July 2025

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features Council's approval of the fiscal year 2025/26 city budget, Novato's Annual Street Paving project, Novato Permit Connections schedule changes, Novato Blvd PG&E utility undergrounding update, Parks & Recreation events, and more!

You can stay up-to-date on City news and events throughout the month by visiting novato.org/connectwithus and signing up for specific topics that are most important to you.

Council Approves Fiscal Year 2025/26 City Budget

At their June 24 meeting, the Novato City Council unanimously approved a $57.7 million City Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26, effective July 1. For the first time in more than five years, the City has adopted a balanced budget — shaped by extensive community input and supported by voter-approved Measure M, which will generate approximately $10 million annually in new, locally controlled revenue.

Guided by community feedback gathered through surveys, workshops, meetings and popup events, the budget focuses on priorities such as road repair, public safety, emergency response, park maintenance and local business support. Measure M funding allows the City to better align these community priorities with available resources.

“This budget marks the start of Novato’s journey toward long-term financial health – it’s an important first step, not the finish line,” said City Manager Amy Cunningham. “It represents meaningful progress in strengthening our community by restoring essential services and staffing, investing in critical infrastructure, and building the framework for greater future resilience. It’s also important to note that labor negotiations are still in progress. While the adopted budget is balanced, it does not yet account for the full cost of operations expected next year."

Novato's Annual Street Paving Project

Novato’s Annual Street Paving Project is underway with roadway improvements taking place on Clay Court, Redwood Boulevard, Rowland Boulevard, Indian Valley Road, Sherman Avenue and Grant Avenue.

Questions or comments? Please contact Rapid Grading Services directly at 510.736.7918 or info@rapidgradingservices.com. 

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve your streets. 

Novato Permit Connections – July Schedule Changes

During the month of July, Novato Permit Connections will be rescheduled to the following dates.

Thursday, July 10

Thursday, July 24

Considering an ADU, starting a home project, opening a new business or renovating an existing commercial space? Drop into our all-agency permit advice center, located at 922 Machin Avenue, from 9am to 11am.

Our full team of Planning, Building, Public Works, Fire, Water, and Sanitary staff are all available to answer questions, move your project forward, or help you get started. No appointment necessary.

Note: Permit Connections will return to its regular schedule in August, held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.

Traffic Advisory & Detour: PG&E Utility Undergrounding on Novato Boulevard

PG&E has begun work on their utility undergrounding project along Novato Boulevard. This work includes installing new poles to connect underground utilities to existing overhead lines.

Beginning Monday, July 7, the eastbound lane of Novato Blvd will be closed between 7th Street and Diablo Avenue from 8am to 5pm. Detours will be in place — please use Center Road or Grant Avenue as alternate routes. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained during closure hours. This temporary lane closure is anticipated to last approximately two weeks.

Questions? Contact PG&E Outreach Specialist John Baston at (707) 867-9466. 

Novato Proudly Celebrates Parks & Recreation Month

Happy Parks & Recreation Month Novato! Every July we celebrate the vital role parks and recreation play in building stronger, more connected communities. From camps and summer programs to gymnastics and aquatics to senior programs, concerts and so much more, we're Novato Proud to BUILD TOGETHER so we can PLAY TOGETHER.

Teen Night at Hamilton Pool: Summer Beach Splash

Looking for a Friday night activity that’s all fun and no stress? Teens ages 12–16 are invited to join us for Summer Beach Splash at Hamilton Pool on Friday, July 11 from 6:30–8:30pm. Enjoy swimming, games, music, pizza, snacks, and more under the summer sun.

Pre-registration required; no drop-ins accepted. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

Your Summer Starts Here: Hamilton Pool Memberships

Pool season is in full swing! Hamilton Pool memberships are now available, with new options to fit your summer plans, including our Paid and Family Passes, starting at just $319 for three members.

Whether you're cooling off in the water or relaxing with family and friends poolside, a membership is your ticket to a summer of fun. Join early and make the most of every sunny day. 

Make a Splash with Water Aerobics

Looking for a fun way to stay active this summer? Join us at Hamilton Pool for Water Aerobics—a low-impact, high-energy workout designed for all fitness levels. Held in the shallow end, this class uses water resistance to tone muscles, improve cardio health, and boost overall fitness. It’s a great way to start your day with movement, community, and good vibes.

Classes are held on Thursday from 9am-9:50am in July and August.

Camp Ton-of-Fun

Looking for full-day childcare that keeps your child active, creative, and social all summer long? Look no further! The City of Novato’s Parks and Recreation Department is excited to offer Camp Ton-of-Fun, a traditional summer day camp for kids ages 6.5-11 years. Each week is packed with exciting themes, arts & crafts, outdoor games, and tons of playtime. Plus, your camper can opt into a weekly trip to the Hamilton Community Pool (additional $20). Camp runs Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 5:30pm.

