Body of News Release
UPDATE 5/19: The Board accepted the proposed budget.
Marin County, CA – The Marin County Office of the County Executive will present a balanced FY 2026–28 Proposed Budget and Financial Plan to the Board of Supervisors on May 19, outlining how the County will sustain core services, respond to emerging federal changes, and invest in community needs.
The proposed FY 2026–27 All Funds budget totals $902.6 million, a 4.2% increase from last year. The General Fund and Health and Human Services budget is $679.4 million, up 2.9%. Including special districts, the total budget is $938 million.
During the presentation, staff will show that the proposed budget is structurally balanced and reflects a proactive approach to growing fiscal uncertainty, including anticipated impacts from federal policy changes affecting health and safety net services. Counties across California are facing similar challenges, with significant reductions in federal support for programs such as health care and food assistance. Marin County is preparing for those changes early while continuing to prioritize essential services for residents.
To support residents most affected, the proposed budget includes targeted, one-time and ongoing investments focused on community needs. These include funding for immigrant legal defense and emergency assistance, expanded support for local nonprofits and community-based organizations, and investments in food security to help offset disruptions to federal benefits. The plan also continues local climate investments to ensure low- and moderate-income residents can access programs such as electric vehicle rebates.
In total, the proposed budget includes $4 million in targeted funding for community-based services, including immigration resources, food security, and access to benefits and local grant-making or contributions to community infrastructure. Those investments align with the Board of Supervisors’ priorities and are built into the County’s grant and funding programs to ensure resources reach communities efficiently.
Additional funding included in the proposed budget for immigration services builds upon previous allocations in March, bringing the two-year contribution of those services up to $1.5 million. Those funds will support local partners providing critical services to the Marin community.
The proposed plan reflects extensive direction from the Supervisors and was shaped through multiple public touchpoints, including Board discussions in December, February, and April, as well as review by the Board’s Budget Subcommittee.
While the County of Marin, like others across California, is not positioned to fully offset anticipated and known federal and state funding reductions, the budget maintains reserves, aligns ongoing costs with revenues, and focuses on sustaining core services while adapting to changing conditions. Alongside proactive budgeting, the County is actively advocating at the federal level to protect community resources and services, working with regional partners to push back on federal actions that could impact public health, safety net programs, and local communities.
“This proposed budget reflects responsible fiscal stewardship and a commitment to meeting the needs of our community,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “We are planning ahead for uncertainty while also actively advocating to protect the resources and services our residents depend on.”
The County’s budget is developed through a transparent, multi-step process, culminating in public hearings beginning 9 AM Monday, June 8 at 9 a.m. Additional hearings may be held June 10 if needed.
Community members may participate in person at the Marin County Civic Center (Suite 330, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael), submit comments online, or watch live and archived meetings on the County’s website.
More information about the budget process is available on the County Executive’s Budget and Priority Setting webpage.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail the County staff at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.