San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Board of Supervisors has not shied away from the most complicated and concerning issues facing local residents, instead addressing them head-on with a series of enlightening public workshops. The next gathering in the series is about the local workforce and economy, and it’s set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, in the Board chamber of the Marin County Civic Center. Residents are invited to attend or watch a live telecast and webcast.
Marin residents will have a chance to learn more and talk about the future of the local workforce and economy on July 24. Earlier this spring, the Board brought in experts and heard public comments about
social equity and racial disparity and about
sustainability. This time, the focus will be on the local labor market, growth industries, the wage gap, changing demographics, and the economic outlook for Marin. The discussions will be led by County staff, economists, local business owners, educators and other civic leaders. The goal is to explore the current landscape of Marin’s economy, educational systems and employment services and talk about what changes might be needed in the future.
“The best way to address these difficult issues is to engage in robust discussion, hear from subject-matter experts and listen closely to people in our communities who have personal stories to tell,” said Damon Connolly, President of the Board of Supervisors.
For years, the Board has prioritized topics and initiatives that address “the Four E’s” – Economy, Education, Environment, and Equity. The County took a hard look at economic trends in its 5 Year Business Plan and laid out plans to improve its own business practices and service delivery to residents. But that plan was adopted in 2015, and a lot has changed since then. This workshop will provide an opportunity to hear what progress has been made on these aspects of the Business Plan as well as what lies ahead.
Though the workshop will touch on the impact of affordable housing options for the Marin workforce, that topic will not be the focus of the day. Housing remains one of the Board’s highest priorities and has been the subject of many other workshops and regular Board of Supervisors sessions. However, the July 24 meeting will devote more time to other aspects of the economy.
The workshop will take place in the Board chamber, Suite 330, of the Marin County Civic Center at 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. It will be webcast live through the County’s website and be televised live on Comcast Channel 27 for Comcast and AT&T subscribers. If you miss it, you can watch replay on TV or view the archived webcast anytime after July 24.
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held at accessible sites. If you are a person with a disability and require information or materials in alternative formats – or if you require accommodation to participate in a county program, service or activity – please contact department staff at (415) 473-7331 or (415) 473-4381 (voice/TTY) or e-mail disabilityaccess@marincounty.org.