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Dear Neighbors,
As summer moves into its final stretch, I wanted to share a few highlights from a busy and productive month.
Earlier this July, I had the opportunity to attend the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) New Supervisors Institute in Sacramento. It was an energizing few days, full of learning, strategy, and connecting with peers from across the state. The conversations reinforced how vital local government is in shaping real outcomes for our communities, and how we can be both practical and visionary in our approach to public service.
Back in Marin, I’ve been collaborating with our new Head of Digital Innovation to explore tools and technologies that can improve how the County serves the public. From streamlining access to services to improving transparency and responsiveness, we’re looking at ways to make government work better for everyone.
We also held several productive meetings with the County’s new head of traffic to discuss the future of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. This corridor is one of our most traveled and most talked about. These conversations are focused on how to embrace innovation, reduce congestion, and meet the evolving needs of our communities.
And of course, it was great to see so many of you at the Independence Day Parade in Larkspur. Moments like that remind me just how special this community is and how much pride we all share in calling it home.
Thank you for staying connected and engaged. I hope you find this month’s updates useful. If you know someone who would benefit from receiving this newsletter, feel free to share it with them.
Cheers,
 Brian Colbert
Supervisor, District 2
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 July marks Disability Pride Month, and this year Marin County is recognizing 35 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and affirms their full participation in public life.
In celebration, the Marin Cultural Association and Marin County Free Library (MCFL) are hosting three powerful exhibitions across the county that explore disability history, lived experience, and creative expression. These projects honor progress made while underscoring the ongoing work toward equity and inclusion.
Disability History Exhibit (Online)
This digital timeline, created by Advocating Change Together (ACT), spans 3,000 years of disability history and cultural change. With support from Portland Community College and the Disability Multimedia Program, the exhibit brings historical insights to life through captioned video storytelling. It's a compelling reminder of how far we've come and how much further we need to go.
Sound Advice (MCFL 10-Branch Exhibit)
Running throughout all 10 branches of the Marin County Free Library, Sound Advice features photographs and stories from individuals of all ages living with hearing loss. Curated by artist Nancy Rubin, the exhibit shines a light on the experiences of those with this often-invisible disability, inviting viewers to better understand the challenges, and resilience, of over 50 million Americans.
Making Waves (Marin Civic Center Exhibit)
Located on the first and third floors of the Civic Center in San Rafael, Making Waves showcases art by creators from Cedars Fine Art Studios and Marin Ventures- two local organizations that empower individuals with developmental disabilities through artistic expression and personal growth. The exhibit features diverse media, from painting to sculpture, and highlights the creativity and talent of Marin’s disability community.
These exhibits reflect Marin’s ongoing commitment to creating a more accessible, inclusive, and informed community. Residents are encouraged to visit, explore, and reflect.
To learn more, visit Marin Cultural Association and Marin County Free Library.
To explore more ways to celebrate Disability Pride, check out this curated reading list.
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Click flier for more info
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Fire Safe Marin and Marin Wildfire are excited to announce the Ember Stomp 2025 Student Art Contest, an opportunity for K–12 students to showcase their creativity and commitment to wildfire safety.
Students are invited to submit original artwork that celebrates what they love about Marin and how they would protect it from wildfires. Winning entries will be displayed at Ember Stomp 2025 on September 6, and students will receive special recognition at the event.
Deadline to submit is August 8, 2025.
Artwork can be submitted at: firesafemarin.org/artcontest
This is a chance for students to be part of the solution, raise awareness, and show off their creative talents, all while helping build a more fire-safe community.
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Help Spread the Word:
Questions? Reach out to: info@firesafemarin.org
Let’s uplift student voices and inspire action through art. Thank you for being a valued partner in community wildfire preparedness.
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The County of Marin has launched a new Community Grants & Investment Program (CGIP) to support local nonprofit and community-based organizations. This modernized program combines the former Community Service Fund and Non-Profit Community Partnership programs into one more accessible and transparent funding opportunity.
About the Program
CGIP is designed to fund one-time projects that align with the County’s top priorities: increasing affordable housing and addressing homelessness, building equity and inclusion, enhancing disaster and emergency preparedness, reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change, fostering community and economic vitality, and investing in county infrastructure.
Key Details
- $1.65 million in total funding
- Grants available from $1,000 to $50,000
- Application period: July 1 – August 31, 2025
- New online application system
- Projects must take place in 2026
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Eligible applicants: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and community groups with a fiscal sponsor
Each organization may submit one application, with up to three proposed activities. Matching funds are not required, but strong partnerships and additional funding sources are encouraged.
For more information or to apply, visit the County of Marin’s nonprofit funding opportunities page.
