____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: _______________________
Disposition: ___________________________
Agenda Item No: 4.b
Meeting Date: July 20, 2026
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community and Economic Development
Prepared by:
Stacey Laumann, Economic Development
Manager
Alexis Captanian, Housing Manager
Greg Minor, Assistant Director
Michael Scott, Policy Intern
City Manager Approval: ____________
TOPIC: NOMINATION OF ELIGIBLE CENSUS TRACTS FOR OPPORTUNITY ZONE 2.0 SUBJECT: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (GO-BIZ) RECOMMENDING THE NOMINATION OF CENSUS TRACTS 06041111001, 06041112100, 06041112202, 06041112203, AND 06041112204 TO THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE 2.0 PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution in support of an application to the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) recommending the nomination of census tracts 06041111001, 06041112100, 06041112202, 06041112203, 06041112204, (referred to in this report as 1110.01, 1121, 1122.02, 1122.03, and 1122.04, respectively) to the Opportunity Zone
2.0 program.
BACKGROUND:
Opportunity Zone 1.0
Congress established the initial Opportunity Zone (OZ 1.0) Program under the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage the reinvestment of capital gains into economically distressed communities. The program offers preferential federal tax treatment for capital gains invested in qualified projects located within designated low-income census tracts. Eligible investments may include new real estate construction, rehabilitation of vacant or underutilized properties, equity investments in operating businesses, and infrastructure or energy-related projects, among others. The OZ incentive is designed to reward long-term, patient capital that generates sustained economic growth, job creation, and community revitalization in historically underserved areas.
Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) are investment vehicles established by a corporation or partnership for the purpose of investing in OZ property or businesses. Investment in OZ census tracts must be made through a QOF to receive the OZ program’s tax benefits, and these benefits vary in scale based upon how many years the investment stays in the QOF.
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Due to a lack of comprehensive reporting requirements, there is relatively little publicly available data on OZ 1.0 investment types or amounts. However, a Joint Committee on Taxation report published in May 2024 contains an analysis of IRS data which shows that through 2022, 62.7 percent of all qualified OZ 1.0 investment in the nation went into the Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing business sector.
Opportunity Zone 2.0
OZ 1.0 was scheduled to sunset December 31, 2026; however, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” of 2025 made the OZ program permanent (OZ 2.0). Under OZ 2.0, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will certify which census tracts qualify as OZs for the next ten years based on nominations made by governors according to the following timeline:
OZ 2.0 Census Tract Designation Timeline
• April 2026: The IRS released the official list of census tracts eligible for OZ 2.0 designation. • June 15, 2026: Application window opened for local jurisdictions to submit recommendations to the Governor.
• July 20, 20261
: Application window closes for local jurisdictions to submit recommendations to the Governor.
• August 1, 2026: Public comment period opens.
• September 30, 2026: Deadline for Governors to nominate up to 25% of their eligible lowincome census tracts for OZ status certification by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. • November 2026: The U.S. Department of the Treasury certifies nominations. • January 1, 2027: The new OZ map goes into effect for 10 years.
Selection Process in California
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has opened a web-based submission form (Attachment 2) for local jurisdictions to submit recommendations to the Governor starting June 15, 2026, and it will remain open until July 20, 2026. There is no limit to the number of eligible tracts that local jurisdictions may submit for recommendation. The minimum required information will include identification of the nominating entity, a primary point of contact for follow-up, the 10-digit census tract number(s), and a brief description of how achieving OZ status for the tract(s) would align with state investment and development priorities. Local jurisdictions also have the option to provide additional information regarding their eligible tracts’ connections to Go-Biz's priority criteria, which staff details below. Finally, local jurisdictions may list ranked preferences when recommending multiple eligible tracts, but this is not required.
While only local jurisdictions are permitted to submit recommendations to the Governor, other local organizations are encouraged to coordinate and engage with local government partners to make the strongest case for nomination. State officials will open a public comment period starting August 1, 2026, regarding census tract OZ 2.0 nomination as a way for community stakeholders to provide their input via letters of support or similar means.
GO-Biz has indicated that it will prioritize nomination of tracts that show current or future alignment with the following State priorities and programs:
• California Jobs First Program Regional Plans and Programs • State affordable housing objectives and Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) 1 The initial deadline for local jurisdiction recommendations was July 25th, however, on July 9th Go-BIZ announced the deadline is now July 20th at 11:59pm.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
• Presence of parcels or property that have been submitted to California’s Business Ready Sites Program
• Active or planned public investment (Tax Increment Finance districts, public grant-funded projects, etc.)
