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Dear Neighbors,
The Board of Supervisors will hold the final hearing on the County’s FY 2026–2027 budget on Monday, June 8, with a continuation hearing scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 if needed. The proposed budget reflects community input and the Governor’s May Revise to the state budget. We welcome your feedback by email to the Board or in person at the June 8 Board of Supervisors meeting. The Budget Hearing agenda will be posted here by the end of the day on Thursday, June 4.
May is Mental Health Month, and residents are encouraged to participate in the free events taking place throughout Marin.
One featured event is Finding Help and Hope: Stories of Crisis and Recovery, hosted by NAMI-Marin and the Men and Boys Action Team. The evening will feature JD Schramm, TED speaker and mental health advocate. An evening highlighting men’s mental health journeys and stories of hope and recovery.
- Date: Thursday, May 14
- Time: 6:00 PM -7:30 PM
- Location: College of Marin, Center for Student Success, 835 College Avenue, Kentfield
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Via Eventbrite
During the April 14 Board of Supervisors meeting, Health and Human Services staff shared ongoing efforts to expand awareness, reduce stigma, and foster connection. From wellness activities and storytelling to community conversations, these events create opportunities for residents to come together, support one another, and strengthen community well-being.
If you or someone you know needs support, Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call Marin’s 24-hour Access Line: 1-888-818-1115.
Being prepared before an emergency happens can make all the difference:
You can find defensible space and preparedness resources at FireSafeMarin.org.
Goats are back in Terra Linda and Lucas Valley, munching their way through our preserve! Grazing runs through May (with White Hill areas coming later this summer) to help reduce wildfire risk near homes. Above is an example of the before and after from the goats hard work. You can check out a Marin County Parks video of the goats in action here.
Marin County is moving forward with an expanded roadway preservation program for the 2026 construction season, with approximately 150 road segments covering 57 miles slated for sealing and paving across unincorporated communities. This is a 50% increase over last year. The work is part of the County’s Five-Year Pavement Management Plan and reflects continued investment in maintaining safer, longer-lasting roads throughout Marin.
This season’s work will begin with a $2 million road sealant project improving approximately 16.5 miles of roadway in communities including Marinwood, Kentfield, San Quentin, Marin City, California Park, and along Fairfax–Bolinas Road in the Tamalpais Watershed.
Work is expected to begin in early June. Residents and travelers should anticipate temporary lane closures and brief traffic delays during active work zones. An interactive map showing roadway segments planned for future treatment through 2029 is available on the County’s website.
FixItMarin is Marin County’s official app for reporting non-emergency issues in unincorporated areas. If something in your neighborhood isn’t right such as a pothole, a fallen branch, or street light outage, let the County know anytime, from your phone, tablet or computer. Our road maintenance crews remain assigned to countywide pothole repair and pavement failure response to address urgent issues.
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MICROENTERPRISE SUPPORT PROGRAM
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Microenterprises, small businesses with fewer than five employees, represent more than 70% of local businesses. Supporting their growth is key to strengthening economic opportunity. The County’s Office of Equity launched the Microenterprise Support Program, to help entrepreneurs, particularly those in underserved and low-income communities, start and grow their businesses.
In 2026, services focused on San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood and West Marin, using a place-based approach that connects entrepreneurs with training and advising in trusted community locations. Through partnerships with the Small Business Development Center, Canal Alliance, and West Marin Fund, more than 226 entrepreneurs have completed training on topics such as business planning, social media marketing, and navigating licensing and permitting requirements. Building on this progress, the program will expand to Marin City and Novato this summer in partnership with the Marin County Free Library, bringing these services to additional communities.
The Microenterprise Support Program represents a strategic investment in Marin’s economic vitality. Based on national research, the County estimates that its $250,000 investment in one-on-one business advising could generate up to $5 million in local economic impact. Funded through the County’s Race Equity Action Plan, the program advances economic equity by creating pathways to entrepreneurship and long-term financial stability, while strengthening Marin’s broader economy.
Our Boards and Commissions rely on civic-minded residents to help guide and shape our policies. If you have been thinking about getting engaged, check out these openings. If you are thinking about getting involved and aren't sure, I invite you to reach out to my office. My aides would be happy to connect you with opportunities to get involved in the community or with subject matter experts who can tell you more about these boards and commissions.
Marin County Library Commission
The County of Marin is now accepting applications for an upcoming District 1 seat on the Library Commission. The Commission serves as a liaison to the Board of Supervisors, the Director of County Library Services, and the community. The Commission aims to support and improve library services to Marin residents in alignment with the Marin County Free Library's Mission. The Commission shall serve as the Oversight Committee for any time-limited revenue generating tax measures if needed.
To learn more and apply, visit the Board and Commission Openings Page and follow the links for the Library Commission.
