San Rafael, CA – A quarter-cent sales tax in Marin County that supports parks and open space is set to expire in about two months. The Marin County Board of Supervisors, which has shown support for Marin County Parks Measure A since it received countywide voter approval in 2012, will discuss placing a renewal measure on the June ballot during its February 8 meeting.
As the Measure A sunset date of March 31 approaches, Parks staff has been gathering feedback, answering questions, and gauging support for tax measure renewal. The tax has generated an average of $14 million per year over nine years for parks, open spaces, and farmland preservation across Marin. A poll conducted by the Marin Open Space Trust in June 2021 indicated broad public support for local parks and open space funding.
Measure A has generated an average of $14 million per year over nine years for parks, open spaces, and farmland preservation across Marin.
In June 2021 the Supervisors directed Parks to work toward re-implementing Measure A. The Supervisors received an update October 19 about Parks’ community survey and a second update December 14 about election preparations and recent uses of the tax revenue. Both meetings included robust input from residents and groups. On January 20, the Parks and Open Space Commission recommended the draft Measure A ordinance and expenditure plan move forward to the Board for consideration to place on the ballot. In response to public feedback, the draft expenditure plan increases funding for fire fuel reduction work in County parks and preserves and diversifies the existing farmland allocation for sustainable agricultural practices.
Placing the measure on the ballot requires the Board to host two public meetings on the draft ordinance and expenditure plan and to pass a resolution. The first of the two meetings is on February 8, and it represents the most important opportunity for public participation and comment on the draft ordinance and expenditure plan before the Board makes a decision during the second meeting on February 15. The staff report for the February 8 meeting will be available on the Board’s agenda webpage by the afternoon of February 3. Emailed feedback is welcomed as well.
Over the past nine years, Measure A has been an important funding resource for County, city and town parks, open spaces, and family farms that contribute to Marin’s food supply. It provides approximately 40% of Parks’ budget and has allowed the County and local governments to increase fire fuel reduction, address deferred maintenance, support critical sea level rise adaptation projects, improve trails and expand access to the trail system, and protect and restore natural habitat.
Parks is especially pleased about Measure A’s effect on equity, one of the top ongoing issues supported by the Supervisors. Measure A funds were used to reduce or eliminate park fees, provide park passes to lower-income residents, and fund programs that have provided ranger-led events for visitors who might not otherwise have easy access to recreation.
Learn more about Parks and Measure A at www.marincountyparks.org.
For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail the Parks staff at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.