San Rafael, CA – The County of Marin staff and the Marin County Board of Supervisors will soon make decisions on spending federal grants in the County and local tax dollars for ongoing housing needs in West Marin. Before then, they would like to encourage participation in two groups that will be influential in directing funds to worthy projects.
First, there are openings on the Measure W Working Group on Fund Expenditures for Community Housing. West Marin voters passed Measure W in November 2018 to establish a special transient occupancy tax (TOT) to help mitigate impacts of visitors to the area. These funds are earmarked to address community housing needs and provide enhanced fire protection and emergency services.
The working group will evaluate priorities such as development and preservation of community housing, rental support, and determining housing needs. Applications for the working group are open to anyone who lives or works within the Measure W tax area of coastal and nearby rural inland West Marin. The Board of Supervisors and County staff will consider the group recommendations when awarding funds to projects.
Also, the County is recruiting members for its Countywide Priority Setting Committee, which advises the Supervisors on grant spending for projects and programs that benefit some of Marin’s lowest-income residents. The committee oversees the distribution of federal money through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). Advocates who represent the interests of racial/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
CDA anticipates that it will receive roughly $2.4 million in funds for distribution to nonprofits and local governments. These funds are used to support affordable housing, public service projects, and capital improvements for community infrastructure such as parks, community centers, and health clinics.
There are three committee openings for two-year terms. The committee seats are for representatives from the following Marin areas:
- Fairfax, Ross, San Anselmo, and adjacent unincorporated communities;
- Belvedere, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, and adjacent unincorporated communities, including Marin City and Tam Valley;
- Countywide, at-large member.
The Countywide Priority Setting Committee was expanded in 2012 with the goal of bringing greater diversity to the group. In addition to advising the Board of Supervisors on the CDBG and HOME funding allocation process, the committee provides input on the County’s implementation of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.
The application deadline for both groups is 4 p.m. September 15. The application for Measure W is at www.marincounty.org/MeasureW-CH, and the application for Countywide Priority Setting Committee is at www.marincounty.org/FederalGrants. Email Measure W questions or federal grants questions to CDA staff or call (415) 473-6279.