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Dear Neighbors,
As January winds down, I wanted to check in and share a few updates from around Marin.
We’ve heard from many of you about the recent storms and flooding. Thank you for reaching out, sharing what you experienced, and letting us know what worked and what didn’t. Please know that your feedback is being taken seriously. Our office is in ongoing, meaningful conversations with our partners at every level of government to stay coordinated and focused on what comes next.
If you were affected by the recent storms, please take a moment to check out the property tax relief programs that may be available to you. The County has also declared a local emergency, which allows us to seek state and federal assistance to help cover qualifying repairs and recovery costs. We want to make sure residents know what support is available and how to access it.
With another king tide ahead this week, a little preparation now can go a long way. If you are in a low-lying area or near a creek or the shoreline, it is a good idea to take a few simple steps. Clear drains where it is safe, secure outdoor items, plan alternate routes just in case, and make sure you have basics like flashlights and batteries handy. Staying connected is also important. AlertMarin provides real-time emergency notifications, and ReadyMarin.org has easy, practical tips to help you get ready. Please see additional resources below.
This month also included progress on a number of longer-term priorities. The County continued work on transportation safety through Vision Zero, advanced wildfire resilience planning, and supported new approaches to affordable housing through a Community Land Trust Network. In this months newsletter, I also share resources on energy assistance, youth mental health programs, arts grants, and ways to get more involved in civic life.
Marin is a special place, and it is the way neighbors look out for one another that makes it strong. Thank you for staying engaged, prepared, and connected. We are grateful to be in this work together.
Cheers,
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Supervisor Colbert makes remarks at the January 27, 2026 BOS Meeting
Please see my comments from the dais at our last Board of Supervisors meeting, where I addressed what’s happening in Minnesota and how Marin County is responding. These are conversations I’m having with my family around our dinner table, and I know many of you are having them too. These are real discussions about safety, responsibility, and the kind of community we want to be. I also want to share what the County is doing right now to support our immigrant communities with real resources, legal support, and protections.
You can find the link to my comments here.
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 King Tides are expected in Marin from Thursday, Jan. 29 to Monday, February 2. Flooding is possible in low-lying and flood-prone areas, specifically in locations that have flooded during past King Tide events. Now is the time to stock up on sandbags. Early preparation is key.
Free sandbag locations can be found across the County. For updated locations, go to Emergency.MarinCounty.gov. Sandbags can also be purchased at local hardware stores.
Tips for placing sandbags:
- Fill bags halfway and fold the top down.
- Place the folded side upstream or uphill.
- Stack bags tightly like bricks, overlapping layers for a tighter seal.
- Limit stacks to two layers.
Learn how to prepare at ReadyMarin.org
 Tide Forecast January 29-February 2
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The County issued an emergency proclamation in response to recent severe storms and compound flooding that caused widespread impacts across Marin County.
County Executive Derek Johnson, acting as the County’s Director of Emergency Services, ordered the proclamation on January 13, citing conditions of extreme peril resulting from a convergence of heavy rainfall, storm surge, high winds, and record king tides that began January 3. The proclamation was submitted to Gavin Newsom through the California Office of Emergency Services.
The storms caused extensive coastal and inland flooding, levee failures, road closures, utility disruptions, landslides, and displacement of residents throughout the county. Preliminary estimates place storm-related damage and response costs in Marin County at approximately $4.35 million, including impacts to levees, roads, bridges, parks, and emergency response operations. Several cities, towns, and special districts were also affected, including Larkspur, Sausalito, Kentfield, Corte Madera, and the Ross Valley Sanitation District.
County staff are continuing to finalize cost details; preliminary damage estimates for the County’s unincorporated areas and County-deployed resources total approximately $3.5 million in combined losses and expenses. These estimates include:
- $2.6 million in private and public damage to levee infrastructure within the Santa Venetia neighborhood;
- $500,000 in damage to roads and bridges countywide;
- $420,000 in damage to parks and recreation lands and facilities;
- $32,000 in costs associated with debris collection and removal;
- $64,000 in overtime labor and other emergency protective measures within the County organization.
