Snapshot: City Council meeting agenda, affordable homes approved, funding for community projects, public service award, and more!

• Regular Meeting: Begins at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers.

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

• Approval of minutes of the Special Closed Session and Regular City Council Meetings of May 4, 2026

• Final adoption of Ordinance 2063 amending the BioMarin San Rafael Campus development agreement at 770 Lindaro Street/999 Third Street

• Resolution establishing an organizational conflict of interest policy for design-build projects

• Resolution authorizing design services by LCA Architects for the 350 Merrydale Road interim shelter project

• Resolution authorizing an agreement with Marin Housing Authority for below market rate rental housing and homeownership program administration

• Acceptance of the City quarterly investment report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026

• Resolution authorizing an agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. for preliminary design and environmental services for the Canal Crossing Project

• Resolution approving plans and awarding a construction contract to Corcus Construction, Inc for large trash capture device installation at Redwood Highway and Rossi Pump Station

• Resolution authorizing a second amendment to the communications site license agreement with the Marin Emergency Radio Authority (MERA)

• Proclamation in celebration of National Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2026

• Military equipment annual report and renewal of the San Rafael Police Department Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition and Use Policy

• Update to park impact fee programs and nexus study, including introduction of an ordinance amending park fee and dedication chapters of the Municipal Code, and a resolution adopting updated park fees and dedication requirements

• Resolution authorizing a separation agreement between the City and the San Rafael Sanitation District

• Preliminary citywide proposed budget and capital improvement program for Fiscal Year 2026-27

✅ Cast Your Vote Today!

It is time to vote, and it always matters! Make sure you're prepared to make your voice heard. Whether you're registering to vote for the first time or checking your registration status, now is the perfect time to get organized. The complete voter guide in English and Español / Spanish is available online.

Be Sure To Register or Update Your Registration

Important Dates to Remember

If you miss the registration deadline, you can still register and vote on Election Day at any polling place. Visit your assigned location to make sure your ballot includes all contests for which you're eligible to vote. You can find your voting center here.

Take part in your democracy and vote in the June election. For more information, visit MarinVotes.org.

Planning Commission Approves Affordable Housing Development at 555 Northgate Drive

On April 28, the Planning Commission approved a proposal to build 193 new homes at 555 Northgate Drive. The seven-story building will include one- and two-bedroom units, with all 193 offered at below market rate: 80% designated for low-income households and 20% for moderate-income households.

Why it matters: This project supports San Rafael's housing element goals and expands access to affordable housing for working families and essential workers who want to remain in the community they call home.

To learn more about the project and stay informed as it moves forward, visit the project page.

$508,000 in Federal Funds Directed to Housing, Shelter, and Services

At the May 4 meeting, the City Council approved how San Rafael will spend its share of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Administered with the County of Marin, these funds go directly to projects serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Approved projects include:

The Council also continued funding for five public services programs, including fair housing counseling, legal assistance for renters, accessibility modifications for people with disabilities, household supplies for families transitioning to permanent housing, and early childhood education at Pickleweed.

The approved allocations go to the Marin County Board of Supervisors in June for inclusion in the countywide CDBG plan.

Movies in the Park 2026 Lineup Announced

More than 270 residents cast their votes, and the results are in. This fall, Movies in the Park returns to four San Rafael neighborhoods - with a lineup chosen entirely by the community.

All screenings are free and family-friendly. Stay tuned for start times and details as the season approaches.

Karla Valdez Named 2026 Public Service Award Recipient

San Rafael is proud to honor Karla Valdez with the 2026 Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien Public Service Award.

Karla is a dedicated community leader whose impact can be felt across San Rafael. She currently serves on the San Rafael Police Advisory and Accountability Committee and volunteers three times a week at the Marin Community Clinics food bank, where she has supported local families for the past five years.

Karla has also been a long-standing advocate in the Canal neighborhood through her involvement with Vecinos del Canal since 2009. Through this work, she helped advance changes to the City's street sweeping enforcement practices, reducing the disproportionate impacts of vehicle towing on economically burdened residents. She has also helped organize monthly neighborhood cleanups, bringing residents together to care for and take pride in their community.

Please join the City in celebrating Karla Valdez, whose dedication, compassion, and community ties have made San Rafael stronger!

Water Safety Day at Terra Linda Pool

Splash into Water Safety Day at Terra Linda Community Pool on Sunday, May 17, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. - a free, family-friendly afternoon of hands-on learning and fun in the water.

Here's what to expect:

Free and open to all. Don't forget your swimsuit and towel!

Exciting Upcoming Events

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

San Rafael Summer Market: May 15, 2026, 5:00-9:00 p.m., Downtown San Rafael

Water Safety Day: May 17, 2026, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Terra Linda Community Pool

Mobile Art in the Garden: May 21, 2026, 10:00-11:30 a.m., San Rafael Community Center

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