District Dashboard

Albert Park Library and Community Center

Status: Progressive Design Build Team Selection
Trend: Advancing
Last Updated: September 2026

Why This Matters
This Measure P investment will create a new library and community center serving Downtown and nearby neighborhoods, with opportunities for flexible community space and outdoor programming.

What’s New
The City received eight proposals for progressive design build services and invited three teams to interviews. After evaluating qualifications, project understanding, team chemistry, design excellence, community engagement, interview responses, and references, City staff selected XL Construction and SOM as the preferred team. XL and SOM presented their approach to the Measure P Subcommittee on August 31.

What’s Next
Staff will negotiate a Phase 1 services agreement with XL and SOM. If negotiations are successful, the agreement will be brought to the full City Council for consideration. Staff indicated that November is the current target. The future Phase 1 work would establish the project program, budget, schedule, site approach, community engagement process, and initial design.

Expected Timing: Council consideration of the Phase 1 agreement anticipated in November 2026; current City schedule anticipates construction from 2028 through 2030 and completion in early 2031

Resources
Albert Park Library and Community Center
August 31 Measure P Subcommittee Meeting
August 31 Meeting Video

350 Merrydale Road

Status: Interim Shelter Implementation and Affordable Housing Developer Selection
Trend: Advancing
Last Updated: September 2026

Why This Matters
The property is central to both the City’s near term homelessness response and its longer term commitment to permanent affordable housing.

What’s New
On August 20, a Council subcommittee reviewed three leading affordable housing development teams: EAH Housing, Eden Housing, and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates. The proposals range from 81 to 111 homes in their primary concepts. The subcommittee provided feedback but did not select a developer.

What’s Next
Staff is expected to bring a recommended development team and an exclusive negotiating agreement to the full Council later this fall. Interim shelter development and transition planning continue on a separate track.

Expected Timing: Interim shelter work in 2026; affordable housing entitlement target by June 30, 2028

Resources
350 Merrydale Project Page
August 20 Subcommittee Meeting

700 B Street

Status: Preapplication Review
Trend: Advancing
Last Updated: September 2026

Why This Matters
The former Safeway site is one of Downtown’s most consequential redevelopment opportunities. Its future will affect housing supply, grocery access, traffic, and the experience of the southern Downtown gateway.

What’s New
Revised preapplication materials were submitted on August 14. The proposal remains an eight story, 331 unit residential project with 394 parking spaces and 28 deed restricted low income homes. The revised submission includes space intended for grocery use, directly addressing a major community concern.

What’s Next
City staff review, refinement of the proposal, and future public planning milestones. A preapplication is an early review step, not project approval.

Expected Timing: To be determined

Resources
700 B Street Project Page

Second and Fourth Street Improvements

Status: Project Development
Trend: Advancing
Last Updated: September 2026

Why This Matters
Second and Fourth Streets are critical routes through Downtown for people walking, biking, driving, and using transit.

What’s New
The City continues to evaluate priorities and recommendations following public review. No major Council action occurred during this reporting period.

What’s Next
Determine the improvements and sequencing that best support safety, mobility, and Downtown access.

Expected Timing: Project development continues in 2026

Resources
Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements

West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street Signalization

Status: Design
Trend: Ongoing
Last Updated: September 2026

Why This Matters
A signal at this West End intersection is intended to improve safety and access for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

What’s New
Engineering and coordination continue. No major Council action occurred during this reporting period.

What’s Next
Final engineering and construction planning.

Expected Timing: To be determined

Resources
San Rafael Public Works

Downtown Revitalization

Status: Implementation and Community Engagement
Trend: Ongoing
Last Updated: September 2026

Why This Matters
A welcoming, active Downtown supports local businesses, housing, culture, public safety, and community connection.

What’s New
Fall programming is underway, and the Council authorized agreements supporting five new utility box murals in partnership with the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. The City is also partnering with Change.org on Civic Dialogues San Rafael, a community dialogue focused on Downtown vitality. Residents are being invited to share ideas about issues including vacant storefronts, the mix of Downtown businesses, walkability and pedestrian experience, and the condition of shared public spaces. The initial community input will help inform a representative group that is expected to meet in early October to consider potential directions for Downtown.

