City Council Candidate Orientation 2026

The City of Novato held a City Council Candidate Orientation on September 21, 2026, providing an overview of city operations, governance, and key departmental functions. The meeting covered the Brown Act's requirements for open government, the roles of the city council and city manager, and the city's strategic plan including capital improvement projects. Finance Director Carla Carvalho-Degraff detailed the city's budget structure, highlighting a balanced general fund budget of $62.6 million with significant allocations for salaries, benefits, and capital improvements. Public Works Director Chris Benigni discussed the department's $11 million operating budget and $26 million capital improvement program, emphasizing ongoing infrastructure projects such as road resurfacing, street light upgrades, and public facility maintenance. The orientation also included presentations on community development, parks and recreation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and police services. The city council's role in approving contracts, grant applications, and capital projects was emphasized, underscoring opportunities for council members to influence procurement and project prioritization.