Kudos To Sustainable Marin

Marin County’s reputation as being innovative and progressive has once again received national recognition.   Recently the American Planning Association acknowledged Marin’s efforts to involve the community in sustainable living, and named Marin County as the winner of its 2008 National Planning Excellence Award for Implementation.  In announcing the award, a spokeswoman for the Association is quoted as saying “Marin County’s contribution to sustainable living merits national attention.”

Reducing Marin’s dependence on nonrenewable resources is at the core of the new 30-year planning blueprint recently adopted by the county.  Targeted goals include reducing carbon emissions, protecting farmlands and open spaces, and promoting thoughtful, sustainable growth throughout the county.  The county has led the way by installing solar panels on government buildings and encourages residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of Marin to do the same by offering rebates in lieu of charging the traditional building fee.  Marin County has also established a green business certification program that includes a voluntary partnership among local businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools to promote responsible environmental policies and practices throughout the county.

One of the biggest challenges the county faces is automobile traffic.  Residents of Marin are dependent on their cars for running errands and commuting.  People are willing to give up plastic shopping bags, search for alternative energy sources, and be dedicated recyclers, but they still want the convenience of their automobiles!

 A somewhat related issue that that county is struggling to address is balancing the need for affordable housing with the commitment to maintaining open space.  There has been criticism that Marin’s resolution to protect open spaces from development substantially slows growth, which contributes to a shortage of affordable housing.  The lack of affordable housing leads, in turn, to longer commutes for service workers – which we all know leads to more pollution.  The problem is being addressed by several new developments in Marin.  Affordable real estate in Corte Madera will become a reality for about 500 people next month when a brand-new 79-unit housing complex opens its doors.   A Mill Valley real estate developer is experimenting with tenancy-in-common plan that will make units available in a Mill Valley condominium complex available at affordable prices for first-time or lower income homebuyers; and one of the issues on the drawing board for new housing in Larkspur is the availability of public transportation.

The road to sustainability is a community effort and Marin County is doing a good job of leading by example.  Change doesn’t happen overnight, but Marin County is making progress and is recognized as a model for other communities.

For more information on Marin County's environmental programs visit the Marin County Sustainability Team website.

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