What current challenges is the City of San Rafael facing?

Incorporated in 1874, San Rafael is one of California’s oldest cities. With streets, sidewalks, bridges, storm drains, libraries and other public buildings constructed as San Rafael grew throughout the 20^th Century, the aging infrastructure needs repair and improvements. For example, San Rafael has 331 miles of streets that require ongoing pothole repair and repaving. Failing storm drains cause street flooding, which impedes rapid emergency response, evacuation routes and damages to public and private property. Older public buildings like the downtown San Rafael Carnegie Library, which was built in 1909, do not meet current seismic safety standards nor accessibility standards for youth, older adults and people with disabilities. The aging library lacks space for summer reading classes and other programs for children, families and older adults.