San Rafael reports sanctioned camping outcomes, plans cabin community at 350 Mary Dale; Downtown Streets program to close

San Rafael staff updated the council on the city's sanctioned camping area, encampment management and a planned cabin community at 350 Mary Dale, and said the closure of Downtown Streets will create service gaps countywide.

Assistant city staff reported the sanctioned camping area currently houses 50 people with a capacity of 54; a small number of tents were out of service and being replaced. Staff said 24 percent of the population present when a prior site (referred to in the presentation) was occupied has been housed since 2023. In the last year the city reported 12 percent of residents at the sanctioned camping area were housed. Staff said 74 percent of current residents are on an active housing pathway and 100 percent are connected to case management. Since the site's opening, 54 percent of residents have increased income and 82 percent are enrolled in Medi‑Cal, CalFresh or similar benefits.

Staff also described recent outreach related to an interim cabin community planned at 350 Mary Dale early next year. Outreach included direct contact with 25 businesses in the immediate area and flyers delivered to about 240 residences. The city plans a virtual community meeting on Oct. 28 and an in‑person follow‑up in November; registration and further details will be posted on the city's website.

Downtown Streets closure and service gaps

Staff warned that Downtown Streets, a long‑running Bay Area nonprofit that provided street‑level outreach, cleanup and case management, is ceasing operations this month after 20 years. The city said Downtown Streets' closure will reduce county capacity for outreach and case management and that transitioning long‑term clients to new providers may disrupt continuity of services.

Encampment management and Caltrans coordination

Staff described increased trash and debris along Anderson Drive (a primary encampment area) and said the city will adjust cleaning schedules and enforcement methods to improve cleanliness. Staff said they are researching an Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreement (EDMA) with Caltrans, a model other cities have used that can allow local governments to perform cleanup on Caltrans right‑of‑way, but cautioned that Caltrans' broad jurisdiction complicates immediate use of that tool.

Public questions and next steps

A member of the public asked whether negotiations for the 350 Mary Dale site were complete; the assistant city attorney said negotiations were not finished and that a finalized agreement would be published as part of the Nov. 17 council agenda for public review. Staff urged residents with questions to supply contact information so staff can respond in writing where legal constraints prevent immediate disclosure.

Staff emphasized they will post project FAQs and continue community outreach, and that the city will return with additional information about EDMA options and the Mary Dale interim project as negotiations and planning continue.