San Rafael fire commission makes outreach and staffing top priorities for 2026 amid rapid housing growth
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Summary
The San Rafael Fire Commission agreed to prioritize outreach to the City Council and public this year to align services with a wave of new housing projects, and discussed potential ballot options to fund public safety services.
The San Rafael Fire Commission on Tuesday set proactive outreach to elected officials and the public as its top priority for 2026, urging members to share coordinated talking points and press the City Council to align public‑safety resources with rapid housing growth.
Commissioners asked one member to produce preliminary talking points by March that the group will use when meeting informally with councilmembers and community stakeholders. "Let us know what your priorities are so that I'm gonna spread the word," one commissioner said, offering to compile and circulate a draft for amendment.
Members cited several large developments on the city's planning pipeline — including phase 1 of Northgate Town Square and other mixed‑use projects — and expressed concern that continued high‑density residential construction could outstrip current fire and EMS capacity. Staff repeatedly noted that when a project is classified primarily as housing, the department has “limited say” over density decisions and mitigation tied to development approvals.
Commissioners discussed potential funding measures for the fall ballot to support public safety, including a dedicated public‑safety tax or a property‑tax measure. "Potentially, either public safety tax or some version of a property tax around there," a commissioner said; members emphasized the need for polling and careful question design before the council places any measure on the ballot.
The commission asked staff to document who will contact which councilmembers and to include those assignments in the meeting recap so follow‑up is clear. Commissioners also agreed to broaden outreach beyond the city council, including possibly meeting with other regional or state officials to build support.
Next steps: the commission expects a draft of talking points by March and plans to follow up with the City Council and foundation partners about funding and public engagement strategies.
