Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

As we head into fall, I’m reminded once again of how much we can accomplish when we come together as a community.  

This past month has been full of opportunities to strengthen connections and build on the values that make Marin such a special place. Whether it was the first-ever West Marin Connect event at the Dance Palace, where families came together to access resources and share ideas, or our Business Resource Presentation that connected local employers with tools to support workers and grow opportunities, the theme has been clear: collaboration is at the heart of community. 

We’ve made progress on long-term investments that matter to our daily lives. Key advancements have been made with affordable housing projects in West Marin and Larkspur thanks to key partnerships with our State Representatives. We are strengthening services for families and older adults and supporting key projects that connect communities, support local agriculture, and improve emergency preparedness. These actions reflect the voices and priorities we hear from you every day. 

Looking ahead, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged. Community Conversations are kicking off across District 4, Closer to Home on October 8thcontinues to bring County services right into West Marin, and the upcoming Environmental Health Food Program Workshop on October 10th will give residents and business owners a chance to share feedback on how we can improve food safety processes. These gatherings are not just about sharing information, they are about building relationships, listening to one another, and shaping a Marin that reflects all of us. 

Thank you for the generosity, energy, and care you bring to our community. I hope to see you at an upcoming event, and as always, my office is here to listen and support. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected, and more welcoming Marin. 

Warmly,  

Over the past few years, the West Marin Multi-Service Center (WMSC) has undergone a quiet but powerful transformation. What was once a small office with just five staff members has evolved into a vibrant hub for health and human services, offering an integrated, community-based model that connects West Marin residents with the support they need, close to home. 

With strong support from the Board of Supervisors, the County Executive Office, and countless community partners, the WMSC has become a place where County departments and local organizations work side by side. This collaborative model allows us to maximize resources, reduce duplication, and provide more responsive, person-centered care.  

Today, the Center hosts a dynamic mix of permanent staff, satellite County teams, and community-based providers, offering services that range from behavioral health and social work to housing support, early childhood services, and legal aid. One of the most exciting milestones this year was the approval of our CalAIM Implementation Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement formally connects County departments with community-based organizations to deliver enhanced care management services across West Marin. It sets the foundation for a fully coordinated system of care that prioritizes accessibility, equity, and long-term impact. 

The core team includes eligibility workers, social service professionals, behavioral health staff, and supportive office personnel, who are regularly joined by colleagues from Adult and Aging Services, Child and Family Services, WIC, and the Community Development Agency. We also benefit from continued support and presence from the District 4 Supervisor’s Office, strengthening the connection between County government and the rural communities we serve. 

In addition, key partnerships with organizations like Marin Center for Independent Living (MCIL), North Marin Community Services (NMCS), Help Me Grow Marin, and Legal Aid of Marin allow us to bring essential services directly to residents multiple times each week, creating a true one-stop center that reflects the values and needs of our community. 

This model is working, and we are proud of how far we’ve come. As we look ahead, our commitment remains clear: to provide accessible, coordinated, and compassionate care to every person in West Marin. We are deeply grateful to our County and community partners for making this work possible, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. 

The District 4 office had the honor of welcoming the West Marin community to the inaugural West Marin Connect event at the Dance Palace in Point Reyes Station on September 21. This event was created in partnership with District 4 , the County Office of Executive, and local partners to provide support and resources to community members in West Marin requesting access to information and resources for workforce training, jobs, housing, and social services support.  

More than fifteen partner agencies participated, including West Marin Community Services, Shoreline Unified School District, Marin Health and Human Services, Marin Center for Independent Living, CLAM, Marin Housing Authority, Community Action Marin, Canal Alliance, Legal Aid of Marin, the Community Development Agency, the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, the College of Marin, Marin County Free Libraries, the Marin Small Business Development Center, and the West Marin Fund. Their collaboration made the day a success and demonstrated the strength of our community when we work together. In addition, the event featured three workshops focused on: job and skillset building resources, entrepreneurship classes and trainings through the Emprende West Marin program, and how the community can be part of the solution to the current housing crisis in West Marin. These workshops were well attended and provided both practical tools and an open space for residents to share their needs and ideas. The entire event included interpretation in Spanish, and the Supervisor Rodoni provided burritos and drinks for all attendees.  

