Hi! Just a reminder that you are receiving this message because you have previously expressed interest in the City of Novato. Please add publicinfo@novato.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox.

March 2026

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! In this issue, you'll find opportunities to meet your councilmembers, share your input on the upcoming City Budget and the future of cannabis storefront retail in Novato, learn about Novato's Draft Tenant Protections Ordinance, information on how to join a City commission, details about the Novato Police Department's Coffee with a Cop event, upcoming Parks & Recreation activities, and more!

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

Meet Your Councilmembers

Join the Novato City Council and staff at upcoming community pop-up events for an opportunity to discuss City projects and initiatives, ask questions, share feedback, and help us get to know you better!

Through meaningful conversations, we can continue to shape Novato’s future and strengthen our community together. 

Conozcan a los concejales de su ciudad

¡Acompañen al Ayuntamiento de Novato y a su personal en un evento emergente para la comunidad en el que tendrá la oportunidad de discutir proyectos e iniciativas de la ciudad, hacer preguntas, compartir opiniones y ayudarnos a conocerlos mejor!

A través de conversaciones significativas, podemos continuar dando forma al futuro de Novato y fortalecer juntos nuestra comunidad

What City Services are Most Important to You?

Help shape Novato’s City Budget for fiscal year 2026/27 by sharing your feedback on the City services that matter most to you.

Last year, Novato reached a major milestone with the adoption of the City's first balanced budget in more than five years. Thanks to the community’s support of Measure M, the City has been able to deliver on its commitment to restore essential services, strengthen public safety and invest in critical infrastructure. 

Help guide the City Council in setting priorities for the upcoming budget to ensure it continues to reflect the needs and values of our community. 

Survey closes at 11:59pm on Monday, March 23.

Join the conversation! Attend our upcoming Community Budget Workshop on Wednesday, March 25, 6pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue.

¿Qué servicios municipales son más importantes para usted?

Ayude a definir el presupuesto de la ciudad de Novato para el año fiscal 2026/27 compartiendo su opinión sobre los servicios municipales que más le importan.

El año pasado, Novato alcanzó un punto clave con la adopción del primer presupuesto equilibrado de la ciudad en más de cinco años. Gracias al apoyo de la comunidad a la Medida M, la ciudad ha podido lograr su cometido de restaurar servicios esenciales, reforzar la seguridad pública e invertir en infraestructura clave. 

Ayudar al Consejo Municipal a establecer prioridades para presupuestos futuros y asegurar que estos sigan reflejando las necesidades y valores de nuestra comunidad. 

La encuesta cierra el lunes 23 de marzo a las 11:59 p.m.

¡Participe en la conversación! Asista a nuestro Taller sobre el presupuesto comunitario el miércoles 25 de marzo a las 6:00 p.m. en Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue.

Join the Conversation on the Future of Cannabis Storefront Retail in Novato

The Novato City Council is considering future cannabis storefront retail — and we want to hear from you. Cannabis storefront retail refers to a physical, brick-and-mortar location where cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis accessories are sold directly to customers. Your input will help inform and shape the City’s policies and regulations regarding potential cannabis storefront retail.

Survey closes at 11:59pm on Monday, March 23.

Únase a la conversación sobre el futuro de los locales comerciales de cannabis en Novato

El Concejo Municipal de Novato está considerando la concesión de licencias para la venta minorista de cannabis en locales comerciales en el futuro, y queremos saber su opinión. Las tiendas de cannabis se refieren a establecimientos físicos donde se vende cannabis, productos de cannabis y accesorios directamente a los clientes. Su opinión ayudará a definir las políticas y regulaciones de la Ciudad con respecto a la posibilidad de abrir tiendas de cannabis.

La encuesta cierra del las 11:59 p. m. del lunes 23 de marzo.

Novato City Council to Consider Draft Tenant Protections Ordinance

The Novato City Council will consider a Draft Tenant Protections Ordinance designed to expand local protections for tenants facing no-fault evictions, including displacement due to substantial remodels or government order to vacate notices (red-tagged units due to substandard habitability conditions).

