March Update from Supervisor Sackett

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MARCH 2025

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD FREITAS PARKWAY ROUNDABOUT & ADA IMPROVEMENTS CAREER EXPLORER PROGRAM CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY REFRESH CIVIL GRAND JURY HAVE YOU HEARD? WHAT I'M READING RESOURCES

 

Dear Neighbors,

Spring has arrived bringing longer days, spring showers, warmer weather, and vibrant blooms—perfect for hikes and even a few walking meetings.

As the season of renewal begins, we also take time to assess our financial outlook. On March 25, the Board received an update on budget projections. While Marin remains in a strong fiscal position, we are closely monitoring national and state economic trends. The national economic forecast is concerning, with mixed indicators, including a declining GDP forecast, slowing property and sales tax growth, continued low inflation, and relatively low unemployment. While the State released a balanced FY 2025-26 budget in January, we are awaiting the May budget revision, mindful of ongoing revenue volatility and projected deficits in the coming years.

At the federal level, policy transitions pose significant financial uncertainty for Marin. Funding freezes, immigration policy shifts and trade measures like tariffs could impact economic stability and jeopardize critical local programs, including In-Home Supportive Services, SNAP benefits, and road and traffic safety funding. Marin County cannot backfill these losses, but our fiscal strategy prioritizes strong reserves to allow for strategic adjustments during economic downturns.

Looking ahead, the Board will convene from May 19 to 21 for annual budget hearings and the adoption of the final County budget. In the meantime, I encourage you to explore the County’s newly released Economic Vitality Report, which offers an analysis of economic trends, opportunities, and challenges. The report provides insights into key state and national indicators, as well as Marin-specific data on sales tax trends, commercial vacancy rates, income, spending, business and labor market trends, and community demographics. As always, I welcome your thoughts. Stay tuned for more updates on the budget.

 

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of attending several homeowner and neighborhood association meetings, including those with the Santa Venetia Neighborhood Association, Point San Pedro Road Coalition leadership, Casa Marinwood Homeowners Association, Mont Marin/San Rafael Park, Lucas Valley Homeowners Association, and Smith Ranch Homes. Connecting with you and discussing the issues that matter most, such as development, road conditions, and emergency preparedness, is incredibly valuable. Your insights help shape the work we do in the County, and I appreciate the time and effort you put into strengthening our communities.

Thank you to everyone who hosted and participated in these conversations. If your neighborhood group isn’t listed and you’d like to set up a meeting, please reach out to my office. I’d love to connect. 

 

FREITAS PARKWAY ROUNDABOUT & ADA IMPROVEMENTS

 

Caltrans is set to begin construction on a roundabout at the Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/US-101 interchange in San Rafael starting spring 2025 and is expected to be completed by winter 2025. This project aims to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

As part of the improvements, Caltrans is relocating the northbound Freitas Parkway off-ramp bus stop to Redwood Highway to enhance accessibility and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Additionally, the project includes the installation of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Freitas Parkway, Civic Center Drive, and Old Redwood Highway. 

Key components of the project include:

• Reconstructing curb ramps and sidewalks for better accessibility
• Eliminating stairs and bus stop access across loop ramps
• Relocating the northbound bus stop to Redwood Highway
• Constructing a roundabout at the Redwood Highway/Civic Center Drive intersection

Why a Roundabout?

Modern roundabouts are designed to improve safety and traffic efficiency. Unlike traditional intersections, roundabouts feature:

• Curved approaches that naturally slow down vehicles
• Entry yield control, ensuring smoother traffic flow
• Counterclockwise circulation, reducing collision points

Roundabouts have been successfully implemented in other North Bay counties, including Sonoma and Napa, with significant safety benefits. Studies show that roundabouts reduce injury and fatality-related collisions, making roads safer for all users.

CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY REFRESH

 

All ten branches of the Marin County Free Library are getting a refresh! Thanks to voters' approval of Measure B in November 2022, libraries will be enhanced with new furniture, fresh paint, and accessible technology—improving both patron and staff experiences.

Civic Center Library Upgrades:

Children’s Area Shelving: New shelving and a more flexible layout to create a better space for reading, learning, and play.

Updated Furniture: Comfortable, modern chairs, tables, and lounge spaces provide inviting spots for reading and relaxing.

Children’s Area Carpet: Vibrant, kid-friendly carpet to make the space even more inviting to families.

Interior Paint: A new coat of paint in key areas to give the interior a fresh, updated look.

Teen Area Furniture: Expanded teen area with new comfortable furniture to create a welcoming space for teens to gather.

You can learn more and share your thoughts here.

 

CIVIL GRAND JURY

 

The Marin County Civil Grand Jury is accepting applications until April 15. Nineteen members are appointed annually for a one-year term. The jury investigates, monitors, and reports on the performance of various local entities, including Marin County departments, water districts, school districts, fire districts, and other special districts. Serving as a civil grand juror offers a unique opportunity to engage in civic oversight, gain insight into local governments, investigate citizen concerns, and publish findings and recommendations.

 

HAVE YOU HEARD?