In January, Novatans came together at the annual "Paint the Town Red" event to celebrate our City's birthday and recognize one of our own, Susan Stompe, as the Citizen of the Year. It was a great reminder of what an amazing community we live, work, and play in--and how we come together to celebrate, to share ideas, and to further a cause.

Case in point, on Jan. 28, the Novato Theater group presented a video to a packed City Council chambers about the importance of the Novato Theater to the community, and the Streetscape Maintenance Advisory Committee presented an annual report, highlighting the group's many activities to keep Novato "Clean and Green." Additionally, on Feb. 4, the City Council recognized Citizen of the Year, Susan Stompe, Large Business of the Year, Best Western PLUS Novato Oaks Inn, and Small Business of the Year, Marin Roto Rooter. All shining examples of "community giving back to community."

On Feb. 11, City Manager Michael Frank will be delivering his fifth State of the City address (will rebroadcast on Channels 26 & 27, and will be available on the City's website) to recap an epic year for Novato and outline a brighter future. So much happening in our City, and so much to look forward to!

Before & after of the intersection of Rowland Blvd & Highway 101; improvements made possible by Marin Transit via a $1.5M Caltrans grant

The new year has been chock-a-block full of civic action. On Jan. 7, the City Council approved the process for establishing a Community Facilities District for the Pacheco Valley Community--which will go to a vote of the area residents on April 8--and the Council also rescinded the development moratorium on North Redwood Boulevard Corridor and provided staff direction on the study of that key commercial corridor. The draft Fiscal Sustainability Plan was the topic of Council-staff discussion on Jan. 14 and 28, and staff will be asking for final approval of the plan on Feb. 11. 

Upcoming City news:

City Council will consider lifting ground-floor retail restrictions for properties located on secondary streets in Downtown, and will also consider a citywide ban on single-use plastic bags. To weigh-in on key issues that the City Council may consider and that affect our community, sign-up for Open Novato, an online City forum. Look for new topics this month!

To get quick previews and recaps of City Council meetings, sign-up for our e-notification system.