Eligible Tracts in San Rafael
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has deemed five census tracts in San Rafael eligible for OZ 2.0.
The tracts are identified in Figure 1 below as: 1110.01, 1121, 1122.02, 1122.03, and 1122.04.
Figure 1: San Rafael Eligible OZ 2.0 Census Tracts
The OZ 2.0 eligible census tracts include two census tracts in the Canal neighborhood (1122.03 and 1122.04) that have an OZ 1.0 designation in effect through December 31, 2026. These census tracts consist primarily of high-density, multi-family residential properties, with a high percentage of lowincome and Hispanic tenants. In 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1992, which increased tenant relocation assistance in these census tracts in cases of no-fault eviction, with the understanding that OZ designation could increase the risk of displacement by incentivizing major rehabilitation of existing properties. To date, staff are not aware of any major OZ 1.0-funded projects in tracts 1122.03 and 1122.04, nor are staff aware of any OZ 1.0-related resident displacement.
The remaining OZ 2.0 eligible tracts (1110.01, 1121, and 1122.02) consist of a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial properties and zoning, and are less densely populated.
Other Marin jurisdictions with identified eligible census tracts include the County of Marin and the City of Novato. Marin County staff have indicated that the County will not seek OZ 2.0 nomination but are supportive of a San Rafael application. City of Novato staff intend on presenting a recommendation to their City Council on July 14, 2026.
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ANALYSIS:
The City's OZ 2.0-eligible tracts align with the state's priorities in several ways. For example, San Rafael is a project partner in a California Jobs First catalyst program called “High Road Clean Transportation Career Pathways,” which has researched and designed a pilot workforce training program focused on creating equitable access to quality transportation careers that address the climate crisis. The program will focus on recruiting participants who live in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael (census tracts 1122.02, 03, and 04) and trainings will be hosted in the Canal area, which features a concentration of automotive-related businesses including new and used car dealerships, mechanics, and specialty retail.
Additionally, the City has seen a significant increase in planned and active housing developments, with several projects located in or adjacent to the eligible census tracts. In particular, census tract 1110.01 (located in the Downtown area) is host to several entitled projects that are collectively expected to provide close to 500 new housing units and substantially contribute towards RHNA objectives.
Lastly, substantial future public investment is anticipated in the form of the redesign, replacement, and potential new development opportunity for the existing San Rafael Transit Center, which is located within eligible tract 1110.01 adjacent to Highway 101 between 4th Street and Second Street. The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District owns the Transit Center and is leading the redesign effort. Project partners include the City of San Rafael, Marin Transit, Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), and Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART).
Though it is not among the specific criteria being prioritized by GO-Biz, the upcoming Southeast San Rafael Specific Plan and the existing Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan have the potential to substantially impact the type and character of projects that might be funded through OZ 2.0 investment if that status is granted for any or all of the tracts as they are all located in areas that are covered by one of these plans.
Proposed Nomination Recommendations and Rationale
Staff recommends nominating all eligible San Rafael census tracts for OZ 2.0 designation to maximize opportunities for new investment that advance the City’s housing, economic vitality, employment, sea level rise adaptation, and revenue goals. Additionally, to position San Rafael most effectively in a competitive statewide process in which only 25 percent of eligible census tracts can be nominated by the Governor, staff recommends the following priority ranking:
1. 1122.02 – Southeast San Rafael
2. 1110.01 – Downtown San Rafael
3. 1122.04 – Waterfront Canal
4. 1122.03 – Central Canal
5. 1121 – Francisco Blvd. West / Woodland
Staff recommends prioritizing tracts 1122.02 and 1110.01 because they present the strongest opportunities for catalytic investment that aligns with the City’s economic development, housing, resilience, and revenue objectives; moreover, these two census tracts best align with the State’s stated priorities. Secondly, staff recommends tracts 1122.04 and 1122.03, which include light industrial and high-density residential uses, as an OZ 2.0 designation may encourage investment in housing and industry modernization as well as support recommendations included in the forthcoming Southeast San Rafael Specific Plan. Finally, Tract 1121 includes significant industrial and commercial land where modernization and reinvestment could strengthen local employment and business retention.