Cities, towns, and special districts within Marin also experienced significant flooding impacts. Most notably, the cities of Larkspur and Sausalito and the Town of Corte Madera sustained damage along with the Ross Valley Sanitation District. All were cited in the County proclamation.
The preliminary damage estimates among the filing agencies was $850,000 in damages, including:
- $220,000 in losses to public buildings and equipment;
- $50,000 in debris collection and removal costs;
- $34,500 in staff overtime and emergency protective measures;
- $300,000 in damage to roads and bridges.
The emergency proclamation allows the County and impacted jurisdictions to seek state and federal assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency to help cover eligible repair and recovery costs. County staff continue to assess damages and refine cost estimates.
The Marin County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider ratification of the proclamation at its January 20 meeting, as required by state law.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for AlertMarin to receive emergency notifications and to visit ReadyMarin.org for preparedness resources.
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 Property owners affected by storm surge and king tide flooding in Marin County may be eligible for property tax relief if damage occurred during the January 2–4 flooding event.
Marin County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk announced that taxable real property and business personal property damaged or destroyed in the flooding may qualify for emergency tax relief. Eligible property includes residences, commercial buildings, boats, aircraft, and locally assessed business property. Business inventory and personal household items are not eligible.
Under California law and Marin County ordinance, property owners may qualify if the damage occurred through no fault of their own and resulted in losses of $10,000 or more. A calamity claim must be filed with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months of the damage.
Relief forms are available online or by contacting the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s Office at 415-473-7215 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) or by mail at P.O. Box C, San Rafael, CA 94913. Questions may also be emailed to Assessor’s Office staff.
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The Board of Supervisors recently received an update on the County’s ongoing work to reduce severe and fatal traffic collisions on County-maintained roads. This effort centers on designing and managing streets to better protect all roadway users, with particular attention to people walking and biking.
In 2024, Marin County adopted a Local Road Safety Plan, marking a formal commitment to a nationally recognized approach that prioritizes preventing the most serious roadway injuries.
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Building on that foundation, the County is now developing a countywide strategy to guide safety improvements and investments over time.
Current efforts include implementing measures that calm traffic, improve sightlines at intersections, strengthen pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and embed safety considerations into capital projects and routine roadway maintenance. Together, these actions represent an incremental but meaningful shift toward safer travel throughout the county.
Community participation remains an important part of this work. Residents are encouraged to learn more about the initiative and provide feedback by completing an online survey. Improving roadway safety is an ongoing process, and continued progress depends on sustained commitment and public engagement.
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Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers several energy assistance and bill-management programs for customers who may be experiencing difficulty with gas and electric costs.
PG&E’s Savings Finder is an online tool designed to help customers identify financial assistance and energy-saving programs for which they may be eligible. The tool requires a brief questionnaire and can be accessed on desktop or mobile devices.
PG&E reports that its Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) and Match My Payment programs have provided nearly $22 million in assistance to more than 60,000 low- and moderate-income customers this year. The Match My Payment Program has been extended into 2026 and offers eligible customers up to $1,000 in matching payments toward past-due balances, subject to available funding.
Additional programs that may be identified through Savings Finder include monthly bill discounts, one-time bill credits, federal energy assistance, and energy-efficiency improvements for qualifying households.
This information is being shared for awareness. Residents interested in learning more are encouraged to review the available programs and determine whether they may qualify.
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Marin County took a new step to expand permanently affordable housing and homeownership by supporting the creation of a Community Land Trust Network of Marin (CLTN), a countywide effort focused on long-term housing affordability.
The initiative is supported by Marin County through the Office of Equity and the Community Development Agency, in partnership with the San Francisco Community Land Trust. Community land trusts help keep homes affordable over time by separating land ownership from housing, reducing costs for renters and first-time homebuyers while preventing displacement.
CLTN will bring together local land trusts, housing partners, nonprofits, and funders to strengthen capacity, close gaps, and accelerate delivery of permanently affordable homes across Marin County.
Learn more about the Community Land Trust Network of Marin at:
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Marin County Public Health reaffirmed its continued support for the evidence-based childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, following recent federal announcements related to vaccine policy. The department confirmed that local vaccine recommendations remained unchanged.
