Novato
The most northern and second-largest region of Marin is expected to see the most population growth over the next few decades. The Latino community, currently representing 22% of the population, will account for the greatest proportion of that growth and, within that, represent the greatest proportion of youth in the county. This will inevitably impact this historically white, middle-class city.
pockets of poverty
Novato is hard to distill into one easy description.
It is both pointedly rural, with miles of open spaces, horse farms, lakes and mountains. And it is increasingly urban, with a charming downtown, heavily trafficked shopping mall and several large-scale housing projects underway or planned. Housing prices, while high for the state, are considered to be the most reasonable in Marin, which contributes to its growth trajectory and influx of younger families.
The growth has led to some tension in the community, particularly around the development of new housing. Several proposed projects in or close to downtown have led to arguments that balance the need for more affordable housing and the importance of maintaining the character of the town.
The high cost of housing in Novato means many full-time workers of low income spend unsustainable portions of their income on rent. In fact, 60% of Novato renters spend more than one-third of their income on rent, leaving less money for childcare, food and other fundamental needs.
Along with San Rafael, Novato accounts for the highest homeless population in the county. However, unlike San Rafael, where encampments dominate, one-third of Novato’s unhoused population live in RVs on Binford Rd. While the City and County are partnering to find housing solutions for these folk, 90 people living along the roadway at around 50 sites remain, creating safety and environmental concerns.
While the community has an average household income of close to $120,000, Latino neighborhoods experience the highest levels of poverty, with average household incomes sitting at around $74,000 and nearly 20% of the residents below the poverty line. Approximately 12% of Novato children live below the poverty level.
The Novato Unified School District is the largest in the county, containing one-quarter of Marin’s public-school students. With nearly 40% of those students being Hispanic, 1 in 5 are considered English language learners, and 1 in 3 qualify for free lunch. Nearly 40% of 7th graders report feeling sad or hopeless every day. Black and Latine youth are disproportionately impacted by policies and practices known as the school-to-prison pipeline and are also suspended at higher rates than their peers.
Novato also faces an ongoing and increasingly chronic fiscal challenge, based on its county-low property tax rate. A budget deficit estimated to be over $3 million annually means that the City will defer key infrastructure projects such as road repairs, park maintenance, storm drain clearing and more. The ripple effect of this shortfall will impact the City's ability to attract businesses and create workforce opportunities; to ensure wildfire and flooding prevention; and to ensure a safe, healthy environment for older adults and children.