What’s Next
Continue fall events, public art, business support, and coordination around Downtown development proposals.

Expected Timing: Fall 2026

Resources
Downtown San Rafael
San Rafael Economic Development

This Month’s Focus

Housing Growth, Grocery Access, and Daily Life Downtown

Two major Downtown proposals were submitted or revised in August, and together they frame a larger conversation about the kind of neighborhood Downtown is becoming.

515 Third Street

A preapplication submitted August 13 proposes a seven story, 285 unit rental development at 515 Third Street. The concept includes studios through three bedroom homes and deed restricted below market rate units. If advanced, it would replace the existing grocery store and retail sales business on the site.

View the 515 Third Street Project Page

700 B Street

Revised materials submitted August 14 propose eight stories, 331 homes, 394 parking spaces, and 28 deed restricted low income homes. The revised concept includes space intended for grocery use on the former Safeway property.

View the 700 B Street Project Page

Why This Matters

New housing can bring more neighbors, customers, and activity to Downtown. But housing production alone does not create a complete neighborhood. Residents also need access to groceries, safe walking routes, reliable transportation, parks, schools, and public services.

As these proposals develop, I will be watching:

• Whether Downtown grocery access is preserved and made practical over the long term.

• How each project connects to sidewalks, transit, bicycle routes, loading areas, and nearby streets.

• The amount and range of affordable housing provided.

• The quality of the ground floor and its contribution to an active public realm.

• Infrastructure and service needs created by additional Downtown residents.

• Whether residents have clear, meaningful opportunities to review and shape the projects.

Both proposals are in preapplication review. This is the beginning of the public process, not the end.

Council Decisions Since the August Compass

Final Adoption of Assembly Bill 43 Speed Limit Changes

On August 17, the Council adopted Ordinance 2069, completing Phase 2 of the City’s Assembly Bill 43 speed limit changes. The action covers 18 roadway segments outside Downtown. District 2 segments include Fifth Avenue from its western extent to H Street, Greenfield Avenue and West End Avenue, and Fourth Street through the Miracle Mile.

The changes take effect through the City’s ordinance and sign replacement process. I will continue tracking installation, enforcement readiness, and the effect of the new limits on neighborhood safety.

City Manager Appointment

The Council appointed Paul Navazio as San Rafael City Manager effective August 17th. The City Manager is responsible for implementing Council policy, directing City operations, and preparing the budget.

Downtown Utility Box Murals

The Council authorized agreements for five utility box murals in partnership with the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. This is a modest but visible investment in Downtown public art and placemaking.

View the August 17 staff report on the five utility box murals

September Council Preview

September 8th Regular Meeting

The September 8th Council agenda includes:

• Marin County emergency management briefing: An update from the Marin County Office of Emergency Management.

• 2024 greenhouse gas inventory: The staff report estimates community emissions are about 36 percent below 2005 levels and 24 percent below 1990 levels. San Rafael’s adopted target is 40 percent below 1990 by 2030, followed by net zero emissions by 2045.

• Fiscal year 2025 to 2026 unaudited results: Across all funds, unaudited resources exceeded expenditures and encumbrances by approximately $474,000. The General Fund used approximately $6.19 million in fund balance, while finishing about $2.29 million better than the amended budget.

• Budget carryover: Staff recommends carrying forward approximately $16.48 million in previously approved but unspent operating and capital appropriations. This is continuing funding for existing purposes, not a new $16.48 million program.

September 8th City Council Meeting

September 21st Regular Meeting

A second regular Council meeting is scheduled for September 21. The agenda will be posted closer to the meeting date.

City Council Meeting Calendar

Public Meetings and Remote Participation

Council meetings continue in a hybrid format. Community members can attend at City Hall or participate remotely using the instructions on each meeting page. Written comments may also be submitted before the meeting.

Meeting dates and agenda items can change. Please confirm details on the City website before participating.

City Council Meetings
Planning Commission
Major Planning Projects

Transportation and Mobility

Assembly Bill 43 Implementation

The August 17 adoption moves the Phase 2 speed limit reductions from policy into implementation. The next practical steps are sign replacement, public communication, and coordinated enforcement.

These changes are one part of a broader safety strategy. Street design, visibility, crossings, lighting, and predictable enforcement all matter alongside the posted limit.