Concerts on the Green

Join us for free concerts at the Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Avenue from 6pm to 8pm on select Fridays

• July 18 - Papa Joe & the New Deal (60's to Today Coverband)
• August 1 - Wolf Jett (Folk, Blues, Americana)
• August 15 - Sol Horizon (Reggae with Rock, Funk, World Beats)

Hot Amphitheater Nights

Join us for free concerts at the Hamilton Amphitheater, 601 North Hamilton Parkway from 5pm to 7pm on select Saturdays.

• July 26 - Pop Fiction (70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's & Beyond)
• August 30 - The Timebandits (Pop, Soul, R&B, Latin, Swing, & more)

Note: Parking is available at the Hamilton Community Center Parking Lot or the old Hamilton Gym Parking Lot. Both lots are a short walk away from the venue. 

Hawaiian Lunch

Join us for a delicious Hawaiian lunch at the Margaret Todd Senior Center on Wednesday, July 30 at 12pm. ⁠Enjoy teriyaki chicken, rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, green salad, & pineapple upside down cake, catered by Blueberry Hill Catering. Register by July 22 at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, or by clicking the button below. 

Special thanks to Atria Tamalpais Creek for sponsoring this lunch! Call 415.899.8290 for more information.⁠

Holiday Crafts Faire Vendor Applications Now Open

Novato Parks & Recreation will be hosting its annual Holiday Crafts Faire on Friday, December 5 from 6pm-9pm, and Saturday, December 6 from 10am-4pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center. ⁠This event features a diverse selection of handmade crafts from over 55 talented artisans, live entertainment, and delicious food.

⁠If you are interested in becoming a vendor, submit your vendor application before 4pm on Saturday, September 5.⁠ 

National Night Out 2025

Join the Novato Police Department (NPD) for their annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 5 from 4pm to 6pm at the Novato Police Station, 909 Machin Avenue. Beat the heat with some FREE treats and goodies for the whole family!

• Free Otter Pops with the Cops
• Station Tours
• Raffle
• Giveaways
• Meet & Greet with your Police Department
• Patrol Vehicle & Equipment displays

Community Partners: Novato Fire, Marin CHP, First Responder Therapy Dogs and more

Note: This event takes place during the Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market, so please plan ahead for travel and parking.

More Upcoming NPD Events:

• 7/18: First Fridays (Grant Avenue)
• 7/26: Hot Amphitheater Nights (Hamilton Amphitheater Park)

E-Bike Safety: New Laws Effective July 1

Did you know that kids ages 10–15 are five times more likely than other age groups to need an ambulance after an e-bike crash? As of July 1, ALL e-bike riders are required to wear a helmet. Additionally, riders must be 16 or older to ride Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes. E-bikes have fully operable pedals and a motor that is a maximum of 750 watts. If the e-bike doesn’t fit within the classes below, it may be classified as a motor vehicle and NOT an e-bike (i.e. electric motorcycles).

• Class 1: Pedal-assist, up to 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle (no pedaling), up to 20 mph (riders must be 16+)
• Class 3: Pedal-assist, up to 28 mph (riders must be 16+)

Let's work together to keep our roads and pathways safe for everyone.

Downtown Novato Community Farmers’ Market

The Downtown Novato Farmers’ Market is held every Tuesday on Sherman Avenue between Grant and De Long Avenues, May - September from 4–8pm and 4–7pm throughout October.

Bring your friends and family to the heart of downtown to enjoy a diverse selection of fresh produce from local farmers, prepared and packaged foods to enjoy at the market or to go, local artisan booths and activities for kids. Come check out all the market has to offer, grab some dinner and shop downtown.

El mercado de agricultores comunitarios del centro de Novato regresa

El mercado de agricultores del centro de Novato se celebra todos los martes en Sherman Avenue entre Grant y De Long Avenues, de 4 a 8 p. m. (del 6 de mayo al 30 de septiembre) y de 4 a 7 p. m. durante todo octubre.

Reúnase con sus amigos y familiares en el corazón del centro de la ciudad para disfrutar de una variada selección de productos frescos de agricultores locales, alimentos preparados y envasados para disfrutar en el mercado o para llevar, puestos de artesanos locales y actividades para niños. Venga a ver todo lo que el mercado tiene para ofrecer, cene algo y compre en el centro. 

First Fridays on Grant

Head downtown on July 18 for First Fridays. Grant Avenue (from Machin Avenue to Reichert Avenue) will transform into a pedestrian-only entertainment zone from 5pm to 10pm and will feature an artisan marketplace, rock climbing wall, live music, family fun & games and extended shopping hours.

Traffic Advisory: Grant Avenue will be closed from 4pm - 12am between Machin and Reichert Avenues.

Nostalgia Days Classic Car Show: Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2025 Nostalgia Days Classic Car Show, held on Saturday, October 11 from 10am to 4pm. Presented by the Downtown Novato Business Association, Nostalgia Days has become a cornerstone event in Downtown Novato.

Sustainability

Reminder: Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers are Banned

To help protect our air quality, reduce noise pollution, and support a healthier environment for everyone, gas-powered leaf blowers are banned in Novato. 

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, using (or allowing someone to use) a gas-powered leaf blower on your property is prohibited and could result in a fine: $100 for the first violation; $200 for the second; and up to $500 for a third or subsequent violation within a one-year period.

