Advancing Effectiveness in Governance: Evolving Marin County’s Boards and Commissions

Carla Kacmar, Marin County Assistant Clerk of the Board & Crystal Martinez, Board Aide and Former Commissioner

Introduction   

Serving on a Marin County board or commission offers a valuable avenue for civic engagement, providing a platform to influence local policies and priorities while representing the interests of your community. With over 50 distinct boards and commissions, Marin County has a wide array of topics and issues to weigh in on. These entities play a crucial role in advising the Board of Supervisors by gathering input from residents, staff, interest groups, and community organizations, and sharing that information with the Board of Supervisors. 

Boards and commissions are established to reflect the diverse needs and preferences of the community. In Marin County, appointments are made by the Board of Supervisors. Some commissions are mandated by federal or state law, others by County ordinance, or Joint Powers Agreement between public entities. Each commission operates with a unique mission and purpose, contributing to the Board of Supervisors' decision-making process. Examples include the Commission on Aging, Planning Commission, Flood Zone Advisory Boards, Youth Commission, Assessment Appeals Boards, and County Service Areas, to name a few 

 

Local Impact 

County commissions and boards have a longstanding tradition of bringing critical issues to light and prompting the Board of Supervisors to take meaningful action. One notable example is the Marin Women’s Commission's investigation into why rape kits were being administered outside the County. Collaborating with the District Attorney, they made a compelling case to the Board of Supervisors to bring these services back to Marin, reducing trauma for survivors and increasing the likelihood that victims would choose to have the kits administered. The Supervisors approved funding for a pilot program, successfully restoring these services within the County. 

Another significant example is the Commission on Aging's partnership with allied agencies to create the Integrated Aging Services Study. After presenting their findings to the Board of Supervisors, several of the study’s recommendations were implemented by the County, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing the needs of the aging population. 

The Planning Commission also played a pivotal role in shaping policy around short-term rentals (STRs) in Marin County. Faced with a workforce housing shortage in West Marin, where most STRs are located, the Planning Commission reviewed the existing ordinance and recommended capping STRs across the County, with specific limits in West Marin. The Board of Supervisors adopted these recommendations and added further measures to promote long-term coastal housing stock, demonstrating how informed, community-driven recommendations can lead to impactful change. 

Challenges and Current Landscape   

Commissioners are tasked with representing the public's interests and advocating for the needs and concerns of Marin County residents. Appointed by the Board of Supervisors, commissioners are selected for their skills, experience, and community involvement. Managing over 50 boards and commissions presents significant challenges. To effectively serve as advisors to the Board of Supervisors, consistent and meaningful communication is essential—a difficult feat with such a large and varied structure.  

Each board, with membership ranging from 5 to 23 commissioners, poses a challenge in maintaining effective oversight and coordination. The Supervisors often rely on applications and community member recruitment to fill these roles, but if the recruitment pool is too narrow, the County risks missing out on diverse perspectives that are crucial for balanced decision-making.  

While some commissions are mandated by federal or state law, over 23 are discretionary. Without a consistent review of their effectiveness and relevance, many operate without clear guidance or the opportunity to genuinely influence the Board of Supervisors. Currently, commissioners must proactively reach out to their Supervisor to engage in dialogue or provide updates. This highlights the need to evaluate and streamline the number of boards and their focus areas to make them more manageable and effective. 

Finally, a board or commission needs the proper support to succeed, starting with filled vacancies. Filling the Boards and Commissions with qualified individuals requires leads and introductions, ideally before a vacancy arises. 

 

Strategic Efforts to Improve Boards and Commissions   

Marin County acknowledges the challenges facing its boards and commissions and is actively working to improve their effectiveness. Recognizing the need for strategic oversight, the Board of Supervisors established a Boards and Commissions Subcommittee last year. This subcommittee is tasked with evaluating discretionary commissions to determine whether their missions remain relevant or if they should be sunset. For those that still serve a vital purpose, the subcommittee is exploring ways to enhance their effectiveness and provide better support. 

The County also recognizes the importance of equitable representation and is committed to removing barriers that may lead to vacancies or underrepresentation. Efforts are underway to address disparities, with initiatives focused on targeted recruitment of younger individuals and members of underrepresented communities. By forming partnerships with local organizations and launching outreach programs, Marin County is building trust and engagement within these communities, ensuring that recruitment efforts are meaningful and effective. 

However, simply bringing in diverse individuals is not enough. True diversity requires intentional support and an inclusive culture. Marin County is committed to creating an environment where diverse voices are not just present but are genuinely heard and empowered. This includes providing cultural competency training and ensuring that differences are valued and respected. 

Effective governance also requires adaptable systems and infrastructure. Boards and commissions must convene at times and locations that are accessible to all, particularly if the goal is to include younger or marginalized voices. For example, the Marin County Women’s Commission meets in the evening at the centrally located Civic Center to accommodate work schedules. 

Furthermore, service to the community should not force individuals to choose between their careers and civic involvement. The County’s introduction of needs-based stipends is a significant step toward making service more accessible, helping to offset costs like childcare and commuting that might otherwise prevent participation. 

Finally, it’s essential to recognize that not all board or commission members will be familiar with the Brown Act or Robert’s Rules of Order. Effective governance depends on all members having the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully. The Board of Supervisors is committed to providing comprehensive training in parliamentary procedure, the Brown Act, and ethics, ensuring that all members are equipped to serve effectively and empowering new members to fully participate. 

 

Looking Ahead   

Commissions and boards are vital to ensuring governance that is both responsive and genuinely representative of the communities they serve. To truly reflect the needs and interests of the community, these bodies must be continually evaluated and supported. 

The path toward equitable governance in Marin County is a continuous journey, requiring ongoing dedication. While strides have been made, sustained effort is essential to ensure that these advisory bodies are not just diverse in appearance but authentically inclusive and effective. This involves creating a governance structure that mirrors the County’s diverse population, moving beyond simple diversity metrics to cultivate genuine inclusion where all voices are heard and valued. 

Achieving this vision demands intentional actions, including continuous cultural competency training, transparent decision-making processes, and the active removal of barriers that have historically marginalized certain groups. By committing to these practices, Marin County can build a governance framework that is not only representative but also truly responsive to the needs of all its residents, ensuring an equitable, just, and inclusive future that aligns with the community’s values. 

As a constituent, you have the opportunity to apply for boards or commissions, contribute to building a pipeline of future leaders, and support the inclusion of those from marginalized communities who are often missing at the table. The effectiveness of commissions and boards is directly tied to the community that stands behind them, and we all have a role to play in driving real change and positive outcomes.