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Marin County is advancing a dual approach to protect immigrant communities by defending local authority through legal action and investing in direct support services for residents affected by federal immigration enforcement.
Defending Local Control
Marin has joined a coalition of nearly 50 jurisdictions nationwide in a federal lawsuit challenging actions by the Trump Administration that threaten to withhold federal funding from local governments that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. The case argues that such actions violate constitutional protections and federal law, including the 10th Amendment and the Spending Clause.
By joining the lawsuit, Marin is reaffirming its commitment to uphold state law, including the California Values Act (SB 54), which restricts the use of local resources for federal immigration enforcement. The County is also taking a stand to protect its legal autonomy and preserve access to critical federal funding for local services.
Investing in Immigrant Services
In addition to legal action, the County is investing $500,000 to support immigrant communities across Marin. This includes:
The application period for the grant funding is open from July 17 through August 20. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits as well as tax-exempt community-based groups with fiscal sponsors. Applicants may propose services in one or both categories.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Marin County to ensure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, have access to essential services and feel safe in their communities.
To learn more about the lawsuit, visit the Public Rights Project.
To apply for grant funding, visit the County’s nonprofit funding page.
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 A major milestone is underway in the County of Marin’s ongoing effort to reduce flood risk in downtown San Anselmo and Ross. This month, the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is submitting a formal request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to review the proposed removal of a bridge platform known as Building Bridge 2 (BB2).
BB2 spans San Anselmo Creek at the former site of a commercial building in the heart of downtown. For years, it has been identified as a serious obstruction to the natural flow of the creek, contributing to severe flooding during major storms. Its removal is part of the long-term flood mitigation strategy for the Ross Valley. But before any work can proceed, FEMA must complete a technical review known as a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR). This process is required to determine whether flood maps or flood insurance requirements need to be updated if the structure is removed.
The application to FEMA includes extensive hydrologic modeling and scientific analysis comparing current conditions to the projected impact of BB2’s removal. The goal is to better understand how water will move through the creek under major storm conditions, and to identify both the benefits and the tradeoffs of moving forward. Modeling shows that hundreds of properties, both residential and commercial, would see reduced flood risk.
This moment represents progress, but not approval. The submission of the CLOMR does not authorize construction. It simply allows FEMA to begin its in-depth review, which could take up to six months, and potentially longer depending on federal timelines. This is one of the most significant flood reduction projects ever considered for the Ross Valley. For decades, residents have lived with the fear and reality of floodwaters damaging homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. With this submission to FEMA, the County is taking a careful and transparent step forward- one that relies on science, community engagement, and a shared commitment to protecting lives and property.
The CLOMR application will be posted to the project website once it’s submitted. To learn more and stay informed, visit the official project page at:
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The second round of the Food, Agriculture, and Resilient Ecosystems (FARE) grant program is now open, and applications are being accepted through September 12, 2025. This competitive grant program supports projects that strengthen local food systems, promote climate-beneficial land management, and enhance the ecological and economic resilience of Marin’s working lands.
Grants range from $5,000 to $200,000, with priority given to projects that serve communities facing inequities in food access, environmental health, or resource availability.
Applications must be submitted through Submittable: Apply here
For more background, visit the FARE webpage or review materials from our virtual open house here.
Questions about the application or want to workshop a project idea?
Book time during FARE Office Hours or email us directly.
Additional Funding Opportunities
BayREN BRRR Program
Funding for refrigeration upgrades in food and floral facilities, including schools and food banks.
🔗 Submit an interest form
CUSP – Drought Relief for Small Farmers
Administered by CDFA and partners like CCOF and CAFF, these grants offer up to $20,000 in reimbursement for drought- and climate-related losses.
Dreyfus Foundation Grants
Support for nonprofits working in education, arts, environmental protection, disability services, and more. Awards range from $1,000–$20,000. Deadline: November 10, 2025.
🔗 Apply here
Kaiser Permanente Sponsorship Requests
Applications open August 1–15, 2025 for projects advancing equity in health, environment, and emergency response in the Golden Gate Service Area.
🔗 Learn more
Seed Donation Programs for Schools & Community Gardens
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Peaceful Valley: Expired seed packets available for the cost of shipping.
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Redwood Seeds: 10–15 seed packets available for community projects.
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TomatoFest: Heirloom tomato seed donations for qualified organizations.
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Seed Savers Exchange: Herman’s Garden Program supports nonprofits with seeds and produce donations.
Explore the links above for how to request your seeds and support your fall planting efforts.
Upcoming Event:
Seed Saving in Community – Free Online Class
📅 Tuesday, July 29 | 3:30–5:00 PM
Join Rebecca Newburn from Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library to learn seed-saving techniques for home gardeners, educators, and community garden leaders.