Second and Fourth Streets

Project development continues following public review of updated recommendations. I am watching how the final priorities balance pedestrian safety, bicycle connections, transit operations, vehicle circulation, and access to Downtown businesses.

West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street

Engineering work continues for the planned signalization project. I will report a firmer construction schedule when one is available.

Housing and Development

350 Merrydale Permanent Affordable Housing

The August 20 Council subcommittee reviewed the three highest ranked development teams from five responses to the City’s request for proposals:

• EAH Housing: 81 homes in a three story concept.

• Eden Housing: 111 homes in a five story primary concept, with a larger alternate concept also presented.

• Satellite Affordable Housing Associates: 96 homes in a four story concept.

The concepts differ in height, parking, affordability mix, cost, and development approach. The review panel ranked Eden Housing highest, but that evaluation is not a final selection. Staff is expected to return to the full Council with a recommendation and proposed exclusive negotiating agreement later this fall.

The City’s agreement with Marin County calls for at least 80 affordable homes to be entitled by June 30, 2028.

515 Third Street and 700 B Street

Both Downtown proposals remain in preapplication review. Key facts and the issues I am tracking are summarized in this month’s focus above. Future Compass editions will follow staff comments, revised plans, public meetings, and any formal applications.

Albert Park Library and Community Center

The Measure P project reached an important procurement milestone in August. City staff received eight proposals for progressive design build services, narrowed the field to three teams for interviews and reference checks, and selected XL Construction and SOM as the preferred team. Staff described the selection process as competitive and cited the team’s skills, creativity, discipline, experience, design approach, and community engagement capabilities.

XL and SOM presented to the Measure P Subcommittee on August 31. SOM would lead design, while XL would provide construction, scheduling, cost management, and preconstruction expertise. The team emphasized early alignment around the program, budget, schedule, project risks, and decision making. It also presented two preliminary architectural directions to illustrate its approach, including ideas for a porous courtyard, strong connections to Albert Park, welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces, resilience, and durable materials. These were exploratory concepts, not final design alternatives or a City approved plan.

The next step is negotiation of a Phase 1 services agreement. If negotiations are successful, staff expects to bring the agreement to the full City Council, with November identified as the current target. Council consideration would be the contract award decision. Phase 1 would then include programming, site analysis, community engagement, conceptual design, cost estimating, scheduling, and development of the project scope. The City’s current public timeline anticipates construction from 2028 through 2030 and completion in early 2031.

Albert Park Project Information
August 31 Measure P Subcommittee Meeting
Watch the August 31 MeetingHomelessness and Community Services

350 Merrydale Interim Shelter

The interim shelter and the permanent affordable housing proposal are related through the site but remain separate projects. The interim program is planned to serve up to 65 people with on site services for a limited period. The City’s current project materials describe a three to four year operation ending no later than June 2029, while the permanent housing process proceeds in parallel.

I will continue reporting separately on shelter implementation, neighborhood operations, the transition of residents from encampments, and the permanent housing selection process.

350 Merrydale Project Information

Economic Development and City Finances

Opportunity Zone 2.0

On August 27, the City submitted a letter supporting two San Rafael census tracts as its highest priorities for California’s next Opportunity Zone program: eastern Downtown and Southeast San Rafael. The State public comment period closed August 28, and California’s final nominations to the United States Treasury are due September 28.

Opportunity Zone designation can attract private investment through federal tax incentives. Designation alone does not guarantee community benefit, so any future investment should be evaluated for its effect on housing, jobs, small businesses, public infrastructure, and existing residents.

San Rafael Opportunity Zone 2.0

Measure W

San Rafael voters will decide Measure W on November 3. The measure would increase the City’s real property transfer tax from 0.2 percent to 1 percent. The tax is paid when real property is sold, and City estimates project approximately $7.5 million in annual general purpose revenue until ended by voters.

The official City page includes the full measure, impartial analysis, fiscal analysis, arguments for and against, and rebuttals. I encourage every voter to review those materials directly.

Official Measure W Information

Parks, Recreation, and Community Events

West End Fridays

West End Fridays continue on September 4, 18, and 25 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Fourth Street between F and G Streets. The block parties feature music, food, local businesses, and family activities.

