Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – The Marin County Board of Supervisors has approved a $300,000 contract with the West Marin Fund to launch a new Workforce Stability Program that will help local working families facing housing insecurity in West Marin.
The three-year pilot program approved during the Board’s August 19 meeting was developed in response to a recent settlement agreement within Point Reyes National Seashore that requires 11 ranching families to retire their operations. As part of the settlement, 26 households living in ranch housing must relocate by February 2026. Combined with existing housing challenges in the area, this decision has increased the urgency to create safe and stable housing options for families, many of whom are essential workers.
“This program is about ensuring that the people who make West Marin thrive — our workforce, our families, our neighbors — can continue to live and work in the communities they call home,” said Raissa de la Rosa, Economic Vitality Coordinator for the County of Marin. “Through partnership with West Marin Fund, we’re addressing displacement head-on while also investing in long-term stability and resilience.”
The Workforce Stability Program will provide temporary housing options for families in transition, expand access to services such as housing navigation and job training, and strengthen the ability of local nonprofit organizations to support residents. The program will also encourage collaboration between the County, local nonprofits, and private donors to create housing solutions that are both sustainable and community-driven.
Equity is at the heart of the program. It is designed to prioritize those most impacted by housing insecurity, including immigrants, essential workers, and families of color who are often at risk of displacement. By linking housing support with workforce development, the program will not only provide immediate relief but also help build long-term economic stability for local families.
West Marin Fund, a trusted nonprofit partner in the region, will lead community engagement efforts and work closely with a coalition of organizations and residents dedicated to addressing housing and resiliency challenges in West Marin.
“This initiative is significant. It is grounded in community collaboration and equity,” said the fund’s Executive Director, Sarah Hobson. “It ensures that solutions are guided by lived experience, cultural understanding, and the people who are most affected during this time of loss.”
District 4 Supervisor Dennis Rodoni, who represents West Marin on the Board of Supervisors, added: “This program reflects our commitment to stand with West Marin families. By working closely with local partners, we can coordinate housing, workforce resources, and other services to ensure impacted families remain supported and our communities remain strong.”