Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin County communities will receive $19.75 million in state funding for projects ranging from a permanent farmers market on the Marin County Civic Center campus to affordable housing, restoration efforts at the Mount Tamalpais Cemetery, and fire protection in West Marin.
The funding is part of a state budget bill signed into law September 19 by Governor Gavin Newsom. The investments build on the County of Marin's ongoing advocacy in Sacramento for local priorities.
The allotments are included in Assembly Bill 113, which enacts further state appropriations through the 2026–27 state budget package adopted in June. Under this additional appropriations bill, Marin projects receiving funding include:
Permanent Farmers Market ($13.25 million)
This funding — led by the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) in partnership with the County — will advance development of a permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market at the Marin County Civic Center. Earlier this year, the County approved a 40-year lease agreement with AIM and provided $2.5 million to support the project. The facility will showcase local agricultural products and help activate the Civic Center campus as a community gathering place.
West Marin community investments ($3.35 million)
This budget action includes funding for several important projects serving West Marin communities. The Bolinas Community Land Trust will receive $2 million to support construction of 25 affordable housing units as part of the Bo-Linda Vista Project at the former site of the Tacherra Ranch. Bo-Linda Vista has been used for temporary emergency housing since 2024 and the project will transition the site into permanent affordable housing. Additionally, $800,000 was provided to the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District to advance the construction of a new fire station responding to growing emergency needs in the region, building on the $600,000 committment from the County. West Marin Community Services will also receive $550,000 to support its critical work serving families and individuals throughout West Marin in meeting their essential needs.
Mount Tamalpais Cemetery restoration ($1.8 million)
This project will support restoration efforts at the Mount Tamalpais Cemetery in San Rafael, which has suffered deteriorating conditions for years. The state Cemetery and Funeral Board revoked the license for the cemetery in 2025, but the property remains in need of significant work to address overgrown vegetation, repair roads and pathways, and mitigate public safety issues. These funds will enable essential first steps in the County’s partnership with community members, ensuring the cemetery becomes the gathering place families deserve and ownership transfers to longer-term steward of the property.
Redwood Bikeshare Pilot ($1 million)
This funding will extend the Marin-Sonoma bikeshare pilot program operated by the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) in partnership with the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, giving residents more options for first- and last-mile trips to transit. Since its launch in October 2024, Redwood Bikeshare has logged over 28,000 trips oand achieved significant year-over-year growth. This state appropriation ensures the pilot will continue for another three years.
Marin City Community Services District ($350,000)
This funding will help support renovations at the Marin City Community Services District facilities, following $3 million previously awarded in the 2022 State Budget.
"These investments reflect the strength of Marin County's partnerships with our state delegation and our local partners," said County Executive Derek Johnson. "From promoting our local agricultural producers, improving mobility and transit connectivity, to reinforcing important civic assets, this funding will deliver lasting benefits to residents across Marin County. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing advocacy for our community by Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Damon Connolly and their help in securing these critical resources.”