West End Fridays

Second Friday Summer Market and Art Walk

The Downtown Summer Market and Second Friday Art Walk return September 11 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., bringing art, music, food, and community activity to Downtown.

Downtown Events

Movies in the Park at Sun Valley Park

Join neighbors at Sun Valley Park on Friday, September 11, for a free outdoor screening of Zootopia 2. Activities begin at 6:00 p.m., with the movie after sunset.

Movies in the Park

Seeds of Hope

The Seeds of Hope service fair and luncheon takes place Monday, September 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the San Rafael Community Center. The event connects community members with services, resources, and support.

Seeds of Hope

San Rafael PorchFest

PorchFest returns to Gerstle Park on Sunday, September 20th, from noon to 5:00 p.m. The free neighborhood music festival features more than 70 bands across more than 20 porch stages.

San Rafael PorchFest

Long Term Priorities

Downtown Vitality

Support housing, grocery access, local businesses, public art, events, and an active public realm that works for residents and visitors.

Housing and Homelessness

Advance housing at a range of affordability levels while pairing shelter investments with services, accountability, and a clear path toward permanent housing.

Transportation Safety

Implement the Phase 2 Assembly Bill 43 speed limit changes, advance targeted intersection projects, and connect speed policy with safer street design.

Measure P Delivery

Move the Albert Park Library and Community Center from planning toward a clear, community informed project definition and delivery schedule.

Fiscal Sustainability

Track year end results, recurring service costs, capital obligations, and the November Measure W decision with clear public reporting.

View District Priorities

How to Participate This Month

• Attend or comment at the September 8th and September 21st City Council meetings.

• Share your ideas for Downtown: Participate in Civic Dialogues San Rafael, a City partnership with Change.org seeking community input on Downtown vitality, including businesses, vacancies, walkability, and public spaces.

  • Share your input → https://www.ideasforchange.org/san-rafael

• Review the official pages for 515 Third Street and 700 B Street, and send planning comments through the contacts listed there.

• Follow the 350 Merrydale process as staff prepares a developer recommendation for the full Council.

• Read the official Measure W materials before voting.

• Join a September neighborhood event and support District 2 businesses and community organizations.

• Report street, park, lighting, or maintenance issues through the City’s online service portal.

City Council Meetings
Major Planning Projects
Report an Issue

Before the Next Compass

I will be watching for:

• Council action on the September 8th greenhouse gas and fiscal reports.

• The September 21st Council agenda and decisions.

• California’s final Opportunity Zone nominations by September 28th.

• A staff recommendation for the 350 Merrydale affordable housing developer.

• New or revised materials for 515 Third Street and 700 B Street.

• Assembly Bill 43 sign installation and implementation details.

• The next public milestone for the Albert Park Library and Community Center.

Looking Ahead

October

West End Fridays continue October 2nd, 9th, and 16th. The City’s Movies in the Park series is scheduled to visit Pickleweed Park on October 9th with a Spanish language screening of Toy Story 5. Downtown Halloween activities are also expected later in the month.

November

Election Day is November 3. San Rafael voters will decide Measure W along with other local and statewide contests. Please confirm your registration and voting plan through Marin County Elections.

Later This Fall

Watch for the 350 Merrydale developer recommendation, additional Downtown housing review, fall budget updates, and the next phase of Measure P project engagement.

Stay Informed

• District Compass Archive

• Current Projects

• Community Resources

• City of San Rafael News

• City Council Meetings

Report an Issue

For urgent emergencies, call 911. For nonemergency service requests involving streets, sidewalks, trees, parks, traffic signs, or other City services, use the City’s online reporting portal.

Report an Issue

Mission

The District Compass is a monthly guide to decisions, projects, and opportunities affecting San Rafael City Council District 2. Its purpose is to make local government easier to follow and participation easier to act on.

About This Publication

The District Dashboard tracks the same major District 2 initiatives each month. Individual project updates appear when meaningful milestones occur, allowing readers to follow long term projects without repeating routine staff activity.

Many City projects advance over several years. The Compass focuses on Council decisions, project milestones, public participation opportunities, and community events that are most relevant to District 2 residents.

Next Edition: October 2026