This article digs into how Marin County’s mayors come to lead—whether it’s the rotating mayoral seats in towns like Fairfax, Mill Valley, Belvedere, and Corte Madera, or the one-of-a-kind, elected mayor in San Rafael. We’ll look at what makes a mayor effective in Marin’s close-knit communities and why their everyday style can matter so much in places like Sausalito, Larkspur, Novato, Tiburon, and beyond.
Table of Contents
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How Mayors Are Chosen in Marin’s Towns and Cities
Across Marin County, from Fairfax to Mill Valley and Belvedere to Ross, most cities go by “general law” status. State law sets the rules, so the mayors get picked from within the existing city council—not directly by voters.
Rotating Mayors in General-Law Municipalities
Marin has 10 general-law municipalities: Fairfax, Belvedere, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Tiburon, Ross, Novato, and San Anselmo. In these places, council members usually choose one of their own to serve a one-year term as mayor.
Some towns, like Fairfax, Belvedere, and Mill Valley, make this choice in July or December. They often alternate between experienced councilmembers and newer faces who are ready to step up.
This rotation keeps leadership in places like Corte Madera or Sausalito from getting too concentrated. It gives a variety of voices a shot at the gavel, which reflects Marin’s mix of neighborhoods—from downtown San Anselmo to Tiburon’s hills and Novato’s family blocks.
San Rafael: Marin’s Only Charter City
San Rafael stands apart from other Marin cities, not just in size but in how it governs. While Fairfax or Larkspur rotates their mayors every year, San Rafael does things differently.
A Four-Year, Voter-Elected Mayor
San Rafael is Marin County’s only charter city, so it has more flexibility under state law. Here, voters choose their mayor directly in a citywide election for a four-year term.
The mayor in San Rafael ends up with a stronger individual mandate than in places like Ross or Belvedere. Kate Colin currently serves as San Rafael’s mayor—she’s the first woman in the role since the city’s founding in 1847.
Now in her second term, Colin’s tenure shows how a longer run can shape things like downtown revitalization, Canal neighborhood services, and regional teamwork with other Marin communities such as Mill Valley and Novato.
The Mayor as “First Among Equals”
Whether it’s a small hillside town like Tiburon or a busy hub like San Rafael, a good mayor knows the job is more about stewardship than power. The best mayors remember they serve alongside their council colleagues, not above them.
Appointments, Collaboration, and Avoiding Ego
One of the mayor’s first challenges is making liaison appointments—figuring out which councilmember should take the lead on things like transportation, housing, business, or climate issues in places like Larkspur, Corte Madera, or Fairfax.
Strong mayors in Marin usually start by asking colleagues about their interests and expertise, then build assignments that respect those preferences. That’s the spirit behind being “first among equals”.
Mayors who lean into teamwork—not turning the role into a personal platform—create more harmonious councils, whether it’s on Sausalito’s waterfront or San Anselmo’s leafy streets.
Leadership Style: Service Over Ambition
In Marin County’s political scene, voters in places like Mill Valley, Belvedere, and Ross seem to reward public servants who focus on solving local problems, not climbing the political ladder.
Listening First, Speaking Last
A Marin mayor knows that obvious ambition can backfire. The job’s about community service—fixing potholes in Novato, managing wildfire prep in Fairfax, supporting ferry commuters in Sausalito—not building a résumé for higher office.
That attitude comes through in council meetings. The best mayors speak and vote last, letting fellow councilmembers—whether in Tiburon, Larkspur, or Corte Madera—share their views without pressure.
This approach encourages honest debate and often results in better policy for residents. There’s something refreshing about a mayor who’s not trying to steal the spotlight, right?
Connecting With the Community
Marin’s mayors need to show up: at ribbon cuttings in downtown San Anselmo, neighborhood meetings in Novato, climate workshops in Mill Valley. Their visibility builds trust in these tightly woven communities.
From Rotary Lunches to Neighborhood Meetings
Strong mayors regularly engage with:
These conversations keep mayors grounded in everyday concerns—from parking headaches in downtown Mill Valley to sea level rise along the Sausalito and Belvedere waterfronts. People want to know City Hall is actually listening.
Supporting Local Businesses and Downtowns
Marin’s downtowns are the heart of community identity—whether it’s the historic main street of San Anselmo, the energy of San Rafael, or the boutique corridors of Tiburon and Mill Valley.
Keeping Storefronts Active
Mayors have a big hand in keeping those business districts lively. That means:
By partnering with business owners and chambers of commerce, mayors help keep Marin’s downtowns full of life—not just rows of empty storefronts.
Regional Cooperation and the City Manager Partnership
No Marin city or town works in isolation. Traffic, sea level rise, housing, wildfire safety—they connect Sausalito to San Rafael, Fairfax to Novato, and pretty much everyone in between.
Working With City Managers and Fellow Mayors
Behind the scenes, a close, candid working relationship with the city manager really matters. Mayors count on professional staff to turn policy ideas into action—whether that means a bike lane in Mill Valley or a resilience project in Belvedere.
On a broader scale, the Marin County Council of Mayors & Councilmembers plays a big role. This regional body pulls together leaders from San Rafael, Novato, Tiburon, Fairfax, and every other Marin municipality.
They meet, share strategies, and compare notes. It’s a chance to coordinate responses to countywide challenges that don’t care about city lines.
From the waterfront in Sausalito to the neighborhoods of Larkspur, everyone tries to keep Marin working as a real community. It’s not just a patchwork of towns—at least, that’s the hope.
Here is the source article for this story: Dick Spotswood: Good advice for Marin’s new and returning mayors
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