March Update from Supervisor Sackett

MARCH 2026 E-BIKE SAFETY BILL INTRODUCED CARE COURT RECOGNIZED COUNTY SURVEY RESULTS  BUDGET UPDATES FOOD ON EVERY TABLE FUND SOCIAL CONNECTION AND WELL-BEING: A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMUNITY HAVE YOU HEARD? WHAT I'M READING RESOURCES Dear Neighbors, Spring is in full bloom, and I’ll be spending time on the trails, attending community events, and visiting the Farmers Market. I’ll be hosting office hours at the Thursday Civic Center Farmers Market on April 2 from 11:30AM to 1PM, please stop by and say hello. There are several upcoming opportunities to enjoy the sunshine while giving back to our community. Marin County Parks hosts a variety of stewardship projects throughout the year. Earlier this month my office pulled invasive weeds in the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium parking lot. These volunteer days are fun, a good workout, and a way to meet people while caring for our shared spaces. Another opportunity is the Point San Pedro Road Coalition’s "Annual Earth Day Broom Pull" on April 11 from 9AM to 12PM at Biscayne Drive and Point San Pedro Road. This hands-on community workday focuses on removing invasive broom and helping reduce wildfire risk. Drivers traveling along Point San Pedro Road and nearby areas may experience temporary traffic delays, lane closures, and construction activity as projects progress over the next several months for roadway improvements to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. The County and the City of San Rafael invite the community to join an open house on Friday, April 17, from 5PM-6:30 PM at San Pedro Elementary School Multipurpose Room (498 Point San Pedro Road, San Rafael) regarding the roadway improvements. There are two 5K events that I’m excited to share. On April 19, Find Your Way will host the “One Stride at a Time: 5K for Hope, Help, and Recovery,” returning for its third year at McInnis Park. This community run/walk raises awareness for mental health, substance use recovery, overdose prevention, and overall well-being. The event includes raffle giveaways, a shoe drive, pancakes, slime making, and more for all ages. Everyone is invited to participate as we come together to support recovery and well-being in our community. On April 26, The Helix School will host the “Paths to Possibility: Supporting Autistic Learners 5K” at the Marin Civic Center Lagoon. This family-friendly event supports Helix’s programs for neurodivergent youth. Participants can run, walk, or roll alongside students, families, educators, and community members for a morning focused on movement, connection, and shared purpose. I hope to see you out in the community this spring—on the trails, or at a community event.

Congressman Jared Huffman worked with four other U.S. Representatives under the leadership of Southern California Congressman Dave Min to introduce the Safe Standards for Personal E-Bike and E-Moto Device Specifications Act (Safe SPEEDS Act) on March 13. The bill would direct the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to develop a safety standard with clear and consistent classifications, labeling requirements, and minimum age recommendations for e-bikes, e-motos, and other off-road electric products. It would also require CPSC studies on crashes, injuries, and fatalities associated with e-bikes and e-motos as well as establish a training module to help local governments, law enforcement agencies, and emergency medical services standardize incident reporting, enhance data collection, and conduct public education.

Federal consumer product safety standards for e-bikes and e-motos are currently nonexistent, resulting in confusion and the inadvertent purchasing of e-motos for young riders. Marin is proud to be a national leader in youth e-bike safety and e-bike adoption for active transportation, and our experience shows how urgently this federal leadership is needed to bring guardrails to the marketplace.

I advocated in Washington, D.C. to increase e-bike safety including meeting with CPSC commissioners in early 2024, and Congressmember Min’s office in 2025 to collaborate on the bill. The inclusion of funding to help local jurisdictions collect data on e-bike safety is directly attributed to experiences in Marin County. Now that the bipartisan bill has been introduced, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will advocate for its passage through Congress.

Marin County has been named a statewide “CARE Champion” by Governor Gavin Newsom in recognition of its leadership in implementing the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act. CARE Court connects individuals living with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders to treatment, housing, and long-term support through a civil court–guided care plan. Marin was recognized as one of 10 counties with the highest per-capita implementation rates during the first full year of statewide participation. Since statewide rollout, thousands of Californians have been connected to behavioral health services through CARE petitions and diversions — helping individuals access treatment before crises deepen.

Marin Health and Human Services works closely with the Superior Court, the Public Defender’s Office, providers, and community partners to connect eligible individuals to behavioral health treatment, case management, housing navigation, and supportive services. Marin County launched CARE Court in December 2024. A key to success was not only embracing the technical requirements of the mandate but also prioritizing the goal of removing barriers and meeting clients where they are. The CARE Champion designation highlights Marin’s continued commitment to reducing unsheltered homelessness and strengthening the behavioral health continuum. 

Last November, Marin County surveyed residents to better understand community priorities, funding needs, and satisfaction with County services. The survey results will support the development of the County’s first Countywide Strategic Plan in over 20 years. The results provide a high-level snapshot of voters' perspectives and will be key input for the Strategic Plan. 

