Regular City Council Meeting 07/20/2026 at 6:00PM

The City of San Rafael held its regular City Council meeting on July 20, 2026, focusing on several key procurement and policy matters. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a proposed ballot measure to increase the city's real property transfer tax from 0.2% to 1%, expected to generate approximately $6 million annually to address unfunded needs such as street maintenance, public safety, and park infrastructure. The council voted unanimously to place this measure on the November 2026 ballot, with provisions for oversight and public spending disclosure. Additionally, the council approved an ordinance to reduce speed limits on 18 roadway segments by 5 mph as part of a traffic safety initiative aligned with California Assembly Bill 43, aiming to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. The meeting also included the introduction of a new traffic calming program policy establishing a petition process for residents to request traffic calming measures on residential streets. Lastly, the council discussed nominations for eligible census tracts for the federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 program to encourage economic development, with attention to anti-displacement strategies. Public comments addressed concerns about the transfer tax's impact on housing affordability and the importance of enforcement of new speed limits. The meeting concluded with a tribute to former city clerk Esther Burn.