Council adds language on shelter partnerships, camping ordinance and housing law review

San Rafael’s May 5 study session included a focused discussion of housing and homelessness priorities, including new draft language calling for county collaboration on homelessness prevention, a housing‑focused interim shelter program and a legal analysis to streamline housing development.

Staff described goal d1 as working “collaborating with the county of Vernon and other community projects to implement strategies that prevent reduce homelessness,” and said d1.1 will emphasize implementation of a housing‑focused interim shelter program. The draft also calls for d1.4 — strategies to “strategically increase and secure additional funding sources by leveraging key partnerships” with the county and nonprofit providers to pursue state grants.

On housing production, the draft adds d2.1 directing staff to analyze state housing laws and case law to “streamline policies, remove barriers, and support the development of new housing in alignment with legal requirements and community needs.” Council members asked for stronger language on accelerating housing construction; one councilor said she wanted a clearer focus on “accelerating building… find out what is the blocker and how do we remove that blocker to actually get some construction cranes in the city.”

Councilors also asked staff to keep monitoring the camping ordinance and to evaluate it as laws and community conditions evolve. A council member asked whether formal letters to state legislators — a tactic used in past sessions to request statutory changes — were captured in the draft; staff said legislative outreach is an operational function that would be owned by a legislative analyst once the position is hired.

No votes were taken. Staff said the homelessness strategic components will be carried into the staff work plans and the city will continue coordination with Marin County and service providers.