Snapshot: City Council meeting agenda, paramedic recognitions, transportation planning, 350 Merrydale Road shelter updates, and more!

San Rafael City Council Meeting Highlights

• Special Meeting: Begins at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, to review and act on the Consent Calendar.
• Regular Meeting: Begins at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers.

• Approval of minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 1, 2026
• Final adoption of Ordinance 2064 amending the Zoning Code to add clarifying language and simplify existing regulations
• Professional services agreement with Burke, Williams and Sorensen, LLP for legal services (not to exceed $585,000)
• Repeal of the Construction Vehicle Impact Fee
• Update on camping regulations enforcement; resolution prohibiting camping along Andersen Drive
• Resolution approving a Title VI Non-Discrimination Plan
• Amendment to the joint powers agreement with Marinwood Community Services District for fire protection and personnel sharing
• Receipt of the 2025 Fire Prevention Inspections report
• Resolution maintaining paramedic service special tax rates at current levels for FY 2026-27
• Proclamation recognizing July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month
• Cooperative agreement with the County of Marin for the Point San Pedro Road Slurry Seal Project
• Professional services agreement with Dudek for storm drain maintenance environmental compliance and permitting (not to exceed $249,521)
• Resolutions setting special taxes for Community Facilities Districts at Loch Lomond for FY 2026-27

• Update to the Park Impact Fee Program and Nexus Study; introduction of ordinance amending park fee and park dedication chapters of the Municipal Code
• Update to the Transportation Mitigation Fee Program and Nexus Study; introduction of ordinance adding a new Transportation Mitigation Fee chapter to the Municipal Code
• Introduction of ordinance updating parking regulations, traffic administration, and enforcement provisions
• Resolutions confirming annual levy reports and ordering assessments for the Point San Pedro Road Median Landscaping Assessment District and the Baypoint Lagoons Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for FY 2026-27
• Resolution updating the City's Master Fee Schedule for FY 2026-27

• Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project: consideration of next steps for proposed lighting along Starkweather Path
• Adoption of the Citywide Budget and Capital Improvement Program for FY 2026-27 ($208.2 million), the Gann Appropriations Limit, and the Measure A Work Plan

• Reports from the City Manager and Councilmembers, including updates on meetings and conferences attended.

San Rafael Firefighter-Paramedics Receive Statewide Honors

Firefighter-Paramedic James Irvine of the San Rafael Fire Department (SRFD) has been named the 2025 California Paramedic of the Year - the most prestigious honor in the state's Emergency Medical Services system. The award was presented at the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) Awards Banquet on June 3 at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

Firefighter-Paramedic Irvine has built a career defined by clinical excellence, mentorship, and a commitment to the people he serves. His work has strengthened not only SRFD but the broader Marin County EMS system - through specialty team involvement, hands-on education, and the kind of patient care that sets a standard for those around him.

Retired Captain Ryan Goodwin received the Distinguished Service Award for his lasting contributions to EMS, leadership, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the profession throughout his career. Through more than three decades of service as a paramedic, leader, and instructor, Retired Captain Goodwin has shaped EMS systems and mentored generations of providers who now serve communities across the state.

Please join the City in celebrating Retired Captain Ryan Goodwin and Firefighter-Paramedic James Irvine on these well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your service to the San Rafael community!

Sea Level Rise Study Presented to City Council

Eastern and southeast San Rafael face serious long-term flood risk - and the City is taking a hard look at what that means and what to do about it.

At the June 1 City Council meeting, the Council received a presentation on the City's Sea Level Rise Feasibility Study, the result of more than four years of community engagement, technical analysis, and partnership work. Much of eastern San Rafael was built on historic marshes and filled land that has settled over decades, creating a low-lying area that FEMA identifies as more vulnerable to flooding than 99% of census tracts nationwide. Recent high tides have already given residents a preview of what's at stake.

The study evaluated several potential responses to rising flood risk and found challenges across all options. What it does provide is a clearer picture of the financial, housing, and implementation tradeoffs involved in each path. Protecting San Rafael will require substantial funding, consensus-building, and partnerships that extend well beyond the City.