This type of event is just the beginning, as District 4 works to with our community partners to bring more services, more resources, and more opportunities to the people of West Marin. 

Stay tuned for more events like this, as the County and its partners continue working to bring more support, opportunity, and economic resilience to West Marin. 

If you missed the event, you can watch the full session on YouTube.  

In Brief: September 2025 Board of Supervisors Recap

In September, the Marin County Board of Supervisors advanced several key initiatives focused on strengthening housing, expanding social services, and investing in a more resilient future. Significant progress was made on affordable housing, including funding for the Marin Housing Authority to modernize operations and support public housing transitions, expanded contracts for family homelessness prevention and mental health services, and major milestones for two West Marin developments, CLAM’s Coast Guard Housing Project and the Oak Hill workforce housing site. The County also renewed critical childcare and caregiver support contracts, further strengthening the safety net for working families and older adults. 

Transportation and infrastructure remained front and center, with new road safety improvements along Panoramic Highway, accessibility upgrades at the Field of Dogs park, and rural road repair projects moving forward. In response to the Civil Grand Jury’s report on first responders, the County committed to expanding mobile crisis teams and improving public safety resources in underserved areas. Investments in digital innovation, supporting local agriculture with the AIM permanent farmer’s market lease on the Civic Center grounds, and community-centered planning continue to shape a stronger, more inclusive Marin. Environmental initiatives included funding for youth and community-based outdoor access programs through Measure A, kicking off modernizing wastewater regulations, and continued support for equitable access to Marin’s parks and public lands. 

The County also focused on long-term resilience and economic vitality, proclaiming September as National Preparedness Month and joining a federal lawsuit to protect disaster funding from political interference.

The Board celebrated the opening of Latin American Heritage Month with a multilingual proclamation and Civic Center art exhibit, honoring the cultural and economic contributions of Marin’s Latinx community.  

Learn more about the Board Actions in September by reading Rodoni Reports 

Proposition 50, known as the Election Rigging Response Act, would temporarily transfer the authority to draw California’s congressional districts from the Citizens Redistricting Commission to the Legislature for the 2026–2030 elections, in direct response to Texas’ mid-cycle redistricting that added five Republican-leaning districts. After 2030, redistricting authority would return to California’s independent commission, preserving the state’s long-term commitment to fair and nonpartisan processes. Importantly, Marin would remain fully within Congressional District 2, represented by Congressman Jared Huffman, with no impact to local services. 

The staff report highlighted both arguments in favor and opposition. Supporters emphasized fairness and balance in national representation, protecting federal programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, housing assistance, and disaster relief that disproportionately impact Marin’s most vulnerable residents. Opponents argued it could undermine voter-approved independent redistricting and set a precedent for mid-cycle changes. Staff recommended support, aligning with the Board’s legislative platform prioritizing equity, transparency, and fair representation.  

Supervisor Dennis Rodoni expressed his support, noting the urgency of acting pragmatically to protect Marin’s voice in Congress:

“Sometimes you have to deal with the hand you’ve been dealt. This is one of those times, and moving forward with Proposition 50 makes total sense to me.” 

By adopting the resolution, Marin joins other counties in supporting Proposition 50, urging voters to approve the measure to safeguard fair representation and maintain balance in Congress until the independent commission resumes its role after the 2030 Census. Read the Office of Executive Staff Report, Presentation, and Resolution to learn more.  

The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a professional services contract with Questa Engineering Corporation to lead a comprehensive update of the County’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) regulations. The project will involve a full evaluation of existing codes, policies, and permitting practices, with the goal of aligning Marin’s program with updated state requirements while improving clarity, cost transparency, and accessibility for homeowners, especially those in unincorporated areas where septic systems are common.  

A central component of the contract is a robust public outreach plan led by the County’s outreach team, with technical and communication support from CSWST2. The engagement strategy includes Board briefings, community forums, stakeholder roundtables, and visual materials that explain septic system regulations in accessible terms. This effort reflects Marin’s commitment to balancing health and environmental goals with affordable, understandable, and practical regulations for homeowners and professionals in the field. Final deliverables will include clean and redlined versions of the LAMP and related regulations, along with clear documentation of all recommended changes. The project is expected to run through December 2026. 

