As we enter the holiday season I would like to encourage our community members to make a special effort to support our local restaurants, shops and service providers here in Mill Valley. These are the businesses that contribute to our town's unique, vibrant and neighborly community.

When you eat, shop or use a local service you are investing in our local economy. Business taxes do fuel our increasingly challenged City budgets, which tie directly to the local services we provide. Local businesses also donate generously to our schools, and other local programs, and many of our local business owners and workers are our neighbors and friends. We urge you to support your local businesses, especially over the holiday season!

And remember that parking meter fees Downtown have been paused for the holidays so that you may park within the established time limits for free while you do your holiday shopping!

Warm regards,

Alan Piombo, City Manager

Apply today! Looking for an opportunity to get involved in your local government? The Mill Valley City Council is seeking to fill vacancies on the Emergency Preparedness Commission (learn more and apply) and the Planning Commission (learn more and apply).

VIDEO: Deciphering the Recent Uptick in Cases - Marin’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Matt Willis, talks about the recent increase in case rates locally, regionally & globally, what this means for Marin, why vaccination is still our best tool to prevent hospitalizations and death from COVID-19, and where to look to schedule a vaccination appointment. 

Celebrating Safely is a Great Holiday Gift - Public health officials are urging residents to celebrate the holidays safely as COVID-19 case rates rise in Marin County and across the Bay Area region.

Pediatric Vaccine Appointments are Available this Week - Marin County HHS has created additional appointments this week to meet the increased demand for COVID-19 vaccines for 5- to 11-year-olds. Please visit their Vaccine Finder page for information and to make a reservation.

Reminder for COVID-19 Self-Test Reporting - It's mid-November and popular festivities during this time of year tend to carry traditions where large groups gather to celebrate. A valuable COVID-19 preventative resource is easy access to over-the-counter self-tests, which can be purchased at most local pharmacies. Marin County HHS has created an online form so results from those tests can be recorded along with all other tests conducted at laboratories.

New temporary traffic patterns have been implemented to test traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and create additional parking. Check them out here.

Avoid These Common Cooking Mistakes During The Holidays - There’s nothing like spending time in the kitchen cooking a delicious meal for family and friends or an appetizing treat for yourself. But do you know the important steps to take long before anyone takes the first bite?

Now Hiring: Marin County Emergency Disaster Preparedness Coordinator - Join our team! Learn more about the new position, which will coordinate emergency preparedness training for Marin County communities.

On November 15, City Council adopted new regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and two-unit projects that are now permitted in Single-Family Zoning Districts based on new state legislation (Senate Bill 9). New ADU regulations clarify setbacks for corner and through lots; establish an "overall height"; and clarify that ADU square footage may no longer be deducted from Gross Allowable Floor Area.

Housing Element and Climate Action Plan Updates continue to progress with workshops hosted remotely in November. To learn more, go to the Housing Element and Climate Action Plan homepages.

Despite all the wonderful rain we have received here in Marin over the past month, mandatory water restrictions are still in effect. and new penalties will be implemented December 1.

Want to save water? Don’t let rain just run off your rooftop… reduce your potable water use by collecting rainwater in a barrel or cistern. Then use this water for your landscaping. Click for details on making the most of rainfall. Rebates from Marin Municipal Water District are available!

Check out the latest news on the City's DEI initiatives, as well as DEI-related news and events from around the County. Follow the City's progress on DEI initiatives on our DEI Tracking Tool. Interested in more DEI news and events? Check out the DEI webpage and please join our email list.

Calling All Wedding Fair Vendors! The Marin Wedding Fair is set to return in 2022 on Sunday, February 27th at the Mill Valley Community Center. Complete your vendor application online today! Application deadline: Friday, December 17th.

Holiday Shopping at the Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair - The Annual Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair is COMING SOON! Saturday, Dec. 4th, come to the Mill Valley Community Center from 10am-3pm and enjoy some amazing crafts, handmade gifts and more. Free Entry!

Get Into the Teen Zone at Mill Valley Recreation! - Teen Zone is an after school program for middle school students (grades 6 - 8) located at the Mill Valley Community Center. With fun daily activities and two Teen events planned for the Winter season, members are sure to have a blast! Join the Teen Zone today!

2022 Aquatics & Fitness Passes at Mill Valley Recreation - Get Healthy and Stay Healthy with a Mill Valley Recreation Aquatics & Fitness Pass! 2022 Passes on sale December 1st. Details coming the week of November 22nd! Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest info and how to buy your pass!

Call for Artwork: Deadline Extended - The City of Mill Valley and the Mill Valley Arts Commission are seeking artists to showcase their art as part of a pilot project by creating Public Art to be placed throughout the City of Mill Valley. Deadline extended to Jan. 11th, 2022. Get more info and apply today!

Pride and Prejudice Book Club - Join us for a special book club as we read and discuss Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice.  Copies of the book are available to registrants.

And - celebrate Jane Austen's birthday and join us for Dining with Darcy, a regency dinner party experience. Go behind the scenes and create an interactive Regency dinner party for the likes of Mr. Darcy and friends. Learn more and register.

The City of Mill Valley invites community participation in our public meetings - of which there are many! It can be confusing to know where to look, so we have a quick resource guide for you: