Body of News Release
San Rafael, CA – All over America, indicators of community well-being have shown troubling disparities by race, including in Marin County. In recent years, the County of Marin created an Office of Equity and a Race Equity Action Plan to advance policies that make Marin more welcoming to all. That plan, first created in 2017, has been updated and was discussed and approved January 23 during the Marin County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Now it’s all about rolling up sleeves and making things happen with the $1.7 million allocated by the Supervisors. Looking ahead, implementation will focus on three top priorities: Economic opportunity, mental health, and housing.
Equity Director Jamillah Jordan said the Race Equity Action Plan is a “clear vision and systemic approach to addressing identified racial equity gaps” in the areas of housing, mental health, and economic opportunity. “We have worked hard to center the voices of those most impacted by racial disparities and to build trust in this process as we create more pathways for everyone to thrive in this county,” Jordan said.
Recommendations from the plan include implementing a minimum wage ordinance setting the hourly earning rate at $18 with a graduated increase through 2035, supporting microenterprises for economic mobility, establishing anti-displacement policies to increase housing affordability, and expanding access to mental health services in communities of color.
The Supervisors expressed support and congratulations for progress made with the plan thus far, including the multi-stakeholder collaboration and the focus on accountability.
“You have worked countless hours on this, and I feel very comfortable with your proposal,” said Board President Dennis Rodoni, the District 4 Supervisor, after the Board approved the plan. “I look forward to hearing more going forward.”
Marin County consistently ranks among the healthiest and wealthiest communities in California. However, these rankings often hide real disparities of access and opportunity. Marin is the third most racially disparate among California counties according to the 2023 Race Counts report. Several equity indicators show that communities of color in Marin are experiencing deep and pervasive disparities in areas such as life expectancy, access to health care, affordable housing, and economic mobility.
Jordan shared that “Racial inequities are not random, natural, or inevitable. It’s possible — and only possible — to close these equity gaps by using strategies determined through an intentional focus on race.”
For more information about the County’s equity efforts, check the Office of Equity website.