Economic Development & Housing Subcommittee 03/24/2026

The City of San Rafael Economic Development & Housing Subcommittee convened on March 24, 2026, to discuss several key topics related to economic development, housing, and community events. A significant portion of the meeting focused on updates from local economic development partners, including the Marin Small Business Development Center, which reported on outreach efforts and support for Latino-owned businesses, including capital infusion and job creation metrics. The subcommittee also reviewed the status of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, noting diminished revenues due to changes in state density bonus law and the impact on funding pathways for affordable housing projects. Staff presented options for alternative funding mechanisms, including fee waivers and residual receipts loans, and discussed the challenges of prevailing wage requirements and local contributions to county funding. The subcommittee expressed interest in exploring creative funding solutions but emphasized fiscal caution given current budget constraints. Additionally, the meeting covered the development of a formal special event sponsorship policy aimed at increasing transparency and equity in city support for events, with a timeline for policy framework presentation and adoption. Finally, an update was provided on the Southeast San Rafael Specific Plan, funded by Metropolitan Transportation Commission grants, highlighting the kickoff of community engagement and planning phases to guide future development and zoning in the area. No formal votes on procurement or funding allocations were recorded, but the discussion set the stage for future policy considerations and funding strategies.