Across Marin County, the Marin Independent Journal editorial board takes a look at two school and recreation bond measures on the June 2 ballot. They focus on Phillips Field in Marin City and Sausalito (Measure I), and the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District’s facilities plan (Measure D).
This blog post covers what the board supports, what it questions, and what these measures could mean for communities from Sausalito to Mill Valley, San Rafael to Corte Madera.
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Measure I: What it would fund in Marin City and Sausalito
Measure I would raise $12.5 million to replace Phillips Field with a modern, durable field and track. It would also add restrooms, better parking, and an underground stormwater retention system to tackle chronic drainage and flooding—a problem that’s disrupted events in Sausalito, Marin City, and even neighborhoods stretching from Tiburon to Fairfax.
The district promises public school use will come first, but they’ll charge user fees. The editorial board encourages affordable rates and wide, non-reserved community access for residents from San Rafael, Novato, and beyond.
- The new field and track built for durability and year-round use
- On-site restrooms and improved parking
- Underground stormwater retention to help prevent floods and drainage headaches
- Priority access for public school activities with reasonable user fees
- Non-reserved community access to the space
- An advisory plan to oversee maintenance and field usage
The district has already tackled several capital projects, including two bonds since 2004 to rebuild the Martin Luther King Jr. Academy campus. The editorial board notes the district’s promise to create a special advisory committee to make sure maintenance continues and field usage stays fair, helping Marin City and Sausalito residents stay connected to their public spaces.
Financial structure and tax implications
The measure would use 30-year capital bonds, paid for by a property tax of $8 per $100,000 of assessed value. Supporters say that’s about $48 a year for the average homeowner.
In a county where homeowners in Sausalito, Belvedere, and Larkspur already juggle high property values, proponents say the field upgrade is a long-term investment in youth recreation and community safety. Families in Marin City and nearby areas like San Anselmo and Fairfax could benefit most.
Supporters highlight the district’s record of capital improvements and the chance for durable community facilities that can host leagues, school events, and regional gatherings.
The measure’s financing aims to protect public access while building a field and drainage system that will last for decades, which seems to fit the priorities of families in Sausalito, Corte Madera, and beyond.
Measure D: Larkspur-Corte Madera School District facilities renewal
Measure D would renew and extend an existing bond for 30 years, raising $44 million without bumping up current tax rates. Starting in 2030, the measure would charge $24 per $100,000 of assessed value and fund maintenance, repairs, and safety improvements across the district’s three elementary campuses. It also supports a district 10-year facilities plan.
The goal is to keep facilities work off the general fund and put the district in a good position to snag about $8 million in state matching funds.
- Maintenance and repairs across three elementary campuses (Larkspur, Corte Madera, and neighboring areas)
- Essential safety improvements and facilities upgrades
- Support for a 10-year facilities plan to guide improvements
- Funding kept separate from the general fund to protect instructional budgets
- Potential state matching funds to stretch local dollars
Why the editorial board did not endorse Measure D
Unlike Measure I, the editorial board didn’t endorse Measure D due to a lack of visible broad community endorsements and a volunteer campaign that skipped voter polling. The board stresses the need for transparent public support and data-driven outreach to show real consensus among Marin County neighbors in places like San Rafael, Mill Valley, and Kentfield before locking in a long-term tax.
What this could mean for Marin County communities
For families in Sausalito, Marin City, and the wider North Bay, these measures might bring a real boost to outdoor recreation and school facilities. That could mean more youth programs and livelier community events—something a lot of folks have wanted for a while.
Towns like Larkspur and Corte Madera are looking at Measure D as a way to modernize elementary campuses. The goal is to keep things running smoothly without surprising homeowners in Ross, San Anselmo, and the rest with sudden cost jumps.
As Marin County voters mull these proposals, people from Mill Valley to Novato have a lot to weigh. There’s the hassle of construction, sure, but also the bigger picture of long-term stewardship and the oversight that comes with these bonds.
Honestly, it all circles back to value, access, and accountability—three things Marin County towns seem to care about, maybe more than most.
Here is the source article for this story: Editorial: IJ supports Measure I for Marin City field, takes no position on Measure D for Larkspur Corte Madera School District
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