Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – On August 25, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will review proposed changes to 19 County boards, commissions, and committees as part of a broader effort to ensure these important avenues for community participation remain effective, accessible, and equipped to serve the public.
County boards and commissions give residents opportunities to bring community perspectives, subject-matter expertise, and lived experience into local government decision-making. The review examined whether each advisory body continues to have a clear and relevant purpose, can operate effectively, and has the membership, governance structure and staff support it needs to carry out its work. Staff recommendations included keeping a body as it is, making improvements, restructuring or combining it with another body, ending it, or doing more review.
The review found that most advisory bodies continue to provide value. It also identified ways to improve the overall system, including clearer bylaws and legal authority, better vacancy management, consistent staff-liaison roles, annual work plans, regular reporting, stronger public outreach, and future reviews.
A small number of bodies may need restructuring, consolidation, more study, or possible planned discontinuation, commonly referred to as sunsetting. These are staff recommendations; no decision is final until the Board acts at a public meeting.
The review builds on the County’s 2024 Equity Modernization Plan and the 2026 survey findings presented to the Board on May 19. That work identified common challenges, including vacancies, difficulty meeting quorum, outdated bylaws, unclear roles, inconsistent onboarding, and different levels of staff support.
If the Board directs changes, the County will contact affected commissioners, staff liaisons, departments, and other stakeholders. Some changes may require additional legal review or another Board action.
The August 25 agenda, staff report, and participation information will be available at the Board of Supervisors meetings website. Visit County of Marin Boards and Commissions webpage to learn more.