As part of the County of Marin’s 2026-28 budget development process, staff presented the Board of Supervisors and the public with a draft workplan and three-year fiscal forecast.
During the County’s annual budget workshops, held February 23-25 at the Marin Center’s Showcase Theater, staff also provided updates on emerging local policy issues, key elements of the proposed budget and fiscal forecast, and additional proposals under consideration for the coming budget cycle. The updates included:
An overview of a balanced fiscal forecast based on current assumptions and limited operating margin due to federal and state funding pressures;
Reports of significant progress made on the County’s retiree benefit liabilities, and positioning to re-purpose funding from pension obligation bond costs to support public safety facilities and road improvements in the years to come;
Indications that the County will need to address significant challenges to social safety net programming due to changes in how healthcare and other benefits are provided from the federal government.
During multiple sessions over the three-day period, the Board of Supervisors and members of the public shared feedback and perspectives on emerging policy issues, service priorities, and resource allocation considerations for the upcoming budget cycle. The final session included County Executive Derek Johnson’s affirmation that the proposed budget will exclude State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) funding and add a commitment of $500,000 for immigration support services.
Staff provided an overview of workplans that seek to address the Board’s top priorities, including:
- 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
In the coming weeks, County budget staff will review and consider the Board’s input, work with department staff, and refine the workplan and fiscal forecast before returning to the Board in April with an updated version of the workplan. Then, after workplan approval, staff will finalize the proposed budget for publication on the County website by mid-May. The annual budget hearings are scheduled for June 8-10, when the Board will review and consider approval of the 2026-28 budget and financial plan.
“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. “We’ve made great progress in preparing a workplan that addresses our highest priorities, and I look forward to continued support for our most vulnerable residents, including those impacted by changes to the federal safety net and immigration policies.”
On May 16, 2025, the Board approved a $865.8 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Across all funds, the one-time and ongoing expenditure plan reflected a 6% increase over the previous fiscal year and included $10.4 million to go toward one-time enhancements and pilot initiatives with community-identified priorities. The approved budget reflected the County’s commitment to democracy, diversity, equity, and inclusion – a pledge displayed in a January 2025 Board resolution.
The public can learn more about the budget process by checking interactive tools on the County’s budget webpage. Feedback about budget priorities may be emailed to the budget staff.