Novato Outlines 2026 Capital Improvement Projects and Priorities

Novato city leaders are looking at a $23.4 million capital improvement package for the next fiscal year. They unveiled the plan during a preliminary budget review on April 28.

This package covers a pretty wide range of needs—transportation, drainage, undergrounding, parks and recreation, community services, and upgrades to city buildings. Novato’s leadership has pushed for years to keep up and improve the infrastructure in Marin County’s northern hub.

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Table of Contents

What’s in the plan for Novato and the surrounding Marin towns

The biggest chunk goes to a $17.3 million project to widen Novato Boulevard. The city wants to put $13.1 million in new funding into this corridor improvement.

This project sits alongside other targeted investments that aim to ease congestion, boost safety, and support future growth in Novato and nearby neighborhoods. Traffic patterns from San Rafael and Corte Madera feed into the city, so the impacts could stretch beyond Novato itself.

Renovations to the Scott House just got a boost from $3.2 million in private donations. That’s a clear sign of the community’s support for Marin County’s historic sites.

The city also plans to spend $2.6 million each year on pavement rehabilitation. They hope this will extend the life of roads in Old Town Novato, Nevada-adjacent neighborhoods, and the corridor toward San Anselmo.

Another big-ticket item: a $2.1 million widening project on Olive Avenue. Along with the Novato Boulevard work, this aims to improve accessibility and traffic flow for drivers and cyclists heading through the Novato Valley and onto Larkspur county routes.

The plan keeps up with ongoing investments in permanent programs across the city. These tackle accessibility upgrades, traffic and bicycle/pedestrian improvements, storm drain pipe replacements, sidewalk repairs, replacing wooden streetlights, and managing pavement citywide.

Major Projects and Funding Highlights

Widening of Novato Boulevard: $17.3 million project, with $13.1 million in new funding, aimed at relieving bottlenecks along a key Marin corridor that links Novato with San Rafael and communities to the north.
Scott House renovations: Supported by $3.2 million in private donations, focused on preserving a historic asset near downtown Novato.
Pavement rehabilitation program: Ongoing annual commitment of $2.6 million to maintain street quality from Hamilton to the city’s northern suburbs.
Olive Avenue widening: $2.1 million dedicated to improving safety and capacity along a busy corridor used by residents from Terra Linda and south Novato.
Permanent programs: Continuing investments in accessibility, traffic, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, storm drain replacements, sidewalk repairs, wooden streetlight replacements, and pavement management.

Funding comes from a mix of sources. There’s more than $8 million from the Transportation Authority of Marin’s Measure A, plus other regional and local funds—gas taxes, Measure AA and Measure B, Quimby Act subdivision fees, Marin County’s parks sales tax, various Measure M sales tax revenues, and the city’s own long-term maintenance funds.

Public Works Director Chris Benigni says the city’s actively chasing grant opportunities to stretch these dollars across Marin County, from Mill Valley to Ross and beyond.

During the budget discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Jacobs questioned the relatively small $50,000 set aside for storm drain replacements. He pointed out that bigger investments will be needed soon as plans develop.

Benigni agreed and said the capital program will grow as projects get defined and funded. On a different note, Councilmember Pat Eklund asked for a quick check of the Hamilton Museum entryway.

Staff confirmed it’s safe to enter, but they think cosmetic or structural repairs might be needed. A report and a budget workshop are scheduled for May 12.

Funding resilience and planning across Marin County

Novato’s gearing up for a decade of improvements. Meanwhile, folks in San Rafael, Tiburon, and Sausalito are keeping an eye on how the city weaves together Measure A, Measure B, and other regional funds.

Private philanthropy and local maintenance budgets play a role too. This kind of collaboration across Marin County means towns like Bel Marin Keys and Marin City can see benefits—think safer streets, better flood protection, and upgraded public spaces along the Marin coastline.

People living in Novato, Novato Valley, and the rest of the North Bay corridor have a big date coming up. The budget workshop on May 12 gives everyone a real opportunity to weigh in on how these plans might shape daily routines.

It could affect everything from commutes along Novato Boulevard to school routes and access to parks and civic spots in Greenbrae and Kentfield. Feels like Marin County’s story is still about steady, community-driven investment—always aiming for a safer, more connected North Bay, even if it’s a work in progress.

Here is the source article for this story: Novato outlines upcoming capital improvement projects

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