“The most important outcome of this process will be an updated regulatory framework that protects the environment and public health while giving property owners clear, data-informed pathways to improve their wastewater systems. One-size-fits-all approaches don’t always work in rural areas like West Marin, which is why updating these regulations is essential. Ultimately, this is about balance, safeguarding natural resources while ensuring property owners have workable options. By investing in science, flexibility, and collaboration, we can achieve that balance together.” – Supervisor Rodoni 

In addition, Supervisors Rodoni and Lucan have been working with the Community Development team the last few months to introduce a new Voluntary Septic System Zero-Impact Certification Form to make it easier and more affordable for residents to complete common home improvement projects. This new process allows property owners to self-certify that their construction project, such as repairing a deck, installing solar panels, or replacing siding, that does not impact their septic system. In these cases, applicants can skip the full Environmental Health Services (EHS) review, avoiding added fees and reducing delays in the permitting process. The new process not only benefits applicants but also allows County staff to focus their time on more complex projects that require closer review. 

“This new certification form is about removing unnecessary barriers for homeowners while still maintaining safety and environmental standards. We want to make it easier for people to do the right thing and obtain permits, especially in rural areas like West Marin where septic systems are common. By streamlining the process for low-impact projects, we’re helping residents move forward with needed repairs and improvements more efficiently.” – Supervisor Dennis Rodoni 

This month, three District 4 affordable housing efforts, the Oak Hill Apartments, Eden Housing, and the Coast Guard housing project received exciting funding news that moves both projects significantly closer to reality.

The Oak Hill project, located on California surplus land near the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, secured $7.5 million in new state funding and an additional $41.9 million state loan, thanks to the leadership of Senator Mike McGuire. The project will bring a total of 250 affordable homes to teachers, school staff, county employees, and essential workers. Eden Housing is leading the development of 115 apartments that will serve households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI) and the Marin Financing Authority (JPA) a partnership of the County of Marin and Marin County Office of Education, is leading on 135 units for income-qualifying teachers, staff of local school districts, and county employees. A final round of funding, approximately $41 million in tax credits, is pending with the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee for Eden Housing project and if awarded this fall, the project could break ground as early as spring 2026.  

In Point Reyes Station, the Coast Guard housing project was awarded $11.5 million through the Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program. This critical funding supports the transformation of a former Coast Guard facility into 54 permanently affordable homes, helping address local workforce housing needs in the heart of West Marin.  This grant allows for more than 20 units to support farmworkers.  

These investments represent years of planning and advocacy and are a major step toward creating long-term, affordable housing options that reflect the values and character of our coastal communities.  

“I’m proud to support these critical investments that reflect our commitment to keeping Marin a place where people of all incomes can live, work, and thrive. We are expanding and preserving affordable housing to meet both immediate and long-term needs for our communities. This is about honoring our connection to place, standing by the people who sustain our communities, and responding with urgency and care to a housing crisis that has been decades in the making. These projects reflect our shared values of equity, inclusion, and the belief that everyone deserves a stable home.” - Supervisor Rodoni 

On September 16, 2025, the Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $1.35 million Measure A grant to support the City of San Rafael’s acquisition of the 1.65-acre Canal Boatyard site — paving the way for a long-envisioned park and pedestrian bridge in the Canal neighborhood, one of Marin’s most underserved communities. 

This collaborative project, led by the City of San Rafael, Canal Alliance, and Trust for Public Land, and the County of Marin, seeks to transform an industrial site into a community-designed park and safe, climate-resilient connection between East and North San Rafael. Future plans include a pedestrian and bike bridge across the canal to San Rafael High School and the downtown transit center, improving mobility, emergency access, and access to jobs and services.  

The City has secured over $2 million in matching funds, including a $1.6M grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for bridge design and feasibility. This is the first project funded under the expanded Measure A 2.0 Park Access Grant Program, reflecting Marin’s commitment to park equity, environmental justice, and community connection. 

“This acquisition doesn’t just lay the groundwork for a new park, it provides a second evacuation route the Canal community has needed for years,” said Supervisor Dennis Rodoni. “Acquiring this property is a key step toward ensuring we can shape its future in a way that reflects the community’s needs.” 