Public health officials emphasized that the longstanding immunization schedule, developed through decades of rigorous scientific review, continued to represent best practices for preventing serious childhood illnesses. Marin County Public Health remained aligned with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the California Department of Public Health.
Officials also reassured families that the science supporting routine childhood vaccination had not changed. Vaccines remained widely available and covered by public and private insurance, including through the federal Vaccines for Children program. Marin County Public Health encouraged parents and caregivers with questions to consult their child’s health care provider and noted it would continue monitoring federal and state developments.
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Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District confirmed that the proposed removal of Building Bridge 2 (BB2) in downtown San Anselmo will not move forward until all federally required downstream mitigation measures are completed and unanimously approved by affected property owners.
In November 2025, Federal Emergency Management Agency formally notified the District that downstream mitigation, including property owner consent, must be completed before FEMA would issue a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). Without an approved CLOMR, construction will not proceed.
The District began sending certified letters to affected property owners to outline FEMA’s requirements and continue discussions about mitigation options. Some downstream properties may experience increases in base flood elevation, requiring measures such as elevating mechanical or electrical equipment. District staff had already met with several property owners to review property-specific mitigation needs.
The County emphasized its commitment to working transparently with residents and building trust through direct engagement and clear communication. While the project will not move forward without unanimous consent, the District noted that reopening the project remains possible in the future if affected property owners agree to required mitigation measures.
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Marin Cultural Association (MCA) launched its 2026 Arts Grants cycle on January 5, with support from the California Arts Council. The 2026 cycle will provide $100,000 to support Marin County’s arts and cultural ecosystem.
Now in its second year, the MCA Arts Grants program offers funding for both individual artists and arts organizations. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to emerging and established artists ages 18 and older who live or work in Marin, as well as studio collectives. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations presenting arts programming in Marin County.
In its inaugural year, the program supported 30 artists and arts organizations across the county.
Applications for the 2026 cycle opened January 5 and will be accepted through February 27, with grant awards announced on June 1.
Full eligibility details and application materials are available at marincultural.org.
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Marin Transit marked an important leadership transition with the retirement of Nancy Whelan, who served for many years as the agency’s General Manager.
Throughout her tenure, Nancy played a central role in strengthening Marin Transit’s service, expanding regional connections, and advancing reliable, accessible public transportation for residents across Marin County. Her leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact on the agency and the communities it serves.
The County and Marin Transit also welcomed Robert Betts as the new Executive Director. Robert brings deep experience in public transportation and a strong understanding of the region, and he will lead the agency as it continues to adapt, innovate, and meet the evolving mobility needs of Marin County.
We thank Nancy Whelan for her years of dedicated service and look forward to working with Robert Betts in this next chapter for Marin Transit.
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County of Marin Office of Equity announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Youth Mental Health, Healing and Arts Program.
Funded through the County’s Equity Efforts and the Race Equity Action Plan (REAP), this RFP makes $160,000 available to support a community-based organization or collaborative partnership with experience in youth mental health, healing-centered practices, and arts-based programming. The selected program will design and implement a youth-focused initiative that promotes early intervention, wellness, and culturally responsive spaces for healing and leadership.
Organizations are encouraged to apply or share the opportunity with partners who may be well suited for this work.
Full RFP details are available at:
https://www.marincounty.gov/contracting-opportunities/rfp-2896-youth-healing-and-arts-program
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Town of San Anselmo announced that the ball infields at Memorial Park will be closed for restoration and improvement beginning January 21 through mid-February.
The infield improvement project is intended to enhance playability and support long-term field maintenance. During the work period, visitors may see temporary fencing, signage, and caution tape around active construction areas. Community members are asked to stay off the fields and use caution when traveling along nearby paths.
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California Commission on Aging Senior Legislature invites older adults to apply to serve as a Senior Legislator, representing their region and advocating on issues affecting Californians age 60 and older.
Senior Legislators work to elevate policy priorities related to aging, health, housing, transportation, and economic security by engaging with state leaders and advancing legislative proposals.