While the draft retains existing state law protections for landlords in cases of at-fault evictions, it would require temporary relocation financial assistance and a right to return for tenants displaced due to remodels and red-tags.

The City of Novato is hosting a series of informational meetings for property owners, landlords, property representatives, tenants & tenant advocates to provide an overview of the Draft Tenant Protections Ordinance.

El Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de Novato evaluará el Borrador de la ordenanza sobre protecciones para inquilinos

El Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de Novato evaluará el Borrador de la ordenanza sobre protecciones para inquilinos, diseñada para ampliar las protecciones locales de los inquilinos que se enfrentan a desalojos sin causa justificada, incluidos los desplazamientos derivados de remodelaciones significativas o de avisos de desalojo emitidos por el gobierno (unidades de vivienda etiquetadas en rojo por condiciones de habitabilidad de calidad inferior). 

Si bien el borrador conserva las protecciones existentes para arrendadores previstas en la legislación estatal en casos de desalojos con causa justificada, se requeriría ayuda financiera para la reubicación temporal y un derecho de retorno para los inquilinos desplazados debido a remodelaciones y etiquetados rojos.

La Ciudad de Novato organiza una serie de reuniones informativas para propietarios, arrendadores, representantes de la propiedad, inquilinos y defensores de inquilinos para brindar una visión general del Proyecto de Ordenanza de Protección a Inquilinos. 

Join a City Commission, Committee or Board

The Novato City Council is currently accepting applications for a recruitment to fill vacancies on several of its key advisory bodies. If you are passionate about shaping the future of your community, consider applying for one of the open seats today!  

The City’s commissions, committees and boards play an essential role in informing City policy and ensuring that community voices are reflected in the decision-making process across a range of critical areas—from urban planning and design to cultural inclusion.

Seats are limited, apply today! Applications are due by March 30 at 5pm.

Register for Spring + Summer 2026 Programs

Registration for Spring + Summer activities is open — view the Activity Guide and register for Novato Fun programs before they fill up!

Discover exciting programs for the whole family, including Camp Ton-of-Fun (save $30 with early bird pricing!), youth athletics, specialty camps, gymnastics, aquatics programs and teen activities. Adults can join recreational leagues, pickleball clinics and Adult Open Gym returning this summer at Hill Gym.

Don't miss Spring events including the Spring Magic Show, Fishing in the City and the Spring Flea Market. Concerts on the Green and Hot Amphitheater Nights return this Summer with lineups coming soon! Visit novato.gov/events for event details.

The Hamilton Community Pool opens May 23 with swim lessons and season passes available starting May 12.

Questions? Call 415.899.8279 or email novatofun@novato.gov.

Celebrate Diversity Month with Lotería Game Night

Join the City of Novato’s Multicultural Advisory Commission for an interactive Cultural Game Night featuring Lotería, a traditional Mexican game similar to bingo.

This special event will feature a Novato-themed version of the game. Learn about Lotería's rich cultural history, then try your luck in multiple rounds of gameplay suitable for all ages.

The event takes place Wednesday, April 22 at 6pm at Novato City Hall. No previous experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to call "¡Lotería!" when you win.

Soccer Stars (1-9 years)

The next session of Soccer Stars kicks off the week of March 15 at the Pocket Park, located at 950 7th Street in downtown Novato! Designed for kids ages 1–9, Soccer Stars offers classes tailored to each age group and stage of development. The emphasis is on teaching the fundamentals of soccer in a fun, non-competitive environment. It’s the perfect way for young players to learn soccer skills, make friends, and fall in love with the game! Spots are limited. Sign up today!

Taekwondo (7-18+ years)

Another exciting session of Taekwondo is right around the corner! Classes begin the week of March 16 and are open to ages 7–12 and 12+ (including adults). Classes blend fun, fitness, and safety while building essential life skills like discipline, focus, and resilience. Held at the Hamilton Community Center, these classes create a supportive environment for students of all skill levels. With a dedicated teen and adult class, it’s also a fantastic opportunity for parents and teens to train together, set goals, and grow stronger—both physically and mentally. 

