Judge denies injunction, letting San Rafael proceed with interim housing site purchase - Local News Matters

A Marin County Superior Court judge's decision allows San Rafael to proceed with acquiring a property for interim housing after denying a temporary injunction from local residents. The site will provide 65 private cabins for individuals currently living in tents along Mahon Creek, with plans to close that area by spring 2026. City attorney Rob Epstein noted that negotiations for the project complied with California's Brown Act, despite residents’ concerns over transparency. A cease-and-desist letter claimed that public comments indicated a contract was signed in secret. The city has scheduled public meetings to gather community input on the project design and management policies.

The interim housing program must conclude by June 30, 2029, and is funded in part by an $8 million grant from Marin County’s Affordable Housing Trust. In exchange, the city must permit 80 units of permanent affordable housing by 2028. This initiative aims to address broader housing needs in the area beyond the interim project.