
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Exciting News! The newly restored bridge at Hal Brown Park is now open, providing a safer, more accessible, and environmentally friendly connection for our community. A formal ribbon cutting will be happening in April.
What’s New?
- Removal of the old wooden bridge and asphalt path.
- Installation of a 120-foot Corten steel bridge with wood decking.
- A 47-foot wooden boardwalk and new asphalt path.
- Elevated structures to prevent flooding.
- Improved ADA accessibility.
- Enhanced tidal flow and wetland habitat.
This project strengthens community connectivity while addressing climate resilience. Visit Hal Brown Park and enjoy the new bridge today!
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- I was featured in the March issue of Marin Magazine. You can check out the Q&A with Donna Glass here.
- KTVU did a nice piece on my swearing in here.
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 Each year, the Board of Supervisors or other governing bodies review and assign members to these commissions based on expertise, community needs, and legislative priorities. Some assignments focus on county-specific concerns, while others involve partnerships with regional or state agencies. These appointments help bridge the gap between government and the public, ensuring diverse voices are heard and represented in policymaking.
Understanding these assignments provides insight into how local government operates and how residents can engage with decision-making processes. Whether through attending meetings, providing public comment, or serving on a commission, community involvement is vital to a well-functioning and responsive local government.
Please see my assignments below.
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Marin Boards and Commissions:
My Subcommittees:
- Economic Vitality
- Marin Center/VMA
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A board that I sit on, the Bay Area Air District, is reopening the Clean Heating Efficiently with Electric Technology (Clean HEET) Grant Program on February 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM PST, offering expanded project options for homeowners looking to transition away from wood-burning devices. New eligible project types include:
- Replacement of open-hearth fireplaces with heat pump
- Replacement of pellet stoves with heat pumps
- Removal of existing fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves/inserts without heat pump replacement
Funding is limited, and early submission is encouraged to avoid delays. The application deadline is April 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM PDT.
Grant Award Amounts
Replacement with Electric Heat Pump:
- $3,000 - $6,500 for replacing one wood-burning device
- $6,000 - $10,500 for replacing two wood-burning devices
Decommission-Only (No Heat Pump Installation):
- $1,000 for removing one uncertified wood-burning device
- $2,000 for removing two uncertified wood-burning devices
Additional funding may be available for residents participating in qualifying low-income programs.
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The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority and Fire Safe Marin are hosting the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force Regional Meeting March 27 at the Embassy Suites in San Rafael, California. A remote attendance option will be available via Zoom.
March 26-28th
- More info and registration here.
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Become a Docent with Marin County Parks!
A Marin County Parks docent is a volunteer who educates visitors about the area's natural wonders and helps protect its wildlife and habitats. There are different types of docent programs, including Duxbury Docents, Ring Mountain Wildflower Docents, and wildlife and wildflower docents. It is both a fun and exciting way to stay engaged. Find out more here.
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Hot Takes & Sound Waves:
What’s Filling My Brain Lately |
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 After the devastating fires in Los Angeles, it’s clear that we need to be even more prepared for emergencies. Just this week, the Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from Fire Chief Jason Weber about how our emergency communication system can save lives.
Did you know that in some parts of Marin, only 20% of residents have signed up for emergency alerts through AlertMarin? That means far too many people may not receive critical information in a life-threatening situation.
AlertMarin provides real-time emergency notifications, giving clear instructions via call, text, or email to those in affected areas. Whether it’s flooding, wildfire, or evacuation orders, being signed up can make all the difference.
What can you do?
✅ Sign up for AlertMarin if you haven’t already.
✅ Check in with your neighbors, friends, and family—especially seniors and those who may not be tech-savvy—to make sure they’re registered.
In an emergency, every second counts. Let’s make sure Marin is ready.
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Have you ever wanted to work at the County of Marin? Here is the list of the most recent positions available!
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Ever thought about getting involved more in your community? Here are the opportunities to join open commissions and boards!
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