Staff presented proposed changes to San Rafael's environmental and design review ordinance to streamline review levels, add objective standards and encourage small infill (single‑family, duplex and 3–9 unit buildings); commissioners voiced support but raised questions about demolition review thresholds and public notice.

San Rafael — Nov 11, 2026

Developer urges flexibility on conditions, warns some approved projects may not be buildable

Nov 11, 2026

Veteran urges reuse of old bowling alley as community space instead of demolition

Nov 11, 2026

Planning commission approves 790 Mission Avenue, 105‑unit apartment project with density bonus

Nov 11, 2026

Planning commission approves sign program for 703 Third Street "The Link"

Nov 11, 2026

Budget Update Q1

FY26-27 first-quarter update: city expects $112M in revenue vs. $117M in expenditures; capital spending shows 18% expended

Nov 10, 2026

Enterprise Funds Parking

City's parking enterprise shows low year-end cash balance, staff warns

Nov 10, 2026

Audit Findings

Independent auditor gives San Rafael a clean opinion but flags five significant deficiencies

Nov 10, 2026

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What stands out in San Rafael

Data from Polco GPAL
Standouts compare San Rafael with communities in California or of similar population size. Surprises are where the measured figure was unusually far from what Polco's model expected. Each fact gives its year; public data runs one to two years behind.

In 2024, San Rafael was more favorable than communities of similar population size on workers who drive alone to work.

97th percentile · 2024 · Census ACS, via Polco GPAL

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Recent meetings

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Nov 11Planning Commission 11/10/2026 at 7PMAdopted Resolution 2608 approving EDR permit, lot consolidation and transfer of density; finding CEQA Class 32 exemption.Nov 10Finance Subcommittee 11/10/2026$500,000 was appropriated from the emergency reserve for El Nino/winter storm response and must be restored by policy through budgeting.Nov 10Dark Skies Educational Panel 11/05/2026Design criteria: usefulness, shielding, correct location, controls and warm color temperature.Nov 6City of San Rafael's Dark Sky Educational PanelArtificial light alters foraging and migration

More coverage

ERP rollout and staffing changes prompted increased audit testing and several control deficiencies

Nov 10, 2026

City used one-time funds to prefund liabilities and plans to restore reserves after storm spending

Nov 10, 2026

San Rafael reports $28 million improvement in net position; unrestricted reserves grow to about $11 million

Nov 10, 2026

San Rafael mayor convenes Dark Skies panel to weigh habitat, health and design solutions

Nov 10, 2026