Snapshot for September 4, 2026: City Council meeting agenda, affordable housing proposals, transit month, and 9/11 tribute

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San Rafael City Council meeting highlights

The San Rafael City Council will meet on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue. The meeting is on a Tuesday this month because of the Labor Day holiday.

Meeting details:

• Special Meeting: Begins at 4:45 p.m. in the Third Floor Conference Room, for interviews to fill seats on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission (District 3).
• Regular Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

City Manager and Councilmember reports:

• Reports from the City Manager and Councilmembers, including updates on meetings and conferences attended.

Consent calendar highlights

The City Council will consider:

• Approval of the August 17, 2026 meeting minutes.

• Proclamations recognizing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Special presentations:

• A briefing from the County of Marin Office of Emergency Management.

Other agenda items:

• The 2024 San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Reduction Strategy annual report.

• A fiscal year 2025-26 year-end budget update, with budget amendments totaling about $16.5 million.

View the full agenda and watch the meeting online via Zoom or YouTube. Participate in person, over Zoom, or submit public comments ahead of the meeting by emailing [email protected].

Community tribute marks the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

The San Rafael Fire Department invites the community to a day of remembrance on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lauren's Place on Fourth Street, next to 931 Fourth Street.

Neighbors can stop by any time during the day to read profiles of the 343 New York City firefighters who died that day, join a moment of silence at the top of each hour, and reflect alongside local firefighters. "This is an opportunity for our community to come together, remember those we lost, and honor the courage of those who responded," said Fire Chief Abe Roman.

The tribute is free and open to residents of all ages.

Learn more about the tribute.

San Rafael reviews two all-affordable housing proposals

The City is reviewing two development applications, each proposing 100% affordable housing.

At 88 Vivian Street, a proposal would build 124 rental homes for low-income and moderate-income households across two buildings, replacing the former bowling alley and sports fields with studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. At 1100 Los Gamos Drive, a redesigned proposal outlines plans for a seven-story building with 190 homes for extremely low-income to low-income households, ranging from one to four bedrooms.

What's next: Both projects are early in the review process. Visit the project webpages to learn more and subscribe to receive updates.

Last week to cool off at the Freitas Park Splash Pad

There is still time to cool off in San Rafael before summer ends. This is the last week to visit the Freitas Park Splash Pad, which is open through Sunday, September 7.

Looking for a place to swim after the splash pad closes?

• Recreation swim at the Terra Linda Community Pool continues through October, giving you more opportunities to cool off as the weather stays warm.

• After recreation swim ends, the pool will remain open through mid-November for lap swim and other scheduled programming before closing for the season.

• The pool is scheduled to reopen in February 2027.

Visit our pool page for the current pool schedule and hours.

Make the most of the remaining warm weather and take advantage of these local places to cool off!

Get prepared this September

Emergencies don't send a save-the-date. Whether it's wildfire, earthquake, flooding, or severe weather, the best time to prepare is before you need to. This September, take a few simple steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

1. Stay Informed - Sign Up for AlertMarin. Get emergency alerts via phone, email, or landline by registering at Emergency.MarinCounty.gov.

2. Build a Kit - Prepare to be self-sufficient for 72 hours with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first aid supplies, medications, important documents, cash, and phone chargers. Don't forget supplies for pets or infants.

3. Make a Plan - Discuss how your household will respond in an emergency. Identify two meeting spots, an out-of-area contact, evacuation routes, and pet plans.

4. Know Your Neighbors - Neighbors are often first responders. This month, take time to meet new neighbors, identify those needing extra help, share contact information, and consider a neighborhood preparedness group.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

September is Transit Month

Transit Month is here, and Marin commuters can take the challenge all September by riding the bus, train, or ferry, logging their trips, and seeing how much money, stress, and time they save. Whether you ride every day or you're just getting started, September is a good month to get on board.

Want a shot at prizes? Here's how to enter:

• Log 12 transit trips from September 1-30.

• Count your first trip of the year among the 12 for a bonus entry.

• Review local transit options or use the planning tool in your Rewards account.

• Share your transit story on social media.

Ride with peace of mind, too. The Emergency Ride Home program has you covered when something unexpected comes up.

Join the San Rafael Team!

The City of San Rafael is looking for talented people to join our team! Please click the link below for more information about our open positions.

• Communications and Engagement Intern - San Rafael Fire Department

• Product Manager: Data & Innovation

• Junior Engineer

• Administrative Specialist - Public Works

• Senior Librarian (20769008)

Have questions about working for the City? Please reach out to [email protected].

Exciting upcoming events

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

Summer Market: Sept. 11, 2026, 5:00-9:00 p.m., Downtown San Rafael

• Spend a summer evening downtown with food, local vendors, and neighbors. Free to attend; individual vendor pricing applies.

Movies in the Park, Sun Valley Park: Sept. 11, 2026, 6:00-9:45 p.m., Sun Valley Park, 144 Solano Street

• Bring a blanket for a free showing of "Zootopia 2" (PG). Come early from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for games and giveaways; the film starts about 10 minutes after sunset.

Seeds of Hope Luncheon: Sept. 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street

• A free service fair with a catered lunch and more than 20 organizations offering health, housing, legal, and employment support for people experiencing homelessness and anyone who needs it.

American Red Cross Blood Drive: Sept. 16, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., San Rafael Community Center, Rooms 2-4, 618 B Street

• Give blood to help patients in local hospitals. Appointments are recommended.

Mobile Art in the Garden: Sept. 17, 2026, 10:00-11:30 a.m., San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street

• A free, hands-on art activity for the community in partnership with Cedars of Marin.

Movies in the Park, Terra Linda Park: Sept. 25, 2026, 6:00-9:45 p.m., Terra Linda Park, 670 Del Ganado Road

• Close out the summer movie series with a free, family-friendly film under the stars, starting about 10 minutes after sunset.

Plus, there's always something happening at the library! Check out the San Rafael Library event calendar!