Economic Vitality

The County is developing a new, countywide Economic Vitality Strategic Plan to support a thriving, resilient, and inclusive local economy. Together with cities, businesses, educators, and community partners, we are shaping a shared approach to strengthen Marin’s places, workforce, and long-term opportunity.

Our Focus

Vibrant Places & Cultural Vitality. We are working to activate Marin’s public spaces, downtowns and other unique places through placemaking, arts, and community gathering spaces. This includes supporting:

• Local businesses
• Arts, culture, and events
• Welcoming, connected community spaces

Innovation & Talent Retention. Marin is home to extraordinary talent. We are focused on creating the conditions for that talent to stay, grow, and thrive locally. This includes:

• Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs
• Encouraging innovation and emerging industries
• Strengthening connections to the broader Bay Area economy

Workforce & Housing Alignment. A strong economy depends on people being able to live and work in Marin. We want residents to be able to build careers here, and employers to grow with confidence. We are working to better connect:

• Housing opportunities
• Workforce training and education
• Local employment pathways

Shared Identity & Storytelling. Marin’s brand identity is one of its greatest strengths. We are advancing a shared narrative that celebrates:

• Creativity and culture
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• The unique character and diversity of Marin’s communities

Regional Coordination. Economic vitality requires collaboration, so that local efforts align and reinforce one another. We are working to strengthen coordination across:

• Cities and towns
• Chambers of commerce
• Educational institutions
• Employers and community partners

How This Work Fits Into Broader County Efforts

Community and Economic Vitality is one of the six core priorities of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, and FY 2026–28 Budget. This work is part of a broader, coordinated set of County initiatives, including:

• Regional learning and best practices. Insights from Marin’s fall 2025 Learning Exchange with San Luis Obispo are helping inform this work, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration, placemaking, workforce alignment, and coordinated regional strategies. (See recap presentation to the Board of Supervisors)
• Countywide Strategic Plan (launching 2026). This effort will establish long-term priorities across all areas of County government, informed in part by recent resident survey results presented to the Board of Supervisors. The Economic Vitality Strategic Plan will serve as a key component of this broader vision.
• Tying in to other regional efforts. The County is working to intentionally align Economic Development efforts across Marin, building on local, city- and town-led efforts such as Novato’s recent Economic Development Strategic Plan to support a coordinated, regional approach. Ongoing work led by the Community Development Agency in Marin's unincorporated communities, including corridor studies, placemaking activation, and West Marin Visioning, will also directly inform and align with these efforts.
• Housing, climate, and infrastructure investments. Economic vitality is closely connected to housing availability, climate resilience, and transportation systems. This plan will help align economic strategies with these investments.
• Equity and social mobility. Building a racially equitable community is another one of the Board's six core priorities. Economic Vitality work seeks to advance this goal in partnership with the Office of Equity by ensuring access to good-wage jobs, reduced barriers to opportunity, and preventing displacement; so that Marin remains a place where people of all backgrounds can live, work, and build a future.
• Data-driven planning and analysis. The County is advancing economic and demographic analysis to better understand workforce trends, housing needs, and opportunities for growth.
• Building on prior work. Marin developed its first countywide Economic Vitality Strategic Plan in 2022. As conditions have evolved in a post-COVID environment, the County is taking a fresh look at this work to reflect current priorities, opportunities, and community needs—along with a stronger focus on clear, actionable strategies and implementation.

What's next

The County plans to launch the Economic Vitality Strategic Plan process in 2026, with opportunities for community and stakeholder input throughout. The Strategic Plan will serve as a roadmap, and aims to:

• Identify clear priorities and implementation strategies
• Build on Marin’s strengths and community values
• Align efforts across jurisdictions and partners
• Advance early pilot projects and partnerships

Explore key resources designed to help businesses thrive and make informed decisions for long-term success.

Marin Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Get free local advising, tools, resources and other insights to start, grow, and pivot businesses. Multilingual services are available.

Steps to Start a Business

Find resources and guidance to launch your business and help it grow.

Employer and Wage Resources

Learn about hiring, training, and wage resources for your business.

Data Resources

Access comprehensive data to guide your business strategies and foster an equitable economy. These resources provide valuable insights to help inform decisions, track economic trends, and plan for the future.

Microenterprise Support Program

Promoting economic equity through entrepreneurship, the Microenterprise Support Program helps entrepreneurs across the county start and grow their business.

Glossary of Business Resources

Navigate the wide array of business support tools available in Marin County. Our glossary breaks down essential terms and provides easy access to helpful resources, so you can quickly find what you need to start or grow your business.