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Risk of Tenant Displacement and Mitigation Strategies
Displacement of low-income residents is occurring in Marin and San Rafael, particularly in areas with unsubsidized, older multifamily rental housing stock. Tax benefits available to investors through the purchase and improvement of properties in an OZ may heighten the risk of displacement for residents of rental housing, especially when the OZ designation is complemented by other pro-development policies. While the OZ 1.0 designation does not appear to have generated substantial investment in Canal Census Tracts 1122.03 and 1122.04, the upcoming Southeast San Rafael Specific Plan in conjunction with an OZ 2.0 designation could catalyze activity and investment not observed during OZ
1.0, creating additional risk of displacement for low-income tenants.
The OZ program does not provide cities with control over the types of investments generated through OZ designation; however, the City can establish its own policies to help lessen the risk of tenant displacement. For example, to mitigate the potential effects of OZ 1.0 designation, the City Council adopted two policies in Canal Census Tracts 1122.03 and 1122.04:
• As of 2021, landlords have been required to pay a substantially higher relocation assistance amount to tenants living in the Canal OZ who are evicted through a No Fault eviction. This ordinance will remain in effect only if these census tracts are re-designated through OZ 2.0; otherwise, the ordinance will expire December 31, 2026. • As of April 2024, landlords must offer tenants living in the Canal OZ temporary relocation and the right to return to their unit after substantial rehabilitation is complete. This policy was designed to allow landlords to make needed repairs while also maintaining housing stability for tenants. This protection is set to expire December 31, 2026, regardless of OZ 2.0 designation.
Without these policies, landlords will be able to evict tenants for Substantial Rehabilitation for Health and Safety, and low-income tenants will be eligible for two months’ rent per the existing citywide policy.
A citywide anti-displacement strategy may prove most effective in preventing displacement since lowincome tenants living in older multifamily housing are vulnerable to displacement regardless of OZ designation, and nearly two-thirds of San Rafael’s rental housing stock was built before 1980. In the past five years, multiple, large multifamily buildings in San Rafael have been sold without the involvement of a QOF, in some cases resulting in the eviction of tenants on the grounds of Substantial Rehabilitation for Health and Safety.
Consistent with City Council priorities identified in the Three-Year Strategic Plan, staff will return to the City Council in late summer or early fall for consideration of policy updates to help mitigate tenant displacement.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
Staff presented OZ 2.0 informational reports to the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee of the City Council on April 21, 2026, and June 16, 2026. General information on San Rafael’s OZ 2.0 process is published at https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/opportunity-zone/.
Additionally, an informational meeting was held on April 30, 2026, at Al Boro Community Center and via Zoom, which was attended by City staff and approximately 15 community stakeholders, including local business and property owners and community-based organizations primarily associated with the Canal and Southeast San Rafael. Two guest speakers with experience in OZ projects presented general information and answered questions.
Finally, the Community and Economic Development Department received a letter from the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce’s East San Rafael Working Group (Attachment 3) advocating for the nomination SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
of all three tracts in the Canal/Southeast area of the City (1122.02, 1122.03, and 1122.04), with tract 1122.02 being their top preference.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommendation has no immediate fiscal impact on the City, as there is no cost, aside from staff time, to submit an application to GO-Biz through the online portal. However, subsequent nomination of San Rafael census tracts for the OZ 2.0 program has the potential to attract additional investment to the City in the future.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Adopt the resolution as presented.
