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Hello -
This month, our Board of Supervisors passed a resolution proclaiming February as Black History Month honoring the generations of Black Americans whose resilience, leadership, and contributions have helped shape our nation.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the County of Marin African-Ancestry Employees Association (COMAEA) for helping bring this recognition to our Board – and for their ongoing work to help foster connection, dialogue, mutual support, and spaces of belonging within our county government organization.
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While many people across our country are feeling uncertainty and unease, it is important to affirm that we share a collective responsibility to strengthen belonging, affirm the dignity of every person, and serve all residents with integrity, a commitment to equity, and responsiveness.
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The Board of Supervisors wrapped up three days of public workshops this week on the county’s proposed FY 2026-28 Budget. A proposed final budget and work program will be brought back to the Board for approval in early June.
I believe we are on the right track focusing on the county’s priorities: increasing affordable housing and addressing homelessness; building a racially equitable community; reducing emissions and building climate-resilient communities; enhancing disaster and emergency preparedness; investing in Marin’s infrastructure; and improving community and economic vitality. The proposed budget and accompanying workplans give us a clear framework for moving forward to support these priorities.
At the same time, we know our responsibilities are only going to increase, especially given the uncertainty and changes we’re seeing at the federal and state levels. Our focus must remain steady: protecting and serving our most vulnerable residents and responding in ways that are timely and responsible.
We can’t do everything. But we should do everything we can.
I have heard from many community members who have concerns about immigration-related issues and the county’s participation in the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). There are two items in the county’s proposed 2026-28 FY Budget that I support and want to highlight:
- The proposed budget includes a recommendation to exclude SCAAP funding. It recommends using one-time funds to support jail operations while pausing participation in the program.
- The proposed budget includes a recommendation to allocate $500,000 for immigration-related support to bolster legal rights education and assistance, child and family support services, and other coordinated support services for immigrant communities across Marin. The Board of Supervisors allocated the same amount in 2025 to support these efforts.
Thank you to everyone who shared input during the workshops. The challenges ahead are real but so is our resolve. We will stay focused, stay nimble, and continue doing everything we can for the people who rely on us most.
Budget workshop materials and video archives of the workshops can be found on the Board of Supervisor’s Meetings webpage. Additional details about the Marin County Budget can be found on the county Budget & Priority webpage.
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At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we adopted a resolution supporting the “SMART Initiative: Safe, Modern and Accessible Rail and Transit,” which will appear on the June 2, 2026 ballot.
The proposed measure would renew and extend the existing ¼ cent sales tax to ensure SMART public rail and pathway options beyond 2028 and maintain safe, reliable, and accessible transportation options for residents of Marin and Sonoma counties.
This resolution formally expresses the county’s support for the measure. Supporting the SMART Initiative aligns with the County of Marin’s 2026 Legislative Platform and Climate Action Plan goals to expand low-carbon transportation options, reduce Highway 101 congestion, and enhance regional rail and pathway connectivity.
I was proud to support this resolution. SMART has made great strides since its inception and is now a key part of how people move through Marin and Sonoma counties. With 14 stations connecting Larkspur to Windsor, ridership that continues to surpass projections, and free fares for youth and seniors, SMART continues to expand both access and opportunity.
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FixItMarin is now available making it easier for residents to quickly report common issues such as potholes or illegal dumping on public property in unincorporated areas of Marin County. Requests can be submitted anytime through the FixItMarin website or mobile app: The App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).
FixItMarin serves the unincorporated areas of Marin County. Residents living within town or city limits should continue to report specific issues directly to their town or city government.
How It Works
- Open FixItMarin on your phone or computer
- Create an account if you are new to FixItMarin
- Choose the type of issue you want to report
- Add details, photos, and the location
- Submit your request
- Track updates in real time as the county works on it
What You Can Report in Unincorporated Marin
- Potholes
- Illegal dumping, such as furniture, mattresses, tires, or trash
- Streetlight outages or damaged streetlights
- Flooded roadways
- Fallen branches or trees blocking roads or sidewalks
- Missing, damaged, or faded street signs
- Safety or maintenance issues in parks and open spaces
- Unpermitted construction project
FixItMarin is for non-emergency issues only. If there is immediate danger to life or property, residents should call 911.
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The Marin County Youth Commission (MCYC) is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. This is a great hands-on civic leadership opportunity for young people passionate about public policy and community advocacy on matters impacting youth.
Eligible applicants must be ages 12–23 and live or attend school in Marin County. Applications are open through May 22, 2026. To learn more, visit the MCYC webpage.
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Photo Above: With District 5 Youth Commissioners -
Makenna, Kelvin, Walt, and Jose. |
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Many adults want to give back but aren’t sure where to start. And many nonprofits need volunteers but struggle to reach them. At the same time, youth across Marin County need mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and academic support.
The Marin Volunteer Tutor & Mentor Initiative bridges that gap. It brings together 11 respected Marin County nonprofits offering tutoring and mentoring opportunities for young people - all in one accessible, easy-to-navigate website. Consider becoming a tutor or mentor and make a lasting impact!
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Utility bills have been increasing for the last few years. Join the Marin County Sustainability Team for a free informational webinar that will cover strategies on how residents (homeowners and renters) can save energy, improve home comfort, and lower their energy costs.
Saving Energy at Home Webinar
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Zoom: Register & More Information Here
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As your Supervisor, I welcome and encourage you to connect, share your concerns, and your ideas. We want to hear from you! Please use the contact information below to reach out to the District 5 Team. A reply to this email will not be received by my office. |
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