If you hire a landscaper, please make sure they’re aware of the ban and use compliant equipment. Thank you for doing your part to keep Novato clean, quiet, and healthy.

Recordatorio: Los Sopladores de Hojas a Gasolina Están Prohibidos

Para ayudar a proteger la calidad del aire, reducir la contaminación acústica y promover un entorno más saludable, los sopladores de hojas a gasolina están prohibidos en Novato.

Ya sea que usted sea propietario, inquilino o dueño de un negocio, usar (o permitir que alguien use) un soplador de hojas a gasolina en su propiedad está prohibido y puede resultar en una multa: $100 por la primera infracción, $200 por la segunda y hasta $500 por una tercera o infracciones posteriores dentro de un período de un año.

Si contrata a un jardinero, asegúrese de que conozca la prohibición y utilice equipo permitido. Gracias por hacer su parte para mantener a Novato limpio, tranquilo y saludable.

Have Extra Fruit or Veggies? Share the Bounty!

Do you have fruit trees or a veggie gardens that produce more than you can eat? Share it with neighbors in need! Share the Bounty is a program of ExtraFood, a local nonprofit working to end hunger and food waste in Marin. Their trained volunteers will happily pick up your extra produce, and can even help with harvesting, if needed. Your extra harvest can make a big difference for someone facing food insecurity. It’s a simple, meaningful way to support your community, reduce waste, and make sure fresh, nutritious food ends up where it’s needed most.

Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution

Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue, but small changes make a big difference. By cutting back on single-use plastics, you can reduce landfill waste, protect ecosystems, and safeguard your health. Try these easy swaps:

• Bring a reusable cup when grabbing a coffee 
• When shopping or eating out, ditch the plastic and use your own reusable straws, utensils, water bottles and bags instead
• Avoid unnecessary packaging whenever possible

Hamilton Army Airfield’s Fascinating History

Construction of the Hamilton Army Airfield began in 1932, and the base officially opened in 1935. By 1939, the 20th and 35th Pursuit Groups arrived with 170 aircraft and 1,700 personnel. As headquarters of the Army Air Corps’ 1st Wing, Hamilton oversaw protection of the entire Western U.S.

During WWII, it served as a key overseas staging base for the Air Transport Command’s Pacific Division. The Fourth Fighter Command conducted coastal patrols and monitored Bay Area air and naval traffic.

On December 7, 1941, a squadron of B-17s from Hamilton was mistaken for enemy aircraft and fired upon while landing at Hickam Field in Hawaii.

Renamed Hamilton Air Force Base in 1947, it was decommissioned in 1974.

Pioneer Park Cemetery Tours

Join the Novato Historical Guild for a fascinating journey through history at Pioneer Park on July 26, August 16 and September 20 from 9am – 10:30am. Explore the stories of the pioneers who shaped our community, learn about their lives, and uncover the secrets of the past.

This in-person event is a unique opportunity to connect with the past and discover the rich heritage of our city. Please note that the tour consists of some stairs and narrow pathways. A $10 donation is greatly appreciated, payable at the event.

Interested in learning more about Novato's history? The Novato Historical Guild operates two museums — Novato History Museum, located at 815 DeLong Avenue, and The Hamilton Field History Museum, located at 555 Hangar Avenue. Both museums are open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12-4pm. For more information, please call 415.382.8614 or go to novatohistory.org.

North Marin Community Services Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Do you live in Novato and need help paying your rent? Whether your name is on the lease or you are renting a room, you may qualify for assistance if your household income qualifies according to HUD guidelines.

To find out how you may be eligible for Rental Assistance, contact Ceci Olmedo at 415.897.4147 ext 0 or info@northmarincs.org.

Para saber cómo puede ser eligible para asistencia de alquiler, comuníquese con Ceci Olmedo al numero 415.897.4147 ext 0 o info@northmarincs.org.

Upcoming City Meetings

The City of Novato encourages community participation at our upcoming public meetings. Meeting details, including information on how to participate, are included in each meeting agenda packet. Agendas are posted at least 72 hours prior to each scheduled meeting. To receive meeting agendas via email and/or text, sign-up at novato.org/connectwithus.

July 8 at 6pm | City Council

July 10 at 8am | Finance Advisory Commission - Cancelled

July 10 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator - Cancelled

July 10 at 3pm | Economic Development Advisory Commission - Special Meeting

July 10 at 6pm | Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Commission

July 14 at 7pm | Planning Commission

July 16 at 5:30pm | Complete Streets & Pathways Oversight Committee

July 16 at 7pm | Design Review Commission

July 17 at 6pm | Sustainability Commission

July 22 at 6pm | City Council

July 23 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

July 24 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

July 28 at 7pm | Planning Commission

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

Interested in a career in local government? Check out some of our current openings:

• Chief Building Official (Full Time) - Application deadline is Sunday, July 27. Apply Today

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Community Development

• Plan Check Engineer (Full Time)
• Senior Building Inspector (Full Time)

Parks & Recreation

• Facility Attendant (Part Time)

Police

• Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Graduate (Full Time)
• Police Officer Trainee (Full Time)

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