A longer Council presentation and discussion is scheduled for Aug. 17, 2026. In the meantime, the City is exploring funding opportunities and advancing General Plan 2040 flood-related policies.

Draft Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Now Open for Comment

The full public draft of San Rafael's updated Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (CBPP) is now available - and the City wants your feedback before it's finalized.

The draft plan reflects years of planning and community input aimed at making San Rafael safer and more connected for people who walk, bike, and roll. Residents, businesses, and community members can review the plan and submit comments through June 24, 2026, by emailing [email protected].

Community Meeting June 16: 350 Merrydale Road Shelter and Housing Project

San Rafael is hosting a community meeting on June 16 to share updates on the interim shelter project at 350 Merrydale Road and the affordable housing development planned for the site.

City staff will present on the current shelter project and provide information on the future development - a minimum 80-unit affordable housing project planned after the shelter's three-year operation concludes.

Interpretation services are available upon request. Contact the City at least 72 hours in advance by emailing [email protected].

The details:

Apply to Serve on the San Rafael Planning Commission

Do you live in District 3 and want to help shape how the City grows? The City is looking for a resident who lives in eastern San Rafael to fill a seat on the Planning Commission, the body that reviews and decides on development and land use projects across San Rafael.

Commissioners play a direct role in determining what gets built, where, and how - decisions that affect neighborhoods, housing, transportation, and the feel of the City for years to come. If you're interested in your community's future, this is a meaningful way to make your voice count.

City Hall Closed to Walk-Ins on Fridays This Summer

Starting June 5 and running through Aug. 28, 2026, San Rafael City Hall will be closed to the general public on Fridays. Residents who need in-person services on a Friday can contact the City to schedule an appointment.

All other City services remain open and maintain normal Friday hours, including San Rafael Community Centers, Libraries and Albert J. Boro Community Center Parking Services. Public safety and emergency reponse services will continue to operate 24/7.

City Hall Summer Hours:

Your Summer Activity Guide Has Arrived

San Rafael's 2026 Summer Activity Guide is making its way to mailboxes now. This year's guide is packed with classes, camps, events, and rental options, plus bonus activity puzzles for extra fun at home.

Not a San Rafael resident? Free copies are available at any San Rafael library or community center.

Marin County Fair Is Coming - Get Your Tickets Now

The Marin County Fair runs July 1-6 at the Marin County Civic Center, and this year's theme - "Stars, Stripes and Stories" - marks America's 250th anniversary while celebrating the people, places, and traditions that make Marin County home.

Admission includes live entertainment, headline concerts, 28 carnival rides, nightly fireworks, award-winning exhibits, and hands-on activities. Discounted advance tickets are $20 through June 30.

Free admission is offered every day for children 3 and under and active-duty military with ID. On Wednesday, July 1 only, free admission also extends to children 12 and under, adults 65 and over, and veterans with ID.

The fair also features an ADA Accessibility Lounge - a quiet, indoor, air-conditioned space where guests with disabilities can relax and recharge. Trained ADA Concierge volunteers are on hand daily until 7:00 p.m. and provide complimentary noise-canceling ear protection and fidget tools.

Join the San Rafael Team!

The City of San Rafael is looking for talented people to join our team! Please click the links below for more information about our open positions.

Have questions about working for the City? Please reach out to [email protected].

Exciting Upcoming Events

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

San Rafael Summer Market and 2nd Friday Art Walk: June 12, 2026, 5:00-9:00 p.m., Downtown San Rafael, Fourth Street

Raíces Del Canal Green Festival: June 13, 2026, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Albert J. Boro Community Center, 50 Canal Street

Read With Pride: June 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Marin County Civic Center Farmer's Market, 3501 Civic Center Drive

Mobile Art in the Garden: June 18, 2026, 10:00-11:30 a.m., San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

Quarterly CERT Meeting: June 24, 2026, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Marin County Office of Emergency Management, 1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 300, San Rafael

Plus, there's always something happening at the library! Check out the San Rafael Library event calendar!