Current Projects

District 2 is home to many of San Rafael's largest public investments and planning efforts. This page tracks major initiatives affecting District 2 and provides a consistent overview of each project's purpose, recent progress, anticipated next steps, and links to official City information.

Projects are updated when meaningful milestones occur. For monthly highlights of City Council actions, community events, and project milestones, visit the latest District Compass.

Introduction

Understanding Project Stages

  • Planning: Project concepts, applications, or preliminary review are underway.

  • Community Engagement: Public input is being gathered.

  • Design: Engineering, design, or project development is underway.

  • Environmental Review: Required environmental analysis is underway.

  • Construction: Physical work is underway.

  • Implementation: The project is moving from planning or construction into operation.

  • Ongoing: Long term initiative with continuing updates.

  • Completed: Construction or implementation is complete.

Civic Facilities

Transportation

Housing and Community Development

Economic Development

Project Directory

Albert Park Library and Community Center

Stage

Planning

Last Updated

July 2026

In November 2022, San Rafael voters approved Measure P to fund the replacement of the Albert Park Library and Community Center. The measure reflects a long term community investment in one of the City's most important civic facilities.

Located in the heart of District 2, the Albert Park Library and Community Center serves residents of all ages through library services, educational programs, community meetings, recreation, and cultural events. The project presents an opportunity to create a modern, accessible, and flexible civic space while strengthening Albert Park as a community gathering place.

Why it Matters

  • Approved by San Rafael voters through Measure P in November 2022.

  • Will replace the existing Albert Park Library and Community Center.

  • Represents one of the City's largest planned civic investments.

  • Guided by ongoing community engagement and City Council direction.

Project Background

The City continues implementation of Measure P through community engagement, consultant selection, and preliminary planning activities. Additional public outreach and design work are expected as the project advances.

Recent Progress

  • Continue community engagement.

  • Advance conceptual design.

  • Complete environmental review.

  • Develop project schedule and cost estimates.

What's Next

Official Resources

Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements

Stage

Community Engagement

Last Updated

July 2026

Second and Fourth Streets are Downtown's primary transportation corridors. The project is intended to improve safety, accessibility, and traffic operations while supporting Downtown businesses and improving travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists.

Why it Matters

Recent Progress

The City released an updated memorandum summarizing Parametrix's analysis and recommendations. Community members have been invited to review the recommendations and provide feedback before the City determines next steps.

  • Review community feedback.

  • Refine project recommendations.

  • Identify implementation priorities.

  • Return to the City Council as appropriate.

What's Next

Official Resources

West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street Signalization

Stage

Design

Last Updated

July 2026

The new signal at West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street will improve safety and connectivity between Downtown, the West End, and surrounding neighborhoods while enhancing access for people walking, bicycling, using transit, and driving.

Why it Matters

Engineering and design activities continue as the City advances the project toward construction. The project complements broader transportation improvements planned throughout Downtown.

Recent Progress

  • Complete final engineering.

  • Secure remaining funding.

  • Prepare construction documents.

  • Schedule construction.

What's Next

Official Resources

700 B Street Redevelopment (Safeway)

Stage

Design (Preliminary Application submitted)

Last Updated

July 2026

The redevelopment of the Safeway property represents one of the largest redevelopment opportunities in District 2. The project has the potential to introduce new housing, commercial space, and public improvements at an important gateway to Downtown.

Why it Matters

  • Located at the existing Safeway site at 700 B Street.

  • Proposed as a mixed use redevelopment with new housing and commercial space.

  • Subject to review through San Rafael's public planning process and California housing laws.

Project Background

Recent Progress

The proposal continues through staff review. Future Planning Commission and City Council hearings will provide opportunities for public review and comment.

  • Continue staff review.

  • Complete environmental review as required.

  • Consider Planning Commission recommendations.

What's Next

Official Resources

Interim Shelter Site at 350 Merrydale Road

Stage

Implementation

Last Updated

July 2026

The redevelopment of the Safeway property represents one of the largest redevelopment opportunities in District 2. The project has the potential to introduce new housing, commercial space, and public improvements at an important gateway to Downtown.

Why it Matters

  • Joint initiative of the City of San Rafael and Marin County.

  • Developed to replace temporary encampments with managed shelter.

  • Planned to serve as an interim step toward permanent housing solutions.

Project Background

Recent Progress

Implementation activities continue. Separately, the City Council recently expanded restrictions on camping along Andersen Drive as part of the City's broader homelessness response and implementation planning.

  • Complete implementation.

  • Begin shelter operations.

  • Monitor program outcomes.

  • Continue planning for future affordable housing.

What's Next

Official Resources

Downtown Revitalization

Stage

Ongoing

Last Updated

July 2026

Why it Matters

Downtown revitalization is a continuing effort to strengthen San Rafael's civic, cultural, and economic center through support for local businesses, public spaces, housing, transportation improvements, and community events.

Recent Progress

Downtown continues to host seasonal events and business promotions while the City advances transportation improvements, housing projects, and other public investments that support long term economic vitality.

  • Continue seasonal programming.

  • Support local businesses.

  • Advance transportation projects.

  • Encourage new housing and investment.

What's Next

Official Resources

Understanding the Project Tracker

This page is intended to serve as a long term reference for major District 2 projects.

Each project answers six questions:

  • Stage: Where is the project in its overall lifecycle?

  • Why It Matters: Why is the project important to District 2?

  • Project Background: How did the project originate? Included for major projects where historical context is helpful.

  • Recent Progress: What has changed most recently?

  • What's Next: What milestones are anticipated?

  • Official Resources: Where can I find authoritative information and participate?

The District Compass complements this page by highlighting noteworthy changes from month to month, while the Current Projects page provides the enduring context for each initiative.