San Rafael, CA – The 2012 quarter-cent sales tax measure known as Marin County Parks Measure A has brought some huge benefits to Marin residents such as ongoing wildfire fuel reduction work, upgraded roads and trails, well maintained parks, reduced entrance fees, and much more. The existing Measure A expires in March 2022, and the Marin County Board of Supervisors plans to discuss the matter at a special meeting July 6.
Research indicates strong public support for an extension of Marin County Parks Measure A in 2021 or 2022, with 82.8% of respondents in favor. This is Verissimo Hills Open Space Preserve on the west side of Novato during lusher times.Staff from Marin County Parks recommends that the Board introduce a proposed ordinance extending Parks Measure A for nine years and then schedule a public merit hearing for July 13 to consider its options. The Board would reconvene later to adopt a resolution to submit the ordinance to Marin voters during the Governor’s recall election, if feasible, when a date is announced. As of now, the potential timing of a ballot measure is uncertain.
Recent research shows that residents appreciate the work Measure A has funded since 2012, identifying vegetation management, protection of natural lands, and taking care of parks and preserves as their top priorities. The research indicated strong public support for an extension of Measure A in 2021 or 2022, with 82.8% of respondents in favor. The research also showed that support for Marin County Parks increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is gratifying to see Marin residents’ satisfaction with Measure A and support for ongoing local funding into the future,” said Parks Director Max Korten. “Our ability to protect and preserve Marin’s parks and open spaces, provide recreational facilities for all, and do our part to ensure wildfire safety are made possible by Measure A. But I’m not surprised by the support because this community has a long history of conservation and shared values for the protection, enjoyment, and access to public lands.”
The existing Measure A is officially known as the Marin Parks, Open Space, and Farmland Preservation Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance of 2012. County voters overwhelmingly approved the measure in November 2012, resulting in ongoing funding in four broad categories. The majority of Measure A funds – 52% – have been used to improve wildfire safety, restore natural resources, maintain County parks and open space preserves, restore and improve public access, and protect natural lands. Another 20% of funds has saved family farms and ranches through collaborative grants with local nonprofits. A total of 19 municipalities and special districts receive 15% of ongoing funding to take care of local parks, and 13% of Measure A supports conservation including the protection of properties such as Sky Ranch, Bucks Landing, Bowman Canyon, and Corte Madera Baylands.
All funding disbursements from the tax measure go through the Measure A Community Oversight Committee for the sake of transparency and accountability. The seven-member committee reviews annual expenditures, oversees an annual audit, and prepares an annual report describing how funds were spent.
Since 2014, Measure A has also funded the Breathe/Respira Community Grants program to remove barriers to the public lands and parks cared for by Measure A funding. The grants have enabled local organizations to connect community services and programming to the mental and physical health benefits of the outdoors. Grants have supported Marin’s most at-risk and under-resourced residents through partnerships that have offered youth counseling, art therapy, adult social programs and community building, physical activity, after-school and youth naturalist programs, fall-prevention training, and more.
“I’ve seen first-hand how meaningful the grants program has been, helping residents discover McInnis, McNears Beach, Stafford Lake, and other parks for the very first time,” said Oscar Guardado, a member of the Parks and Open Space Commission. “County staff, instructors, and rangers host exercise classes, outdoor play, nature walks, nutrition education, arts and crafts, and so much more. Families get a chance to learn about a broad network of community services and make lasting connections to the parks. This certainly is an excellent opportunity to improve the health of our community.”
In recognition of the traumatic challenges faced by COVID-19, Parks is partnering with the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on this year’s Breathe/Respira community grants to support programs that improve mental health. Over the next several months $100,000 will be awarded to local community organizations.