Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – In West Marin, there are two volunteer committees that recommend how money from a local tax measure is spent to help improve the local community. Recruitment is underway until mid-October for several seats on those influential advisory groups.
The County of Marin seeks community members who are interested in recommending how to use revenues from Measure W, levies a transient occupancy tax on visitors who stay at short-term rentals, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts in West Marin. This tax contributes to local workforce housing and emergency services.
The taxes paid by vacationers amount to about $1.2 million each year, with tax revenue evenly split between the Marin Community Development Agency (CDA) and the Marin County Fire Department. CDA uses its portion to support community housing programs focused on addressing the shortage of year-round housing options for local workers. The Fire Department’s share strengthens emergency services by funding local fire districts and volunteer fire departments throughout West Marin, helping to protect residents and visitors alike.
CDA has opened the application period for West Marin residents and employees to apply for the Measure W Working Group on Community Housing and the Measure W Oversight Committee. Eligible applicants must live and/or work in the Measure W Tax Area. The Oversight Committee requires members to live within the tax area.
Measure W, passed by local voters in 2019, increased transient occupancy taxes on West Marin visitors staying at hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and short-term rentals from 10% to 14% to address tourism impacts. The Measure W geographic boundaries include coastal West Marin from Muir Beach to Dillon Beach and inland communities including Nicasio and the San Geronimo Valley.
There is a strong need on the committees for experts in real estate, accounting, auditing, other finance professions and those who bring lived experiences, especially individuals with connections to the agricultural community. In this participatory process, the County also is encouraging those from underrepresented backgrounds, including renters, young adults, and people of color, to apply for the committee positions.
The two bodies are slightly different in scope.
- The Measure W Working Group evaluates local priorities in connection with ongoing housing needs and meets with CDA staff several times a year to recommend funding priorities that are passed along to the Board of Supervisors.
- The Measure W Oversight Committee reviews the annual audit report from the occupancy tax to ensure that the money is allocated within the West Marin tax area and designated for purposes approved by the voters. Those purposes are fire protection, other emergency services, and community housing.
Applications for the two Measure W committees are on CDA’s Measure W website, by emailing the CDA staff, or by calling (415) 473-3547.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-3547 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail CDA 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.