In San Anselmo, Marin County, the town has updated its draft 2045 general plan to boost diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). After a review by the Racial Equity Committee, officials added clearer actions and context.
They worked with the Justice Collective, an Oakland firm led by women of color, to shift DEIB from abstract talk to real, doable steps. Marin County towns like Sausalito, Mill Valley, and Corte Madera are keeping an eye on these changes as they update their own 2045 plans.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
What changed in San Anselmo’s 2045 General Plan
The Town Council decided to take a DEIB-forward approach, adding more context and measurable actions to the plan. The Racial Equity Committee and the Justice Collective found that, while the plan had good intentions, it needed stronger policies for actual implementation.
Now, the plan has 53 policies and 43 action amendments, sharpening the town’s commitment to inclusion. Two big shifts stand out. First, the safety element now goes beyond listing hazards—it focuses on emergency planning that supports lower-income households, renters, older adults, people with disabilities, and non–English speakers during emergencies.
Second, the plan lays out steps to diversify San Anselmo boards and commissions. There’s a clear push to get more voices from Marin’s communities, including Ross, Fairfax, and Larkspur, involved in town decisions.
A DEIB-forward safety element
The revised safety element puts equity front and center during crises. Emergency planning and response now consider Marin County residents who might face barriers to access or communication.
Residents of San Anselmo, Fairfax, and Mill Valley—especially renters and seniors in low-income housing—will see policies that aim to close gaps in outreach and support when disaster hits. This change fits with Marin County’s broader move toward inclusive governance in places like Sausalito and Tiburon, where emergency plans increasingly address language and mobility barriers.
The goal isn’t just to protect property but to protect people. The plan should actually work for everyone in the Ross and San Rafael area if a regional emergency strikes.
The Justice Collective’s role and refinements
Ellie Tumbuan, co-founder of the Justice Collective, summed up the process: the intent was there, but they needed more concrete actions. Working with Heidi Scoble, San Anselmo’s Community Development Director, and Robin Beers from the Racial Equity Committee, the team sharpened 53 policies and 43 action amendments.
This collaboration showed how Marin County towns can bring in outside expertise to strengthen their own planning, without losing the local feel.
Building a more inclusive process across Marin County
San Anselmo’s updates have sparked a bigger conversation about participation and representation in Marin’s smaller towns and their neighbors. The DEIB focus in the 2045 plan is resonating in nearby places like Corte Madera, Larkspur, and Novato.
People are watching to see how San Anselmo puts these ideas into action. If it works, other Marin communities might follow suit as they tackle growth, housing, and safety challenges.
Concrete steps to diversify boards and commissions
- Reach out to local nonprofits and community groups to expand the pool of candidates.
- Offer stipends for childcare and transportation so more people can participate.
- Hold meetings at more flexible times to include working parents, youth, renters, and local workers.
- Use targeted recruitment to get representation across age, language, income, and ability.
Metrics, quotas, and community trust
Some councilmembers and Racial Equity Committee members said naming vulnerable groups helps residents feel seen and supported. Councilmember Eileen Burke raised concerns about the optics of quotas and stressed tracking progress in a responsible way.
Officials agreed to use existing measurement tools instead of strict quotas, aiming for real, transparent progress in Marin County’s towns, including Sausalito, Mill Valley, and Fairfax.
Next steps and timeline
The council voted 4-1 to adopt the revisions, with Burke in dissent. They signaled more meetings and public hearings before finalizing the general plan by late fall.
In Marin County terms, that means communities from San Anselmo to Novato will watch closely as the DEIB framework turns into real policy across San Rafael, Tiburon, and the nearby unincorporated areas. The next phase probably involves outreach, data collection, and more chances for public input as the 2045 plan moves forward.
Here is the source article for this story: San Anselmo elevates diversity in general plan
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