Marin County Commission on Aging
The County of Marin is now accepting applications for an upcoming District 1 seat on the Commission on Aging. The application deadline is May 31. The Marin County Commission on Aging (Commission) is federally mandated by the Older Americans Act to advise the Area Agency on Aging and the Marin County Board of Supervisors. The Commission is an advisory council that advocates for, educates, and celebrates older adults throughout Marin County. The Commission strives to promote understanding and positive change in the community through the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, respect, and collaboration. The Commission is supported in its work by the AAA.
According to the Older Americans Act, membership shall be composed of: (a) a majority of persons 60 years or older; (b) service providers; (c) members who reflect the geographic, racial, economic, and social complexion of the area they represent; and (d) at least one member who represents the interests of the disabled.
To learn more and apply, visit the Board and Commission Openings Page and follow the links for the Commission on Aging.
Marin County Youth Commission
The County of Marin is now accepting applications for seats on the Youth Commission to serve during the Fall '26 thru Spring '27 school year. The application deadline is May 22. Applicants must be between 12-23 years old and live and/or go to school in Marin.
At the beginning of each term, Commissioners work diligently to identify issues they are passionate about and meet with community organizations to learn about ongoing efforts to address these issues. They then organize and implement social justice campaigns, which may look like drafting public policy, engaging other youth through trainings and events, and/or conducting community-wide education.
To learn more and apply, visit the Board and Commission Openings Page and follow the links for the Youth Commission.
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Rotary Epic Day of Service for Older Adults
Saturday, May 16
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lagoon Park, San Rafael (Children's Island)
The Rotary Clubs of Marin County are hosting a free community resource event for older adults.
This event will bring together local resources focused on health and wellness, housing and transportation, social connection, volunteer opportunities, and more—all designed to support and connect older adults in our community.
Registration is not required, but encouraged. Learn more at: https://rotary5150.org/event/epicday2026/
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Our Bright Future: Clean Energy Expo
Saturday, May 16
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Novato City Hall
The Clean Energy Expo is hosted by the City of Novato in collaboration with North Marin Community Services, County of Marin’s Climate and Sustainability Division, MCE, and Ride & Drive Clean. Businesses and other vendors will guide visitors through the process of home improvement projects. Participating exhibitors are listed on the City of Novato’s website. It’s a family-friendly event with kids’ activities, prizes, and giveaways. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
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Postpartum Support Center's Walk for Moms
Sunday, May 17
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Lagoon Park, San Rafael
Community will come together to stand for maternal mental health, uplift families, and ensure that no parent has to struggle alone. Sign up to walk and learn more here. What to expect:
- 15+ community resource booths
- Kids’ activities, bouncy houses & family fun
- Light refreshments & snow cones
- Raffle prizes and auction items
- A symbolic walk of support around the lagoon
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Small Business Marketplace & Mural Unveiling
Sunday, May 17
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Canal Alliance Headquarters
711 Grand Ave, San Rafael
You are invited to attend a free community celebration at Canal Alliance that brings together small business, art, culture, and connection.
The inaugural Small Business Marketplace will debut on Sunday, a vibrant outdoor event celebrating local Latino entrepreneurs from across Marin. Bring your family and friends to enjoy music, delicious food and drinks, and unique products from local Latino-owned small businesses. At 2:00 PM, see the unveiling of the final two rooftop murals in Canal Alliance headquarters mural series, Threads of Unity.
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Find Your Way Through the Garden: An Evening of Impact
Thursday, May 21
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Marin Art and Garden Center
Individual Tickets: $50
Hosted by Find Your Way and Marin 9 to 25, Find Your Way Through the Garden is an interactive community event bringing young people and adults together across Marin to support youth well-being, connection, and opportunity. Guests will explore the gardens, connect with youth-led interactive stations showcasing their projects, and hear from youth speakers.
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Ritter Center's Honorees: Mario Ernesto Lopez, Councilmember Rachel Kertz and myself
Cutting the ribbon to open the Rising Recovery Center - this facility will serve an estimated 100 residents annually, and is the first public facility in Marin where residents can receive treatment for both mental health and substance use
Santa Venetia litter cleanup
One Stride at A Time 5K at McInnis Park with Nancy Vernon, myself, Amy Probst and Maybelle (the lab)
Safely disposing of unused medicine in the designated receptacle in the Civic Center
Senator McGuire and I catching up at the Ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ukiah segment of the Great Redwood Trail
Marking May as Wildfire Awareness Month with a resolution
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Pt San Pedro Roadway Improvements Open House
Meeting with Marin County Youth Commission District 1 commissioners
Veterans' Memorial Auditorium renovation tour with Supervisor Lucan
School to Career Partnership Board Annual Job Shadow Day with Terra Linda High School Student, Lilah
Recognizing Asian American Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by resolution with members of the Marin Asian-American Public Local Employees group
Fun with Star Wars characters, aka Novato first responders, at the annual Novato Spectrum Safety Event which connects our adaptive needs community to Novato First Responders and other City and County resources and strengthens relationships
Launch of new Buck initiative with the YMCA: The Next Frontier in Healthy Aging
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