City of San Rafael
Proclamation supporting
“Shop San Rafael”
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael celebrates our local small businesses as they are essential contributors to the economic health of the City of San Rafael; and WHEREAS, according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 36.2 million small businesses in the United States in 2025, which account for nearly 46% of private sector employment; and
WHEREAS, local businesses are more likely to hire locally and retain employees during economic downturns, which contributes to stable employment and community resilience, especially in cities like San Rafael, where small businesses make up a significant portion of the economy; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Independent Business Alliance, approximately 50 out of every 100 dollars spent when shopping with locally owned businesses remains in San Rafael, and studies show that locally owned businesses recirculate 2–4 times more money in the local economy than chain stores or online retailers; and WHEREAS, shopping with small businesses in San Rafael helps to enhance local character, stimulate entrepreneurship, enhance community wellbeing, strengthen local decision making, reduce environmental impact, and create local jobs; and WHEREAS the City of San Rafael appreciates the community’s willingness to Go Local by shopping and dining in San Rafael, especially during our busy holiday season, to help keep our tax dollars local; and
Now, therefore, I, Kate Colin, Mayor of San Rafael, California, hereby proclaim the City of San Rafael’s support for
Shop San Rafael
And urge the residents of our community to support San Rafael’s small businesses and merchants during the holiday season, expressing sincere appreciation for the contributions of all local businesses within the City of San Rafael.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of San Rafael to be affixed this 17th day of November, in the year two thousand and twenty-five. _____________________
Kate Colin
Mayor