County of Marin Joins National Lawsuit to Protect Federal Grants from Unlawful Conditions 

Marin County has joined a national lawsuit to protect federal funding for essential local services, including affordable housing, public safety, transportation, and disaster preparedness. The lawsuit challenges recent federal actions that would impose new, unrelated conditions on grants from HUD, DOT, and HHS, programs that fund everything from rental assistance and health services to road improvements and emergency response systems. These grants help support vulnerable residents, maintain infrastructure, and keep communities safe. While a federal judge has temporarily blocked the new requirements, the risk remains. Marin joined the case to defend continued access to these critical resources and ensure that vital public investment, like flood protection, housing preservation, and public health, are not disrupted by unlawful policy changes. Marin will keep working to defend our residents’ access to safe housing, efficient transportation, and well-funded health and safety programs. Learn More 

Preparedness Starts with Community: Marin Ramps Up Emergency Readiness 

Marin County marked National Preparedness Month by expanding its year-round commitment to public safety. In September, the Office of Emergency Management and ReadyMarin hosted trainings, distributed over 750 emergency go-bags, and helped more than 800 residents update their AlertMarin accounts. Outreach efforts reached hundreds more through events, markets, and workplace partnerships, with Spanish-language sessions and targeted support for seniors and caregivers. As wildfire and climate risks grow, preparedness remains a shared, ongoing effort. Visit ReadyMarin.org to learn more and get started.  

Join Supervisor Rodoni for a conversation in your neighborhood 

This fall, Supervisor Dennis Rodoni invites residents across District 4 to participate in a series of Community Conversations, town hall–style gatherings designed to foster open dialogue, share updates on local issues, and hear directly from community members. Whether you want to learn more about County projects or voice ideas and concerns, these meetings are your opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation about the future of your community. 

Topics often include transportation and infrastructure, housing and land use, climate resilience and wildfire prevention, parks and open space, economic development, and public safety and County services. Each event offers a space for neighbors to connect, ask questions, and collaborate with their elected representative.  

No matter where you live in District 4, your voice plays a vital role in shaping local priorities. 

See the full list of upcoming Community Conversations online and RSVP today  

County Services Come Closer to Home, October guests Office of Elections! 

Supervisor Dennis Rodoni’s Closer to Home program continues to bring County departments and services directly to West Marin, making it easier for residents to get the support they need without traveling to San Rafael. Whether you have questions about building permits, road closures, community planning, or public safety, this is your chance to meet in person with representatives from Community Development Agency, Public Works, the Sheriff’s Office, Probation, District Attorney, and Public Defender. 

The next event will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the West Marin Multi-Services Center, 1 6th Street, Point Reyes Station.  

This month’s featured guest is the Marin County Office of Elections, just in time for the upcoming November 4th election. Staff will be on-site to answer questions about voting, help you register (deadline: October 20), and share important information about vote-by-mail ballots (mailing begins October 6) and ballot drop box locations (available starting October 7). 

Stop by to get your questions answered, stay informed, and access services, right here in West Marin. 

Save the Date: Help Improve Marin’s Food Facility Permitting Process 

We want to hear from you! Join us on Thursday, October 10, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the San Rafael Community Center (618 B Street) for the Marin County Environmental Health Services (EHS) Food Program Workshop.  

EHS regulates all retail food sales in Marin, and we want to hear from businesses and consumers, so we can review our food permitting process to make it easier for businesses to keep customers safe and healthy.  We want to make sure we’re making improvements that Marin communities need, so we’re giving people multiple chances to share their ideas. This full-day event is an opportunity for food facility operators, agency staff, and community partners to come together and share feedback, learn from one another, and collaborate on solutions to improve Marin’s food permitting and plan review process. Meet EHS staff, connect with other business owners, and help shape a more transparent and streamlined system that works better for everyone. We hope to see you there for a day of meaningful conversation and problem-solving! 

Learn more online 

Marin County is seeking residents to serve on a variety of boards and commissions that help shape local policies and programs. These bodies play a vital role in ensuring transparency, community input, and effective use of public resources. If you’re passionate about local issues and want to make a difference, now is a great time to get involved. 

Openings in West Marin: Measure W Oversight Committee, Measure A Community Oversight Committee, and the Stinson Beach Flood Control District Advisory Committee. 

Current & Upcoming Openings - County of Marin