Additional information about eligibility, responsibilities, and the application process is available at: https://4csl.org/become-a-senior-legislator/
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The County of Marin submitted formal comments opposing the federal government’s proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program, continuing its long-standing position against offshore drilling along the California coast.
The County’s comments respond to the “Draft Proposed Program – First Analysis & Proposal” phase and were submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in coordination with a coalition of local governments. Marin County cited concerns about the potential impacts of offshore drilling on coastal resources, marine ecosystems, public safety, and the local economy.
Marin County emphasized that offshore oil and gas development poses significant environmental and economic risks and is inconsistent with local, regional, and statewide efforts to protect California’s coastline and transition toward cleaner energy sources.
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PG&E Corporation Foundation is accepting applications for its Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, offering college scholarships of up to $10,000 for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math.
This year, the Foundation will award $350,000 to up to 60 students, with individual awards of $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000. Scholarships are funded by PG&E shareholders, not customers, and are based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and financial need.
Eligible applicants include high school seniors, current undergraduates, GED recipients, non-traditional students, and veterans planning full-time undergraduate enrollment for the 2026–27 academic year at an accredited California institution or HBCU. Applicants must reside in PG&E’s Northern or Central California service area or be dependents of a resident.
The application deadline is March 12, 2026, with awards announced by August.
Learn more and apply at the scholarship website.
In addition, PG&E employee and engineering groups are offering more than $300,000 in additional scholarships through separate programs.
Interested applicants can learn more and apply here.
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Transportation partners announced updated High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane hours on US-101 in Marin and Sonoma counties. Beginning late February (weather permitting), HOV lanes will operate Monday–Friday from 6–9 a.m. and 3–6:30 p.m., following updated traffic analysis.
The change is intended to better match peak commute times while continuing to support carpools and transit. The new hours will apply along the entire corridor, from the Richardson Bay Bridge in Marin County to Windsor in Sonoma County.
Traffic conditions will continue to be closely monitored, and additional ramp metering is being activated to help manage congestion.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3HoVfOO
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Assemblyman Connolly and I, at Marin City’s 27th Annual Commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
Supervisor Lucan, Supervisor Moulton-Peters and Board Aide Doreen Gounard at Marin City’s 27th Annual Commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
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Novato School Board Trustee Magali Limeta at CVNL Heart of Marin Awards |
San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin and SR Chamber President Karen Strolia at CVNL Heart of Marin Awards |
COM President Jonathan Eldridge and Dir of Advancement Keith Rosenthal |
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Marin County Commission on Aging Listening / Planning session for older adult leadership in District 2. |
Marin County Commission on Aging Listening / Planning session for older adult leadership in District 2. |
Keynote speaker at Marin Forum on the future of the County |
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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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County of Marin Hiring to Lead Economic Vitality Strategy
We are hiring for a new role to help develop and implement a Countywide Economic Vitality Strategic Plan, beginning in spring 2026.
The position will lead stakeholder engagement, support coordination across cities, departments, and partners, and help shape a clear, actionable strategy focused on people, place, opportunity, and innovation. Over time, the role will shift from plan development to long-term implementation.
The full-time position is based at the Marin County Civic Center, with limited remote flexibility, and includes the opportunity to hire an Analyst.
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Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Director
This role will lead a countywide effort to accelerate climate action, coordinate adaptation planning, and embed sustainability principles across all County operations – and in the community in partnership with external agencies. The Director will oversee the existing Sustainability Team, which leads Marin’s comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction work – including promoting renewable energy in coordination with local utilities and implementers; encouraging green building and businesses; reducing emissions from transportation; and improving energy efficiency of private and public properties across the County.
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Marin Volunteer Tutor & Mentor Initiative
Marin Volunteer Tutor and Mentor Initiative (Marin VTMI) connects community members with volunteer tutoring and mentoring opportunities throughout Marin County. The initiative makes it easy to find ways to support local youth by matching volunteers with partner nonprofits that provide academic help, mentoring, and supportive relationships for children and teens.
For more information or to explore volunteer opportunities, visit: https://www.marinvtmi.org/
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