Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – After a successful first cycle, Participatory Budgeting (PB) is back in Marin County. The County’s Office of Equity is again leading this innovative approach to community-driven funding in Marin.
In Cycle 2 of PB, the County of Marin is making $2.5 million available, and community members will decide how to spend the funds on equity-centered projects. The democratic process gives community members real power over real money.
“With the launch of PB Cycle 2, we are continuing to invest in community leadership and ensuring that public dollars are guided by lived experience and community priorities,” said County Equity Director Jamillah Jordan. Ensuring County resources are invested equitably — and that all communities have a voice in decision-making — is central to a key Board priority of building racially equitable communities.
Cycle 1, which began in 2023, resulted in funding distributions to 24 community projects that promoted equity in Marin. More than 3,600 people voted on how to spend the allotted $2.5 million. Selected projects included high-impact youth mentorship programs, climate resiliency initiatives, and cultural arts programs, among others. Details on the allocations and those programs are on the Equity website.
Apply to Join the PB Steering Committee
The next cycle of PB will formally launch in spring 2026. The County is now looking for community members to serve on the PB Steering Committee that will help co-design the PB process. Committee membership is open to all members of the public who live, work, and/ or attend school in Marin County. The Office of Equity encourages individuals aged 14 and older from the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael, Marin City, Novato, West Marin, and countywide to apply.
“Joining the PB Committee is an empowering opportunity to impact your neighborhood, get involved in local government and shift the power of budget decision-making to communities that have historically been disenfranchised,” Jordan said.
Key roles for committee members include:
- serving as a PB community ambassador and encouraging members of the public to get involved;
- conducting inclusive community outreach, particularly within communities most impacted by racial, social and economic inequities; and
- reviewing and evaluating PB proposals to determine the community ballot.
This is a paid volunteer position with a stipend of $50 per meeting. The estimated time commitment is 2-4 hours per month with monthly meetings (held both virtually and in-person) through March 2027.
The application is available online in English and Spanish through April 30. Printed applications are also available at 30 North San Pedro Road, Suite 170, San Rafael.
Curious how PB works? Watch a brief video introducing PB to local community members. Email questions to the Equity team.