Gymnastics (1-14 Years)

Spring into action at the Novato Gymnastics Center! Our 10-week spring session begins the week of March 23 and offers something for every age and skill level. From early movement classes for our littlest athletes to preschool classes, recreational gymnastics, and high-energy teen tumbling, we offer a supportive space where every child can build skills, boost confidence, and have lots of fun. Can’t commit to an ongoing weekly class? Check out Tumbling Tots, our flexible drop-in option for children ages 1–5 with an adult. Make the gym your child’s favorite place to be active, build skills, and make new friends. 

Adult Leagues (18+ years)

Grab your friends, co-workers, and neighbors and get in the game this spring! Our Spring/Summer 2026 adult leagues kick off in April.

Whether you’re ready to hit the field for Softball, bump and spike in Volleyball, run the court in Basketball, or toss some bags in Cornhole, there’s a league for everyone. It’s the perfect way to stay active, build community, and enjoy some friendly competition.

Trash to Treasures Spring Flea Market

Join us on Saturday, March 21 from 9am - 2pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road for the Spring Trash to Treasures Flea Market. This flea market is held indoors, rain or shine and admission is FREE! Food and other goodies will be available for purchase at the snack bar.

The vendor application period has ended. For more information or to be added to the vendor waitlist, please email novatofun@novato.gov or call 415-899-8290.

Fishing in the City

Fishing in the City is back! Join us Saturday, April 11 from 8am - 12pm at Scottsdale Pond to learn about fishing fundamentals! Open to ages 6-15 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must complete a 45 minute Learn to Fish clinic featuring educational displays and mini workshops in order to borrow bait, tackle, and rods. Once completed, they may fish until 12pm.

⁠Be sure to pre-register for this FREE event to save your spot before it sells out! 

Novato Police Department: Coffee with a Cop

Join the Novato Police Department (NPD) for FREE Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, March 11 from 9am to 11am at Peet's Coffee, 7320 Redwood Blvd, Suite A

This is an opportunity to meet NPD staff, learn more about the services they provide and enjoy giveaways.

Calling All Writers! Share Your Story in the Pride Voices Contest

The City of Novato invites Novato residents ages 13 and older to participate in the second annual Pride Voices Contest - a creative writing opportunity honoring Pride Month and uplifting diverse voices. 

Contest Prompt:

Through poetry or prose, share what it means to be accepted, strengthened and/or celebrated - for yourself, your loved one, and our community. 

Submission Guidelines:

Poetry: Maximum 30 lines

Short Story/Prose: Maximum 350 words

Selected winners will be invited to share their work at the sixth annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 1, 2026. Winners may present their work themselves or have their work read on their behalf. Additionally, one selected winner will have the opportunity to accept the Pride Month proclamation at the June 9, 2026, City Council meeting. The City will respect and accommodate any requests for anonymity throughout the Pride Voices Contest process. 

Submissions open March 9 and close April 10.

For questions, please email novatofun@novato.gov. 

Novato Housing Element: 2025 Annual Progress Report

Novato is making progress on its Housing Element, the City’s plan to preserve and improve existing housing while allowing for the development of homes for people of all income levels. This plan matters because housing shapes everyday life—where people can live, how far they travel to work or school, and whether families, seniors, and young people can afford to stay in the community.  

Housing also supports Novato’s local economy. When more people can live here, more customers shop at local stores and dine at local restaurants, helping keep Downtown and shopping centers throughout the city vibrant and welcoming. 

In 2025, Novato issued permits for 15 new homes and gave final approval for 18 homes, all of which were Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). The City also approved 156 lots for future housing, including Wood Hollow Residences (66 single-family homes) and 7299 Redwood Boulevard Apartments (82 units, including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments).  

