News Release —
Third-Party Assessment of Public Works Being Presented to Supervisors

UPDATE 11/18: The Board accepted the report.

Marin County, CA – The County of Marin is reviewing how its departments operate, assessing their efficiency, and evaluating their internal support systems. The review is not just an internal task: It is set up to result in better delivery of services to Marin residents. 

The planned series of Organizational Excellence Reports started with an evaluation of the Community Development Agency, presented to the Marin County Board of Supervisors on October 21. Next, on November 18, the Board will review a report on the Department of Public Works (DPW) and hear about how it can improve its structure, staffing, technology systems, and customer service practices. 

The departmental reviews provide a third-party perspective of how well a department’s performance aligns with Board of Supervisors’ priorities, which are largely based on occasional resident surveys and constant public feedback. The report findings are shared publicly to promote transparency and accountability.

The study, conducted by KPMG LLP in collaboration with DPW and the Office of the County Executive, focuses on best-practice approaches to effective government. It identifies key opportunities to improve coordination, enhance technology integration, and better support staff in meeting the community’s needs. 

“While we benefit greatly from historic architecture at the Civic Center and miles of roads connecting our communities, all of that comes with substantial infrastructure needs – which highlights the critical importance of a highly functional Department of Public Works,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “This assessment helps provide a roadmap for how to meaningfully invest in process, people, and our organization so that we can address deferred maintenance and other improvement projects throughout our community.”

The assessment outlines 18 high-level recommendations organized around three central themes:

• Service Delivery – Improving customer engagement and feedback, standardizing documentation, and advancing technology modernization, including steps toward paperless processes and system integration.
• People and Culture – Strengthening workload tracking, enhancing recruitment and retention, and expanding training and educational partnerships to attract and develop talent.
• Structure, Roles, and Decision Authorities – Implementing data-driven performance management, clarifying policy alignment across divisions, and developing a unified strategic plan for DPW.

Across those focus areas, the report identifies more than 100 actionable items designed to streamline operations, support staff, and improve the customer experience for residents and local businesses.

In spring 2024, the County transitioned from a County Administrator governing model to a County Executive form of government, establishing a framework that supports this type of department-wide assessment and continuous improvement. The CDA and DPW reports are part of a Countywide effort to promote organizational excellence and ensure that the County of Marin government continues to deliver efficient, equitable, and high-quality services to the community.

After the Board’s review of the DPW report, staff from the Office of the County Executive will work with DPW leadership to assess the findings, prioritize the recommendations, and develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the department’s future. 

The next Organizational Excellence Report will focus on the Marin Housing Authority (MHA), an independent agency and not a County of Marin department. Findings from that study, which is already underway, will build on lessons learned through the CDA and DPW reviews, continuing a unified commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and strong organizational alignment across all service areas.

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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-4275 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail 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.