Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin County’s fiscal years 2026–28 Proposed Budget and Financial Plan, unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 8, outlines how the County will invest in community needs, sustain core services, and respond to emerging federal changes.
The County’s structurally balanced all-funds budget for fiscal year 2026–27 totals $902.6 million, a 4.2% increase from the 2025-26 budget. The General Fund and Health and Human Services budget totals $679.4 million, reflecting a 2.9% increase. Including special districts, the total budget is $938 million.
“This budget aligns with our Board’s priorities and values while maintaining flexibility amid state and federal budget uncertainty,” said Board President Eric Lucan. “We will continue to monitor community impacts and make adjustments as needed. Our focus remains clear: protecting and serving our most vulnerable residents and responding to challenges in a timely and responsible manner.”
County budgets are developed through a transparent, multi-step process that culminates in a public hearing each June. Board discussions in December, February, and April help shape early budget proposals and subsequent revisions, combined with review from the Board’s Budget Subcommittee. Public workshops held in late February provided additional opportunities for community input, followed by key funding updates from the State of California in May.
During the June 8 presentation, County staff outlined how they were navigating volatile, and at times, significant federal policy changes, especially those affecting health and safety-net services for vulnerable residents. Counties across California are facing similar challenges, including substantial reductions in federal funding for programs such as health care and food assistance.
“Through this budget, we are making strategic choices that support core service delivery, address deferred maintenance in County facilities, advance long-range project and policy planning, and ensure that Marin County remains responsive, resilient, and financially sound as we navigate increasing political and economic headwinds,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “At the same time, we recognize that federal changes to public benefits represent some of the most significant public policy shifts the County has faced in more than a decade. These changes will require close monitoring and may require future budget adjustments to help mitigate impacts on the residents and clients we serve.”
To support residents most affected by federal policy changes, the final budget includes one-time and ongoing investments focused on community needs. This funding includes support for immigrant legal defense and emergency assistance, expanded support for local nonprofits and community-based organizations, and initiatives to strengthen food security and help offset reductions in federal benefits. The budget also continues local climate programs and funding initiatives to ensure low- and moderate-income residents can access programs such as electric vehicle rebates.
In total, the budget includes $4 million in targeted funding for community-based services, including immigration resources, food security initiatives, and access to benefits, local grant-making, and investments in community infrastructure. These funding commitments align with the Board of Supervisors’ priorities and are incorporated into the County’s grant and funding programs to help ensure resources effectively reach the communities they serve.
Additional funding for immigration services included in the proposed budget builds on allocations in March, bringing the County’s two-year investment in these services to $1.5 million. These funds will support local partners providing critical resources and assistance to Marin community members.
While the County of Marin, like others across California, is not positioned to fully offset anticipated federal and state funding reductions, the budget maintains reserves, aligns ongoing expenditures with revenues, and focuses on sustaining core services while adapting to changing conditions. In addition to proactive budgeting, the County continues to advocate at the federal level to protect funding and services that support local communities, working with regional partners to address actions that could impact public health, safety-net programs, and local communities. net programs, and local communities.
More information about the budget process is available on the County Executive’s Budget and Priority Setting webpage.