Marin County’s Office of Equity is moving ahead with Cycle 2 of Participatory Budgeting (PB), opening up a $2.5 million fund for community-driven, equity-centered projects. This process gives residents real decision-making power over how public dollars get spent.
The Board of Supervisors keeps pushing to build racially equitable communities from San Rafael to Sausalito and out to West Marin. In 2023, Cycle 1 funded 24 projects after over 3,600 Marin residents voted, supporting everything from youth mentorship in Novato to climate resiliency efforts in Point Reyes Station and cultural arts in Mill Valley.
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Cycle 2 Launch: What Marin County Aims to Achieve
In spring 2026, Marin’s PB program will officially launch Cycle 2 and invite broad participation from across the county. Folks from the Canal neighborhood in San Rafael to Marin City, from Novato’s neighborhoods to rural West Marin, all get a say.
The goal? Empower residents to shape local priorities and guide public funds in ways that actually advance equity and community well-being. Cycle 1 already showed how this can connect Marin’s diverse communities in a shared budgeting process that reflects local needs and hopes.
A Budget of $2.5 Million for Equity-Centered Projects
Cycle 2 will again allocate $2.5 million to projects chosen by residents. This fund backs ideas that tackle barriers to opportunity, climate resilience, cultural expression, youth services, and other solutions that come straight from the community.
Marin City, the Canal district, Novato, and West Marin can expect projects that fit both urban and rural realities. There’s a real emphasis on inclusive outreach and outcomes that lift up those most affected by inequities.
Cycle 1’s Record of Impact
In 2023, Cycle 1 mobilized thousands of Marin residents to vote on how the money would be spent. That led to 24 diverse projects getting funding, covering youth mentorship, climate adaptation, arts and culture, and neighborhood improvements.
These projects reflected Marin County’s range of towns, from Tiburon and Sausalito to Fairfax and Point Reyes Station. It’s honestly impressive to see how many corners of the county got involved.
Get Involved: The PB Steering Committee
The Steering Committee sits at the heart of PB’s design. This group co-designs the process, leads inclusive outreach, and reviews proposals to decide which projects make it onto the community ballot.
Committee members act as ambassadors for equitable engagement. They make sure voices from communities most affected by inequities—especially the Canal neighborhood, Marin City, and West Marin—are front and center in decisions that shape Marin’s future.
Who Can Join and What You’ll Do
Anyone aged 14 and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Marin County can join. Members will:
- Lead outreach across Marin City, the Canal district, Novato, and rural West Marin;
- Review proposals and help decide which projects move forward to the community ballot;
- Serve as community ambassadors to make sure participation is broad and equitable;
- Work with a diverse group of residents to co-create a fair PB process through March 2027.
This is a paid volunteer role—$50 per meeting, with around 2–4 hours per month. Committee meetings will happen monthly, both online and in person, through March 2027.
How to Apply: Timeline and Where to Learn More
Applications for the PB Steering Committee are online in English and Spanish through April 30. You can also pick up printed application forms at Marin County offices at 30 North San Pedro Road, Suite 170, San Rafael.
If you want a quick overview before applying, Marin County offers a short introductory PB video and an Equity team contact for questions. It’s a good way to see how PB works in places like San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood, Sausalito, and Novato, and maybe consider how you could help shape Marin’s public priorities.
Why This Matters Across Marin’s Towns
Participatory Budgeting really reflects a core Marin value: local ownership of community outcomes. By bringing in residents from the Canal to Marin City, and from Novato to West Marin’s Point Reyes Station and the Tomales area, PB aims to address disparities and amplify voices that haven’t always been heard.
Whether you’re a student in Mill Valley, a teacher in Fairfax, or a retiree in Larkspur, your input can help prioritize projects that strengthen climate resilience, cultural expression, youth services, and neighborhood vitality across Marin’s towns. Who wouldn’t want a say in that?
Learn More and Decide If You’ll Participate
Marin County is moving into Cycle 2. Folks in Sausalito, Tiburon, San Rafael, and other neighborhoods should keep an eye out for PB outreach and info sessions.
If you’re curious, maybe think about applying for the Steering Committee. It’s a real chance to shape how public money gets spent in your own backyard.
The process should reflect what Marin’s communities actually want and need—at least, that’s the hope. For more info, check out the PB page, give the intro video a watch, or just reach out to the Equity team if you’re wondering about anything.
Here is the source article for this story: County Seeks Applicants for Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee
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