Economic Development Plans & Policies

San Rafael is the economic heart of Marin County.  Three main documents guide economic vitality efforts in the city. Realization of the vision set out in these documents requires active collaboration between local government, the business community, non-profit partners, and individuals in the community.

• The General Plan 2040 Economic Development Element provides goals and policies to drive economic vitality for the city.
• The San Rafael Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) was adopted in 2023. It is the first economic development strategic plan since the dissolution of the redevelopment agency in 2012 and the first EDSP evaluating the entire City. The EDSP was the result of a yearlong process of outreach, information gathering, and analysis.
• The Downtown Precise Plan (2021) is the culmination of a two-year planning effort to develop a vision for Downtown San Rafael. It provides a roadmap to achieve the City's goals such as increasing housing diversity and equity, improving walkability and transportation choices, and advancing resiliency to climate change. The Precise Plan will guide Downtown San Rafael's growth in accordance with the community's shared vision.