The session will be recorded and presentation slides will be available for reuse.
🔗 Register here
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We’re excited to welcome our second cohort of interns, who bring fresh energy, sharp insights, and a passion for public service to the County this summer. These students are diving into local government projects, policy research, and community outreach—gaining hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to our work.
Jessica Mendieta – Sophomore at UC Davis studying Community and Regional Development and Economics
Ashley Wang – Senior at Branson School
Riley Merklin – Senior at Marin Catholic
Please join us in welcoming this talented group. We’re proud to support the next generation of leaders in civic engagement.
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We are thrilled to welcome Crosby Burns as the County’s first Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, a new leadership role in the Office of the County Executive that reflects our growing commitment to responsive, accessible, and modern public service.
Crosby brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of civic technology, digital service delivery, and government modernization. His career has been focused on rebuilding trust in government by improving how public services are designed, delivered, and experienced.
As Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, Crosby will work across County departments to strengthen Marin’s digital strategy and service design. This includes scaling resident-centered design practices, building out modern digital infrastructure, and advancing a countywide culture of innovation that centers equity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
We’re excited to have Crosby’s leadership and vision as we work to build a 21st-century government that meets the evolving needs of our residents; including the potential for an easy to use Marin County App (stay tuned).
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We’re excited to announce that Nick Nguyen has joined the County of Marin as our new Principal Civil Engineer and Division Director overseeing the Traffic and Transportation Division within the Department of Public Works.
Nick brings deep experience in public infrastructure, project delivery, and transportation systems that prioritize safety, equity, and long-term sustainability. He will lead a talented team of planners and engineers responsible for traffic engineering, active transportation planning, grant strategy, and project programming.
Under his leadership, the County will continue to evaluate and improve its transportation network, making our roads safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists while planning for the needs of a growing and evolving community. His division plays a central role in shaping future mobility by combining technical expertise with public input, community-driven planning, and a focus on climate-resilient design.
In the coming months, Nick will be helping guide important conversations about the future of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, among other high-impact corridors, as we work toward a safer and more connected Marin.
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Do you live in unincorporated Marin (Sleepy Hollow, Kentfield, Greenbrae, Cal Park) and notice excessive speeding on your street? Let my office know. We can request that a mobile radar speed trailer be stationed in your neighborhood (typically for about a week) to remind drivers to slow down and take responsibility for their driving.
To request a trailer: Email my office (contact below) and include your street name, nearest cross street, and the times of day when speeding is most common. Photographs or short observations are helpful but not required.
Slowing traffic improves safety for kids, walkers, cyclists, pets, and everyone who uses our streets. If you are seeing a problem, please reach out.
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 Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) New Supervisors Institute in Sacramento. It was a valuable few days of learning, connecting with colleagues from across the state, and thinking big about the role counties play as the government closest to the people.
Two sessions stood out for their relevance and immediate application to our work here in Marin:
CSAC Membership 101 offered a deep dive into CSAC’s mission, structure, and the powerful advocacy tools it provides for counties. It was a great reminder of how we can use CSAC to better advocate for Marin’s interests; whether we’re pushing for infrastructure funding, championing wildfire resilience, or improving public health services. From legislative briefings to leadership development, CSAC is an underutilized resource that I plan to leverage more aggressively.
The second standout was Ready Nevada County: A Unified Front in Rural Emergency Response. This session highlighted how Nevada County brought together its Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE, nonprofits, and government agencies to build a coordinated, all-hands emergency response system. Their approach to unified command, public communication, and community preparedness offered real takeaways—especially for counties like ours with complex terrain, wildfire risk, and multiple jurisdictions. It was a clear case study in what’s possible when leadership and coordination are aligned.
I left the conference inspired and better equipped to bring new tools, partnerships, and strategies back to District 2. More importantly, it reinforced the value of listening, learning, and leaning on the strength of our statewide county network to meet the moment here at home.
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The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is conducting a countywide study focused on reducing car trips and expanding access to alternative travel options. The goal is simple but powerful: create a cleaner, quieter, and safer Marin County by rethinking how we move through our communities.
Reducing single-occupancy car trips helps improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, increase street safety, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. But achieving that vision starts with understanding your experience.
We want to hear from you.
TAM invites all residents to take part in a short public survey: How Do You Travel?
Your input will help identify what’s working, what’s not, and where changes could make a difference.
Potential strategies under review include:
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Expanding access to shared vehicles such as carshare or subsidized ride-hailing
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Improving first/last mile connections to transit with tools like mobility hubs, bike and scooter share systems, and local shuttles
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Encouraging land use strategies that support transit-oriented development
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Enhancing the frequency, reliability, and reach of public transit
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Supporting employer-led efforts to reduce commuting (e.g., remote work options, carpools, and transit subsidies)
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Exploring pricing strategies such as Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) mitigation or banking programs
This study is funded by a Caltrans Sustainable Communities grant and aims to guide Marin toward more sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation systems.
Every response helps shape strategies that benefit all who live, work, and travel in Marin.
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PG&E is encouraging all customers to update their contact information and alert preferences to ensure they receive timely notices about outages and safety-related events.
Once logged into your PG&E account, scroll down to Account Settings and select Alert Preferences. From there, you can:
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Set up alerts for outages and field visits
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Add up to four different contacts for SMS, phone, or email
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Choose your preferred time of day to receive alerts (for example, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. or 24/7)
PG&E also allows customers to sign up for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) alerts for multiple addresses. This is especially helpful if you want to stay informed about work, school, or family locations that may be affected during PSPS events.
To update your preferences or learn more, visit the PG&E Outage Center and select "Get PSPS Alerts."
Keeping your information up to date helps you and your loved ones stay prepared and informed.
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 I recently had the chance to visit the Wayne Thiebaud exhibition at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco with my family and it’s absolutely worth the trip. Thiebaud’s iconic works, from cake slices to portraits to cityscapes, are even more powerful in person. The show offers a rich mix of playfulness, precision, and emotional depth that reminds you just how vibrant California art can be.
If you can’t make it right away, the museum has also released a short video that gives a taste of the exhibit and some context behind Thiebaud’s legacy. Whether you're a longtime fan or just curious, I highly recommend checking it out.
🔗 Learn more or watch the video
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 Jam
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Me with friends from CEDARS |
Career Explorers participants |
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San Anselmo
Live on the Avenue
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Me and Kelly Reid, Marin Barbershop Chorus |
Larkspur Independence Day Parade |
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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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College of Marin is seeking a visionary, equity-minded leader to serve as the Associate Vice President of Counseling and Support Services. This senior-level position plays a critical role in advancing student access, retention, and success by overseeing a comprehensive suite of student support programs. |
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The Alumni Giving and Community Engagement Associate is a key driver of Marin Academy’s advancement efforts, with a specific charge to grow philanthropic support from alumni and broader community constituencies. Reporting to the Director of Alumni Giving and Community Engagement, this role blends strategic thinking, relationship-building, communications, and data-informed fundraising tactics to engage more donors, secure more gifts, and build a sustainable culture of giving at MA. |
The Engagement Manager plays an important role in furthering West Marin Fund’s mission through
managing and implementing engagement strategies to mobilize resources, diversify and expand funding
sources, and establish systems to streamline and enhance fundraising effectiveness. The ideal candidate
will have solid understanding and experience in development plus strengths in relationship building and
communication. Apply here. |
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Assessment Appeals Board Opening
The County of Marin is currently accepting applications for an open seat on the Assessment Appeals Board, a critical body that hears and resolves disputes between taxpayers and the County Assessor regarding property assessments.
Serving on the board is an opportunity to help ensure fairness and transparency in the property tax system while engaging directly in the local governance process. The board meets on an as-needed basis, and members are compensated for their time.
Applicants must have a professional background in real estate, property appraisal, law, or finance, and must be residents of Marin County. Preference may be given to candidates with experience in property tax or assessment-related issues.
To apply or learn more about the position, visit the County’s Boards and Commissions webpage at: https://www.marincounty.org/depts/bs/boards
Volunteer Opportunity: Habitat Restoration at Hal Brown Park
Date: August 20, 2025
Time: 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: Hal Brown Park
Join us on August 20 for an afternoon of hands-on environmental restoration at Hal Brown Park. This event is part of a successful 15-year community-based effort to restore native habitat in an area once dominated by invasive weeds and nonnative grasses.
Volunteers will take part in weeding, planting, and other habitat restoration activities. It’s a great opportunity to support local ecosystems, meet neighbors, and make a visible impact in the community.
What to Know:
- Open to volunteers age 10 and up
- Snacks and water will be provided
- Please bring your own gloves and a refillable water bottle
- No pets allowed (service animals permitted)
Your time and energy help keep Marin’s parks healthy and resilient. We hope to see you there. Sign Up Here
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We know it's short notice, but if you're able to join, Assemblymember Damon Connolly will be hosting a Legislative Town Hall this Friday, July 25, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at the Finley Community Center in Santa Rosa.
This is a great opportunity to hear updates from Sacramento, learn about key legislation Damon is working on, and share your thoughts on issues affecting our community.
Details:
Friday, July 25, 2025
4:00 – 5:30 PM
Finley Community Center
2060 West College Ave, Santa Rosa
All are welcome. No RSVP needed.
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