Since the adoption of Novato’s 6th cycle housing element, 141 homes have been counted toward the City’s state housing requirement. Novato must plan for 2,090 homes between 2023 and 2031.

PG&E Utility Undergrounding Project Update

PG&E continues work on their utility undergrounding project along Novato Boulevard. This work involves relocating electric and telecommunications utility lines from the existing poles into a trench along Novato Blvd. Once the utilities are relocated underground, the existing poles will be removed. PG&E’s utility undergrounding work is a crucial step toward advancing the Novato Boulevard Improvements – Diablo to Grant project.

City staff is working closely with PG&E to coordinate the design of the two projects. The City’s improvements will begin once PG&E completes its work and will be constructed concurrently with projects by North Marin Water District and Novato Sanitary District. All agencies are working together to ensure efficient construction and minimize community impacts.

PG&E currently anticipates completing their work by Summer 2026.

Traffic Impacts

• The eastbound lane of Novato Blvd will continue to be closed between 7th Street and Diablo Avenue, Monday to Friday from 8am – 5pm and Saturdays (as needed) from 10am – 5pm.

Detours are in place — please use Center Road or Grant Avenue as alternate routes. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained during closure hours. Expect traffic delays and drive with caution. All work is tentative and subject to change.

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

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

Sustainability

California Arbor Week

Observed annually from March 7–14, California Arbor Week recognizes the vital role trees play in our environments and encourages communities to plant trees, care for existing ones, and learn more about their benefits.

Trees beautify our streets, clean the air, reduce stormwater runoff, provide shade that lowers energy use, support wildlife habitats, and improve public health and well-being. They also help build resilience — cooling our communities during heat waves and storing carbon. By taking part in Arbor Week, we contribute to healthier, greener communities.

Spring Climate Action Workshops

The Resilient Neighborhoods program offers free, 5-session online Climate Action Workshops to help Marin residents reduce waste, save energy and water, strengthen community resilience, and prepare for climate-related emergencies. Workshop participants meet online every other week for eight weeks, and a new round of workshops is starting this spring!

Sessions kick of March 25 (Wednesdays) or April 2 (Thursdays). Space is limited, so sign up today to secure your spot.

Get Your Garden Growing

In Novato, our yards provide vital food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that keep our region blooming. To support these essential pollinators, North Marin Water District and Marin Water have partnered on an educational campaign to help residents choose water-wise plants that thrive in our climate. Resources include the Water Smart Plant Picker by the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, the Arboretum All-Stars database from UC Davis, and so much more. With water-smart choices, any yard can become a vibrant, pollinator-friendly space that strengthens Novato's beloved ecosystems.

Let's Planet Together

During Earth Month, families are invited to take part in Safe Routes to Schools' Let’s Planet Together Challenge, a four-week contest that encourages walking and rolling to school while supporting a healthier environment and building a stronger school community. At the end of the four-week challenge, students who participated will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes. It’s a great way to celebrate and reward students for choosing active, climate-friendly transportation options.

Schools interested in participating can email monica@marinbike.org.

Novato Proudly Celebrates Women's History Month

In honor of Women's History Month, Novato proudly celebrates women's contributions to history, culture and society across the country.

We’re Novato Proud of the incredible women in our community — leaders, volunteers, business owners, veterans, mentors, friends, neighbors and so much more! Nominate a Novatan who has made a positive impact in our community at novatoproud.com.

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.gov/connectwithus.

March 10 at 6pm | City Council

March 11 at 5pm | Housing and Homeless Committee

March 12 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator - cancelled

March 12 at 6pm | Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Commission

March 18 at 5:30pm | Complete Streets & Pathways Oversight Committee

March 18 at 6pm | Design Review Commission

March 19 at 6pm | Sustainability Commission

March 23 at 7pm | Planning Commission

March 24 at 6pm | City Council

March 25 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

March 26 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

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

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Parks, Recreation & Community Services

• Gymnastics Instructor (Part Time)

Police

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

Top Story from Our Previous Edition

Watch the 2026 State of the City Address