Housing affordability and the lack of affordable housing in Marin emerged as the most pressing concern. Wildfire risk and homelessness also rank among the most concerning issues. Voters reported high satisfaction with parks and open space, environmental stewardship, libraries, and emergency response. These services continue to define Marin’s quality of life. Lower ratings for business retention and long-range residential and commercial planning point to concerns about economic vitality and future growth. Fewer than half of voters say they are satisfied with opportunities to provide input into County decisions, highlighting an opportunity to strengthen awareness and engagement. Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey.

The County of Marin will allocate unassigned funding from the 2024-25 budget for investment in County services. Disciplined financial practices typically generate a year-end balance at the close of each budget cycle, and the Board consistently directs these one-time revenues toward one-time investments. The Board made its March 10 allocations after the Department of Finance completed its audit of fiscal year 2024-25. The balance was the result of stronger than anticipated investment earnings, expenditure savings, and revenue performance.

The Board of Supervisors allocated the resources to:

• support facilities and affordable housing commitments ($6 million)
• increase the homelessness contingency reserve ($2 million)
• provide fixed-term staffing support for the Department of Public Works and the Community Development Agency to address organizational implementation priorities ($1,685,154)
• advance design work for infrastructure improvements along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard between Larkspur and San Anselmo ($500,000)
• bolster immigrant supports funding ($500,000)

In the coming months, the County will continue refining its 2026-28 budget process, including a draft workplan and a three-year fiscal forecast. County staff is reviewing public and Board input from the February budget workshops, refining the fiscal forecast, and preparing to return to the Board with the proposed budget in June.

In late October and early November 2025, shifting federal rulings created uncertainty around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and led to a surge in demand at food banks and pantries across Marin. In November, the Board of Supervisors allocated $800k into an emergency fund to provide direct food assistance. Marin Community Foundation responded by launching the Food on Every Table Fund, committing $500,000 and raising an additional $1 million from the community. During the government shutdown period, $225,000 was deployed to local partners, helping stabilize 3,578 residents in 1,198 households through expanded food distribution and direct assistance gift cards.

While federal benefits were ultimately restored, food insecurity remains a serious concern. Beginning in April 2026, changes under HR 1 are expected to restrict SNAP eligibility for certain immigrants who were previously eligible. In June 2026, expanded federal work requirements for CalFresh recipients may lead to additional benefit losses, particularly impacting older adults ages 59 to 64 and individuals experiencing homelessness. In response, Marin Community Foundation is committing $700,000 to provide direct assistance. This effort is being coordinated in partnership with the County of Marin and local community partners, with assistance expected to begin in April. The Foundation also plans to invest the remaining approximately $575,000 from the Fund in longer-term solutions identified through a countywide food security planning process. I appreciate the leadership of the Marin Community Foundation and the generosity of donors who continue to support neighbors facing food insecurity. Strong partnerships remain essential to ensure that every person in Marin has food. 

The Marin County Commission on Aging, the San Rafael Goldenaires, and the San Rafael Library and Recreation Departments are co-hosting a community conversation about increasing connection for older adults. Your experiences and ideas can make a real difference. Lack of connection is a serious health risk, and the Commission on Aging brings community input directly to the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

The organizations listed below are seeking both short-term and long-term volunteers.

	Marin County Youth Commission Must be between 12-23 years old and live or go to school in Marin Applications are open now thru May 22 to serve during Fall '26 thru Spring '27 school year
	Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee The County is seeking community members to serve on the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee. Membership is open to anyone 14 and older who lives, works, or attends school in Marin County to: Serve as ambassadors and encourage public participation Conduct inclusive outreach, particularly within communities most impacted by racial, social, and economic inequities Review and evaluate proposals to help determine the community ballot Volunteers will receive a $50 stipend per meeting. Members should expect to commit 2–4 hours per month, with monthly meetings (virtual and in-person) through March 2027. The application is available online through April 30. Printed applications are also available at 30 North San Pedro Road, Suite 170, San Rafael.
	Vivalon CarePool Volunteers assist homebound older adults requesting rides to doctor's appointments, the grocery store, etc.  Flexible shifts: 3 hour blocks Monday-Friday Requirements: Valid CA Driver's License, Clean DMV report, reliable vehicle, and proof of auto insurance Apply here

Chatting with Santa Venetia residents at office hours at the Sunday farmers market Site visit to the Marin Childcare Council Marin Bicycle Coalition Gala with Walk/Bike San Rafael leader Jana Zanetto Marin Conservation League Environmental Breakfast opening from Director Vicki Nichols Great Redwood Trail Master Plan celebration

Feeling accomplished from our County Parks weed pulling with Cedars and other volunteers Speaking at event for Marin's inclusive playground at McInnis Park Lunar New Year Celebration with the Marin Chinese Cultural Association Fun celebrating Lunar New Year with Supervisor Lucan  Parks staff support the Chahar Shanbeh Souri event at McNears Park Celebrating the tradition of Chahar Shanbeh Souri with the Persian Society of Marin, including jumping over fire with Councilmember Kertz and Supervisor Colbert