Marin is one of California’s 58 counties. It has 260,000 residents and is a mid-sized county. An elected, 5-member Board of Supervisors governs Marin County. They represent Marin County’s 5 districts.
Incorporated areas
Some cities and towns in Marin County are “incorporated.” This means they have their own town or city council to make local laws and provide services.
If you live in an incorporated area, your town or city council will make laws related to:
- Planning and zoning
- Rental regulations
- Public safety
They will also provide services like:
- Road paving
- Permits
- Parks
- Law enforcement
- Libraries
Unincorporated areas
Other areas of Marin are “unincorporated.” This means they don’t have their own local government. Instead, the County of Marin – specifically, the Board of Supervisors – makes laws and provides services.
The County government provides some countywide services to all Marin residents – regardless of whether they live. These include public health, child support, probation services, and more.
Find out if you live within an incorporated City or in unincorporated Marin
Government administration
The County Board of Supervisors appoints a County Administrator to manage County operations. Similarly, city and town Councils appoint a City Manager to run city or town operations.
3 County departments are led by directly elected directors:
- District Attorney
- Sheriff-Coroner
- Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk
All other County departments are led by directors that are appointed by the Board of Supervisors or by the County Administrator.
County government services
County Departments provide a wide range of services to residents, such as:
- Providing building and planning permits
- Maintaining parks and open space
- Criminal justice services
The largest part of the County budget is the Health and Human Services Department. They provide social services, behavioral healthcare, public health, and services to people experiencing homelessness.
Other local government agencies in Marin
There are more local agencies providing municipal services in Marin. These include:
- Sewer districts
- Water districts
- Transportation agencies
- Vector control board
- Housing Authority
- School boards and the Office of Education
Each is governed by either a directly elected Board (such as Marin Water) or a Board of appointed elected officials (such as the SMART Board).
Funding sources
County and city governments are funded by a combination of:
- Local property taxes
- Sales taxes
- Use charges (for utilities)
- State and federal resources