Marin County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Marin County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police Misconduct and Immigration Detention
Legal observers and Rapid Response Network volunteers described what they called ICE arrests of people released from the county jail, including an incident involving a 20-year-old man, and demanded the Board view jail footage and pass an "ICE-free Marin" ordinance. The county executive noted an urgency ordinance on detention facilities will be calendared next week.
Local Coastal Program housing amendment
The Board adopted coastal zoning amendments to carry out the 2023-2031 Housing Element in the coastal zone — recognizing 36 housing overlay sites, implementing ADU and density bonus laws, and adding a coastal form-based code with a 35-foot height limit. It now goes to the Coastal Commission.
Santa Venetia levee emergency repairs
Design and permitting work for the Cardinal Road levee upgrade moved forward, part of ongoing flood protection efforts.
Buck Gulch Falls trail accessibility and restoration
The popular but badly eroded waterfall trail in Novato will get two bridges, a firm accessible surface, and a viewing platform, protecting the creek and making the falls reachable for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. Disability advocates turned out overwhelmingly in support.
National Preparedness Month and AlertMarin improvements
The County extended its January storm emergency declaration and proclaimed Wildfire Awareness Week — reminders that fire season planning is underway.
Economic Opportunity Grant Pilot
The county hired consultants to build its 2026 Economic Vitality Strategic Plan — a roadmap for jobs and business health in Marin.