2. Adopt resolution with modifications.
3. Take no action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution in support of an application to the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) recommending the nomination of census tracts 06041111001, 06041112100, 06041112202, 06041112203, and 06041112204 to the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Instructions for the Local Authority Recommendation Form / Sample Form
3. San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Letter to Community and Economic Development Department
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (GO-BIZ) RECOMMENDING THE NOMINATION OF CENSUS TRACTS 06041111001, 06041112100, 06041112202, 06041112203, AND 06041112204 TO THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE
2.0 PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael is committed to fostering equitable economic development, supporting local businesses, expanding workforce opportunities, and encouraging reinvestment in areas of the community facing economic challenges; and WHEREAS, Opportunity Zones are a federal capital gains tax incentive designed to mobilize long-term private investment in designated low-income and underserved communities, and the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program offers tools that support community-serving development, including affordable and workforce housing, small business growth, mixed-use revitalization, green infrastructure, and job‑creating projects aligned with the City’s adopted plans and community priorities; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Reconciliation Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), calls on governors to act in summer 2026 by nominating one-quarter of their lowincome census tracts for Opportunity Zone (OZ) status; and WHEREAS, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has invited local jurisdictions to recommend eligible census tracts for consideration and nomination by the Governor of California; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael has identified Census Tracts 06041111001, 06041112100, 06041112202, 06041112203, and 06041112204 as areas that meet the State’s Opportunity Zone eligibility criteria and would significantly benefit from the catalytic investment, enhanced economic activity, and community reinvestment opportunities facilitated by the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program; and
WHEREAS, the designation of these census tracts would advance key City goals related to economic vitality, housing affordability, climate resilience, long‑term sustainability, and inclusive community development; and
WHEREAS, the City has engaged with community partners, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and property owners within the proposed census tracts, all of whom have expressed strong interest in pursuing new investment opportunities that align with the City’s community development priorities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby supports the submission of an application to the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development recommending the nomination of Census Tracts 06041111001, 06041112100, 06041112202, 06041112203, and 06041112204 to the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program as prioritized in the staff report for the July 20, 2026, City Council meeting; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes and directs City staff to prepare, submit, and manage all necessary application materials, supporting documentation, and communications with GO‑Biz to advance this nomination.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Rafael, held on Monday, the 20th day of July, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers:
NOES: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
Opportunity Zones 2.0
Instructions for the Local Authority Recommendation Form Below is a PDF version of the Local Authority Recommendation Form with instructions. Please note that this document is for instructional purposes only. Instructions are stated in red text.
Please note that the Local Authority Recommendation Form must be completed in ONE sitting. The form does not include a "save" function, so applicants should be prepared to complete and submit all required information during a single session. The timing of a submission will have no impact on the consideration of the recommendation.
Questions with * will require a response.
To fill out the Local Authority Recommendation Form:
CLICK HERE (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/4ykYDGAjba) Completed forms must be submitted by 11:59 pm on July 25, 2026.
Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
Local Authority Recommendation Form
This form is to be completed by an authorized representative of a city/municipality, county, special district, regional joint powers authority, council of governments, or tribal government within California. Only census tracts that appear on the official Qualified Opportunity Zones Eligible Tract list by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/tax-policy/data-transparency/qualified-opportunity-zones) may be recommended. You may also consult interactive mapping tools provided by organizations such as Novogradac (https://www.policymap.com/embed/widget/12163/DNAOEK4MOFUIAGJCCEX7MVRX9IRWBIKG) and the Economic Innovation Group (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/c473c71f0704408f934fbdc342caf1f1) to explore eligible tracts.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN:
- Please note that this form must be completed in ONE sitting. The form does not include a "save" function, so applicants should be prepared to complete and submit all required information during a single session. The timing of a submission will have no impact on the consideration of the recommendation. - Review the latest Frequently Asked Questions document linked on the GO-Biz Opportunity Zones Program website (https://business.ca.gov/resources/infrastructure-development/opportunity-zones-incalifornia/) - Review the Local Authority Recommendation Form Instructions (this document).
Submit one form per eligible census tract being recommended. Completed forms must be submitted by 11:59 pm on July 25, 2026. Incomplete forms and submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
Please submit all questions regarding this form to https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/CNmhbGAkSN. Submitted questions will be reviewed and incorporated into future FAQ updates, as appropriate. A direct response will not be provided.
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1 Census Tract Identification
1. *Select the County this census tract is located within:
• Drop-down selection
2. *Recommended Census Tract:
• Text box (limited to a numerical value only)
Please include the full 11-digit Census Tract GEOID (Geographic Identifier). For example, for census tract 06001400100, you would type in “06001400100”. Census tract numbers that are incomplete or unrecognizable will not be considered.
3. List any California-based federally or non-federally recognized tribes within this census tract:
• Text box
Please separate each tribal entity with a semicolon (;) Recommending Entity
4. *Recommending Entity Name:
• Text box
5. *Recommending Entity Type: (select one)
• City/Municipality
• County
• Special District
• Regional Joint Powers Authority
• Council of Governments
• Tribal Governments
6. *Recommending Entity Address: Street Address
• Text box
7. *Recommending Entity Address: City
• Text box
Please include the city name as you would in an address. For example, for the City of Sacramento, you would type “Sacramento”.
