Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods Interview with BID Director, Sarah Tipple

“The Federation Steering Committee LOVED your presentation on May 8th.  The video is posted HERE.  We are grateful for your enthusiastic contributions to the vitality of San Rafael’s business community and for the BID’s tremendous website with a wealth of programming and information.” – President of the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods

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Correction: Streetary Permit Potential Fee Updates

CCORRECTION: 7.15.25 The City Council may consider updating the fee structure for Streetary permits at an August or September City Council meeting. (Not “have considered” like in the previous post.) Key changes may include: Application Fee reduced from $2,047 per space to $1,758 One-time Removal Deposit eliminated (previously $2,000) New Annual Fee of $310 for…

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City is Updating Special Events Permitting Process

Planning a Special Event in San Rafael? Starting this July, the City’s Special Events Permit Program will be managed by the Community and Economic Development Department (CED) – previously handled by the San Rafael Police Department. If you’re organizing a parade, festival, farmers market, athletic event, or block party that takes place in the public…

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San Rafael Business Pulse Survey: Chamber Advocacy & Economic Vitality

The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce is conducting this survey to better understand the experiences, priorities, and needs of our local business community. Your feedback will directly inform the Chamber’s advocacy efforts with city leaders, help shape our programming, and guide our focus on economic vitality initiatives that matter most to you. The Chamber is…

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Public Rally Notification in Downtown San Rafael, THIS Saturday, June 14

Event Notification – For Awareness Only Please note that a peaceful public rally is scheduled to take place this Saturday, June 14, from 12:00–1:30 PM in Downtown San Rafael at the San Rafael Plaza (1000 4th Street). The event, titled “Marin Rally: NO KINGS, NO OLIGARCHS,” is organized independently and may draw a large public…

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Pride Flag Raised at City Hall to Kick Off LGBTQ+ Pride Month

On Monday, June 2, the San Rafael City Council and staff gathered at City Hall to raise the Pride Flag and officially kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The event featured remarks from Mayor Kate Colin and Rev. Dr. Janie Spahr, a longtime advocate, former SF Pride Parade Grand Marshal, and co-founder of Marin’s LGBTQ+ Community…

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City Cracking Down on Unpermitted Food Vending

The City of San Rafael is ramping up enforcement of unpermitted food vending to address public health and safety concerns. The City is working closely with County of Marin Environmental Health Services, the agency responsible for licensing and regulating food vendors throughout Marin. Unpermitted food vending operates outside health and safety regulations and creates an…

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Planning Commission Approves 210 New Apartments Downtown – 930 Irwin Street

On May 13, the San Rafael Planning Commission approved a proposal for a new 8-story, 210-unit apartment building at 930 Irwin Street (corner of 4th & Irwin). The project by Mill Creek Residential will replace three commercial buildings and include 18 affordable units, a rooftop terrace, pool, coworking space, and parking for 222 cars and…

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City Unveils 2025-2028 Strategic Plan – Focused on Economic Vitality

At this week’s City Council meeting, San Rafael introduced its draft 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, a roadmap for City priorities, programs, and funding over the next three years. A key focus of the plan is Economic Development & Neighborhood Vitality, alongside goals in housing, mobility, sustainability, public safety, and equity. The plan outlines over 100 specific…

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