Measure A

Measure A protects the parks, open spaces, and agricultural lands that make Marin an extraordinary place to live, work, and play.

Measure A Allocations

In June 2022, County voters approved re-implementation of Parks Measure A. For the next nine years, this quarter-cent sales tax will support parks and open space, sustainable agriculture, and recreation in cities and towns. Measure A funds can't be used for any other purpose. Read Marin County Ordinance 3760.

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE: 65%

scenic aerial view of Marin open space
  • Maintain County parks and preserves for preservation and recreation (65%)
  • Reduce wildfire risk (25%)
  • Award grants to help support acquisition of lands with high natural resource value (10%)

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: 20%

row crop at a farm
  • Support conservation easements to permanently protect working farms and ranches (50%)
  • Award competitive matching grants to support sustainable food systems in Marin communities (30%)
  • Provide matching grants to support Marin Resource Conservation District programs (20%)

CITIES AND TOWNS: 15%

kid at playground
  • Award grants that support parks, open space, and recreation facilities in Marin cities, towns, and special districts (100%)

Measure A Oversight

Seven members of the Measure A Oversight Committee monitor Measure A expenditures, oversee an annual financial audit, and approve an annual report. Regular public meetings of this committee are held on the second Thursday in February and November.

Proposed project expenditures are also routinely brought before the Parks and Open Space Commission and the Open Space District Board. An annual budget is reviewed by the Parks and Open Space Commission and approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors. 

Annual Reports and Compliance Audits

FY 2020-21

FY 2019-20

FY 2018-19

FY 2017-18

FY 2016-17

FY 2015-16

FY 2014-15

FY 2013-14

Measure A Grants

Six grant programs benefit from Measure A funding, supporting the shared mission of preserving, protecting, and enriching the natural beauty of Marin's parks and open spaces, and providing recreational opportunities for the enjoyment of all generations. 

  • Breathe/Respira Community Grants: Awarded annually, these grants provide funding to non-profit organizations that help connect underserved members of the community with parks and open space. Learn more about how to apply.
  • Sustainable Agriculture Community Grants: These competitive matching grants to community organizations will support sustainable food systems, climate beneficial management, and improving natural resource values on Marin's working lands. 
  • Farmland Preservation Program Grants: These matching grants help purchase permanent conservation easements of properties in productive agriculture use. Since 2014, 6,693 acres have been protected. Learn more. 
  • Natural Lands Preservation Grants: Awarded to qualifying non-profit organizations, to leverage other funding that supports the acquisition of Marin lands with high natural resource value. 
  • Marin Resource Conservation District Matching Grants: Awarded to support RCD programs that increase biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and create wildlife habitat on Marin lands. Learn more about Marin RCD.
  • Cities, Towns, and Special Districts Grants: Awarded to Marin cities, towns, and special districts to support parks, open space, recreation, and vegetation management, per a grant allocation process approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors.