Archives: FAQs

City Parks

Albert Park Playground, Grassy Area, Tennis Courts, Pickleball Courts, Community Center Beach Park – currently closed Play Structure, Seating, Bocce Courts Bernard Hoffman Field Ball Diamond, Grassy Area Boyd Park Playground, Picnic Tables/Barbecue, Hiking Bret Harte Park Playground, Picnic Tables Freitas Memorial Park Playground, Picnic Tables/Barbecue, Grassy Area, Water feature Freitas Tennis Court Gerstle Park Playground, Picnic Tables/Barbecue, Tennis Courts, Basketball Court, Grassy Area, Walking Trail Jean & John Starkweather … Continued

What contributes to the City of San Rafael’s high quality of life?

San Rafael strives to enhance the quality of life for all residents and to provide a safe, healthy, prosperous and livable environment in partnership with the community. Important priorities include safe neighborhoods, active community centers for our youth and seniors, emergency response services and providing social services to support our most vulnerable populations. These essential … Continued

What are the challenges our City is currently facing?

In addition to the health impacts of COVID-19, the restrictions put into place through the public health order have taken an unprecedented toll on our federal, state, and local economy. Economists are predicting cities such as San Rafael who are heavily reliant on sales tax, transaction and use tax (TUT), and transient occupancy tax (TOT) … Continued

What do revenue reductions of this magnitude mean for a city the size of San Rafael?

For context, revenue reductions of this magnitude represent roughly the equivalent of: San Rafael’s entire Department of Public Works Budget for one year; Two-thirds of San Rafael’s Fire Department Budget for one year; or One-half of San Rafael’s Police Department Budget for one year.

How will the City address these budget challenges?

To meet our financial challenges, there are a number of efforts and programs we have implemented to reduce expenses and increase revenue, including: Hiring Freeze – A hiring freeze has already been instituted which will result in approximately $1.4 million in savings annually. Mandatory Furlough Program – The San Rafael City Council has approved a … Continued

Housing for Special Needs Populations

San Rafael Age Friendly Action Plan. This 2021 plan discusses the needs of older adults in San Rafael, including the need for housing and home retrofits that help residents “age in community.” Marin County Homeless Report. This presents the results of the Countywide point-in-time survey for unsheltered residents in Marin County, which is conducted every … Continued

Are there alternatives to addressing the budget shortfall through cuts alone?

The City of San Rafael recently commissioned a survey of local residents that measured 64% support for increasing the local sales tax rate to help preserve city services. On July 20, 2020, the San Rafael City Council unanimously voted to place a measure on the November ballot that would increase the local sales tax rate … Continued

What types of fiscal accountability would a local funding measure include?

A potential measure would require strict fiscal accountability to ensure transparency and public oversight. Mandatory annual independent financial audits, citizen oversight, and public disclosure of spending would ensure that all funds remain in San Rafael and could not be taken by the County or State government. These fiscal safeguards would ensure funds are locally controlled … Continued

What specific city services could this local funding measure support?

Funding from a potential measure could support general city services and projects, such as: Repairing potholes, city streets, sidewalks and traffic signals Upgrading storm drains to reduce street flooding and storm drain failures Preserving rapid 9-1-1 emergency response and evacuation routes Keeping city parks, playgrounds and downtown safe and clean, including addressing the impacts of … Continued

How would a local funding measure work?

If approved by San Rafael voters, the measure would increase the local sales tax by one-quarter percent, generating about $3.4 million annually, with 100% of this revenue staying in San Rafael. This sales tax would be paid for not just by San Rafael residents, but also those who work, visit and shop in San Rafael. … Continued