8. *Recommending Entity Address: Zip Code
• Text box
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2 9. *Recommending Entity Website:
• Text box
Authorized Submitter Contact Information
A submitter must occupy a position within the recommending entity and be authorized to complete this form on the entity’s behalf. Outside consultants are not eligible to submit a recommendation. For example, any city employee authorized by the city may submit a recommendation on the city’s behalf.
10. *Submitter First Name:
• Text box
11. *Submitter Last Name:
• Text box
12. *Submitter Job Title:
• Text box
13. *Submitter Email Address:
• Text box
14. *Submitter Phone Number:
• Text box
Census Tract Questions
15. *Is there currently committed public investment (local, state, or federal) in the census tract you are recommending?
• Yes
• No
The funding must already be "committed." For example, if a jurisdiction is planning to apply for future public funding, but has not yet secured it, the answer would be “No.” Examples of local investment may include, but are not limited to, business improvement districts, benefit assessment districts, or local funds directed toward infrastructure and public improvement (development impact fees, local and sales use taxes, general obligation bond measures, or enterprise revenue bonds). Please DO NOT include tax increment financing (TIF) districts in this response, as Questions 20-22 specifically address TIF districts.
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3 16. IF YES TO #15: List the funding source(s), approximate date of secured investment, and a general description of the investment, including the dollar amount:
• Text box
Please separate each funding source with a semicolon (;). For example: Funding Source Name, Date, Brief Description; Funding Source Name, Date, Brief Description.
If the local investment is based on any of the examples listed in the instructions for Question 15, please include the approximate amount of annual revenue collected.
17. *Does this census tract include a site identified in a Housing Element approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for affordable housing and/or does it support the implementation of Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) goals? • Yes
• No
Please see the Housing Element Download Tool (https://www.hcd.ca.gov/housing-open-data-tools/housingelement-download-tool) for the latest Housing Elements approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
18. *Does this census tract include one or more shovel-ready sites as generally defined by the GO-Biz "Business Ready Sites" Program?
• Yes
• No
Shovel-ready sites are NOT required to be on the GO-Biz Business Ready Sites tool. Shovel-ready sites may also be existing buildings that are ready for substantial improvements. Shovel-ready sites generally include the following factors (sites are NOT required to have all factors):
• All utilities (water, sewer, electric power, telecommunications, etc.) are at the site (or within 500ft) or a formal plan must be in place to extend them to the site • Minimum of 500 kw available electrical service, 3 phase power supply, 480 voltage • Site must be zoned and fully entitled for headquarters, R&D, and/or industrial manufacturing projects • Grading completed - soil characteristics disclosed and groundwork completed • Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) certified, with no liabilities (soil/cleanup or any other remediation)
19. IF YES TO #18: Please list the site address(es):
• Text box
Please separate each address with a semicolon (;). For example: 123 Main Street, City, Zip Code; 132 Second Street, City Zip Code. Incomplete or false addresses will not be considered.
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4 20. *Is the census tract located within an existing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District (such as an EIFD, CRIA, or CRD)?
• Yes, the TIF District is Fully Formed
• Yes, the TIF District is in Process
• No
A TIF District is considered to be “fully formed” if the district’s governing public financing authority (PFA) has officially enacted a resolution of formation and adopted the final infrastructure financing plan (IFP). A TIF District is considered to be “in process” if the local government has adopted a formal resolution of intention to the establishment.
If the census tract is located within a different type of financing district, please include that information in Questions 15 &16.
21. IF FULLY FORMED OR IN PROCESS TO #20: Provide the name of the TIF District(s):
• Text box
Please separate each TIF District with a semicolon (;).
22. IF NO TO #20: Are you exploring or considering the formation of a TIF District that will encompass this census tract within the next 6 months?
• Yes
• No
23. *Has the governing body of the recommending entity approved this recommendation via one of the following options?
• Proclamation
• Record of Action Taken
• Resolution
• No
24. IF PROCLAMATION / RECORD / RESOLUTION TO #23: Provide the relevant proclamation, record of action taken, or resolution link:
• Text box
25. List community and/or regional partners in support of this recommendation:
• Text box
Please separate each partner’s name with a semicolon (;). Letters of support will be accepted during the public comment period in August. Please note that letters of support are not required but are encouraged as a means to demonstrate stakeholder engagement.
