Budget Workshop Points To Balanced Forecast, Focuses On Key Priorities In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The County of Marin has concluded its annual budget workshops, presenting the Board of Supervisors and the public with a draft two-year workplan and a three-year fiscal forecast in preparation for the 2026-28 budget cycle.

Held from Feb. 23-25 at the Marin Center’s Showcase Theater, the workshops featured staff updates on the proposed budget and emerging policy challenges. A key takeaway was a balanced fiscal forecast, though staff noted a limited operating margin due to federal and state funding pressures.

Significant progress was reported on the County’s retiree benefit liabilities, which is expected to free up funds from pension obligation bond costs to support future public safety facilities and road improvements. Conversely, staff indicated that changes in federal healthcare and benefit provision will require the County to address significant challenges to its social safety net programming.

The Board of Supervisors affirmed a commitment to excluding State Criminal Alien Assistance Program funding from the proposed budget and adding $500,000 for immigration support services.

The draft workplan is designed to address the Board's top priorities, which include:

• Increasing affordable housing and addressing homelessness
• Building a racially equitable community
• Reducing emissions and building climate-resilient communities
• Enhancing disaster and emergency preparedness
• Investing in Marin County’s infrastructure
• Improving community and economic vitality

“Marin County is entering this budget cycle from a position of fiscal strength, and with real pressure points that require attentiveness and focus,” said Board President and District 5 Supervisor Eric Lucan. He added that he looks forward to "continued support for our most vulnerable residents, including those impacted by changes to the federal safety net and immigration policies.”

Following the input received during the workshops, County budget staff will refine the workplan and fiscal forecast before presenting an updated version to the Board in April. After the workplan is approved, the proposed budget will be finalized and published on the County website by mid-May. The final budget hearings, where the Board will consider approval of the 2026-28 budget, are scheduled for June 8-10.

For context, the Board previously approved an $865.8 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reflecting a 6 percent increase in expenditures over the prior year.