Current San Rafael District 2 Projects
These are the major City initiatives and development proposals currently affecting District 2. They are organized by project type to make it easier to understand what the City is actively delivering, what private development is under review, and where broader community initiatives are underway.
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.
Active City Projects
Development Projects to Watch
Community Initiatives
Project Directory
Active City Projects
Projects the City of San Rafael is actively planning, designing, constructing, or implementing.
Albert Park Library and Community Center
Stage
Planning
Last Updated
July 2026
Why it Matters
In November 2024, 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 will serve 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.
Project Background
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.
Recent Progress
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.
What's Next
Continue community engagement.
Advance conceptual design.
Complete environmental review.
Develop project schedule and cost estimates.
Official Resources
Measure P Library and Community Center: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/measure-p-albert-park-library-community-center/
Measure P Community Input: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/measure-p-initiative-inquiry-form/
San Rafael Public Library: https://srpubliclibrary.org/
Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements
Stage
Community Engagement
Last Updated
July 2026
Why it Matters
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.
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.
What's Next
Review community feedback.
Refine project recommendations.
Identify implementation priorities.
Return to the City Council as appropriate.
Official Resources
Project Overview: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/second-and-fourth-street-intersection-improvements/
Updated Memorandum and Community Feedback: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/updated-memorandum-feedback-request-second-and-fourth-street-intersection-improvements/
West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street Signalization
Stage
Design
Last Updated
July 2026
Why it Matters
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.
Recent Progress
Engineering and design activities continue as the City advances the project toward construction. The project complements broader transportation improvements planned throughout Downtown.
What's Next
Complete final engineering.
Secure remaining funding.
Prepare construction documents.
Schedule construction.
Official Resources
AB 43 Phase 2 Speed Limit Updates
Stage
City Council Review
Last Updated
July 2026
Why it Matters
Assembly Bill 43 gives cities additional flexibility to lower speed limits on eligible streets where doing so may improve safety. District 2 includes several corridors recommended for speed limit reductions, including Greenfield Avenue, West End Avenue, and Fourth Street along the Miracle Mile.
The goal is to better align posted speed limits with surrounding land uses and the presence of pedestrians, bicyclists, children, seniors, and other vulnerable road users.
Project Background
Assembly Bill 43 expanded local authority to establish lower speed limits under specified conditions.
Phase 1 focused primarily on Downtown San Rafael.
Phase 2 expands the review to additional corridors throughout the city.
Recent Progress
City staff completed Phase 2 recommendations and scheduled them for City Council consideration on July 20, 2026. Engineering and design activities continue as the City advances the project toward construction. The project complements broader transportation improvements planned throughout Downtown.
What's Next
City Council review.
Public comment.
Potential adoption of revised speed limits.
Installation of updated signage if approved.
Official Resources
AB 43 Phase 2 Project: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/phase-2-assembly-bill-43-speed-limit-reductions/
Interim Shelter Site at 350 Merrydale Road
Stage
Implementation
Last Updated
July 2026
Why it Matters
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.
Project Background
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.
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.
What's Next
Complete implementation.
Begin shelter operations.
Monitor program outcomes.
Continue planning for future affordable housing.
Official Resources
Interim Shelter Site: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/interim-shelter-site-at-350-merrydale-road/
Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/350-merrydale-frequently-asked-questions/
Homelessness Programs: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/homelessness/
Development Projects to Watch
Major private development proposals that could significantly affect District 2.
700 B Street Redevelopment (Safeway)
Stage
Design (Preliminary Application submitted)
Last Updated
July 2026
Why it Matters
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.
Recent Progress
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
The proposal continues through staff review. Future Planning Commission and City Council hearings will provide opportunities for public review and comment.
What's Next
Continue staff review.
Complete environmental review as required.
Consider Planning Commission recommendations.
Official Resources
Major Planning Projects: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/major-planning-projects-2025/
Planning Division: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/departments/planning/
Community Initiatives
Long term initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, public spaces, economic vitality, and quality of life across District 2.
Downtown Revitalization
Stage
Ongoing
Last Updated
July 2026
Why it Matters
Downtown revitalization is an ongoing effort rather than a single project. It includes economic development, housing, transportation improvements, public safety, public spaces, and support for local businesses. This section highlights initiatives that contribute to a stronger downtown.
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.
What's Next
Continue seasonal programming.
Support local businesses.
Advance transportation projects.
Encourage new housing and investment.
Official Resources
Downtown San Rafael: https://downtownsanrafael.org/
Downtown Events Calendar: https://downtownsanrafael.org/events/
Economic Development: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/economic-development/
Recently Completed
Completed projects will move here to provide historical context while keeping the Current Projects page focused on active work.
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.
Understanding the Project Tracker
Continue Exploring
District Priorities – Learn about the long term issues shaping District 2.
Community Resources – Access official City meetings, services, projects, and community resources.
District Compass – Read the latest monthly update.