The recent dismissal of a lawsuit against the long-debated Marinwood Plaza affordable housing project marks a milestone in Marin County’s ongoing struggle to address its housing shortage.
The project sits in unincorporated Marin, right near the heart of Marinwood, north of San Rafael. It’s been the center of a heated battle over growth, land use, and what the community actually needs.
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With that legal roadblock gone, county leaders say they’re finally moving forward on a development that could offer some real relief to local low-income residents. Whether it’ll be enough remains to be seen, but people seem hopeful.
Marinwood Plaza Lawsuit Dropped
Back in January 2025, the Marinwood Coalition Against Segregation filed a lawsuit challenging the county’s approval of the project. They argued county code didn’t allow housing projects with more than 20 percent affordable units, and this one went all in — offering 100 percent affordable housing.
The legal fight targeted the 125-unit complex that the Marin County Board of Supervisors had approved just a month earlier, in December 2024. But only a few months later, the plaintiffs dropped the case themselves, clearing the way for the next steps.
Board of Supervisors Responds
Board of Supervisors President Mary Sackett didn’t mince words. She called the lawsuit an unnecessary delay in addressing one of Marin’s biggest issues: the lack of affordable housing.
Sackett described the dismissal as a win for families priced out of communities from Novato to Mill Valley by soaring rents and home prices. Her comments echo what a lot of folks in places like Fairfax and Larkspur have been saying — that housing solutions need to focus more on accessibility than exclusivity.
Details of the Marinwood Plaza Project
The Marinwood Plaza redevelopment plans call for 125 deed-restricted apartments, all dedicated to low-income households. Affordable housing, by definition, means residents spend no more than 30 percent of their income on rent or mortgage payments.
Alongside the new housing, the plan keeps the beloved Marinwood Market and adds a new café. These amenities aim to keep the neighborhood vibrant and walkable.
This mixed-use approach isn’t new — it lines up with what’s happening in parts of Corte Madera and San Rafael, where housing, retail, and community spaces all blend together.
Financial Commitment from the County
Marin County’s put some serious money behind this project. In December 2024, the Board approved a $6.25 million loan for construction.
Then, on August 26, 2025, they kicked in another $1.25 million, bringing the county’s total commitment to $7.5 million.
Officials say the extra money is necessary to deal with funding gaps caused by reduced federal tax credits, rising interest rates, and less-than-expected philanthropic support. Other developments in Belvedere and Tiburon have run into similar money problems, so the county’s investment here is pretty crucial to keep things moving.
Addressing Marin’s Housing Crisis
The whole project is expected to cost about $80 million. County leaders frame that as a necessary investment to help solve Marin’s housing shortage.
For decades, communities from Sausalito to Ross have struggled with limited housing and sky-high prices. Projects like Marinwood Plaza, they argue, are a step toward meeting California’s housing needs while still keeping a sense of community planning intact.
Impact Beyond Marinwood
Even though the development sits in Marinwood, its effects could ripple across the county. By opening up rental options for low-income families, it could ease pressure on housing markets elsewhere in Marin.
Places like Greenbrae and Kentfield might benefit indirectly, as more options become available for service workers, teachers, and seniors. It’s not a magic fix, but it’s a start.
What Comes Next
With the lawsuit finally dismissed, everyone’s attention turns to breaking ground and finishing construction. The Marinwood Plaza project isn’t just about building new housing—it’s also a statement about what the county values.
It shows a real push to balance growth with the unique feel of the community. If this works out, maybe it’ll inspire other North Bay towns wrestling with the same housing shortages.
For folks in Marin County, from Point Reyes Station to Bolinas, this project feels like more than a policy debate. Affordable housing is a lifeline for neighbors, workers, and families who want to stay in the place they call home.
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Here is the source article for this story: Lawsuit Dropped Challenging This Bay Area County’s Housing Proposal
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