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5 26. *Select the following strategic sectors, as defined by the California Jobs First State Blueprint, that this census tract may support (Select as many as apply):
• Aerospace & Defense (Aircraft, Shipbuilding, Space, Defense & Satellites) • Childcare
• Clean Economy (Batteries, Wind, Solar, ZEV, Critical Minerals, Hydrogen, Carbon Management) • Creative Economy
• Education & Skilled Workforce
• Financial & Professional Services
• Healthcare
• High-Tech (Semiconductors & Microelectronics, Hardware, Software & Services, Artificial Intelligence, Fusion, Robotics, Quantum)
• Housing
• Infrastructure (Broadband, Transportation Infrastructure, Transmission & Distribution, Water) • Life Sciences (Medtech, Pharma/biotech)
• Manufacturing (Advanced and/or Precision)
• Tourism & Outdoor Recreation
• Transport & Logistics
• Working Lands & Water (Agricultural Production, Food Processing, Agtech & Farm Equipment, Bioeconomy, Blue economy/tech)
• None of the above
Please note that the sectors are listed in alphabetical order with no indication of prioritization. A census tract may support a strategic sector if it has specific development projects (e.g., industrial parks, business incubators & accelerators, research & innovation hubs, etc.) that attract or expand one of the Jobs First strategic sectors.
27. Please provide a brief description (max 1,000 characters, including spaces. approximately 200 words) of how this census tract will advance the selected sectors with relevant examples:
• Text box
28. Please provide a brief description (max 1000 characters, including spaces, approximately 200 words) of how this census tract will incentivize and/or appeal to public and/or private investment opportunities:
• Text box
29. Submit one form per census tract. If you are nominating multiple census tracts, please list all census tracts in order of preference:
• Text Box
Please answer this question consistently for each form you submit. Separate each census tract number with a semicolon (;) and indicate preference by listing the census tracts in order of most preferred to least preferred. List the census tracts in the same order on each form you submit.
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6 Certification and Signature
Certification Statement
I hereby certify, on behalf of the submitting jurisdiction, that the information contained in this form is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. I am authorized by the governing body of my jurisdiction to submit this recommendation.
30. *Submitter Full Name:
• Text box
31. *Date of Submission:
• Text box
End of the form.
7 SAN RAFAEL CHAMBER
WE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS, UNITE COM UNITY, AND TAKE ACTION.
May 21, 2026
Dear Paul, Micah, Stacey, and City Colleagues,
Thank you for the opportunity to meet recently to discuss the Opportunity Zone 2.0 opportunity in East San Rafael.
Following that meeting, we convened as the East San Rafael Working Group to continue the discussion with landowners and business leaders. We reached a clear and strong consensus that pursuing Opportunity Zone 2.0 is both necessary and timely for East San Rafael.
We also agreed that census tract .02 should be the first-choice tract, as it best reflects East San Rafael's economic geography, including the concentration of existing businesses and the majority of viable opportunity sites. At the same time, we reached consensus that tracts .03 and .04 are essential to any comprehensive and effective long-term sea-level rise and resilience strategy, and that, unless we receive clear guidance that only one tract may be nominated, the full East San Rafael area should be included.
We recognize that the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program presents both risks and possibilities. However, the timing of this opportunity aligns unusually well with the City's current planning and implementation work.
The Southeast San Rafael Specific Plan provides a strong foundation for coordinating policies, programs, and Investments so that Opportunity Zone designation advances shared priorities rather than working at cross-purposes. With clear local direction and alignment, this tool allows the City and community to proactively shape outcomes rather than react to market pressures.
From our perspective, Opportunity Zone 2.0 represents one of the most meaningful tools available to attract the scale and type of capital that successful implementation of the Specific Plan will require. Used thoughtfully, it can help support existing businesses, create quality jobs, advance critical infrastructure and climate resilience investments, and reduce pressures that could otherwise accelerate residential, commercial, and industrial displacement. We do not expect another opportunity of this magnitude in the foreseeable future.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and wanted to clearly communicate where the East San Rafael Working Group stands so that our upcoming meeting can be as productive as possible. We hope to use that time to discuss next steps in preparing a strong and aligned proposal for the State, and in continuing to build momentum around an Opportunity Zone that reinforces adopted City goals and delivers durable benefits for East San Rafael and the City as a whole. ~ {;,.
Karen Strolia
CEO, San Rafael Chamber Chair, East San Rafael Working Group CC: Omar Carrera, Canal Alliance