The Marin County Health and Human Services Department has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of our 2025-2028 strategic plan.

This bold and innovative roadmap reflects our collective commitment to advancing equity, strengthening community resilience and improving the well-being of all Marin residents.

The challenges facing our community are complex, and the inequities revealed by data demand an intentional and strategic response. Marin County is known for its natural beauty and affluent communities, but the data tells another story — one of significant racial and economic disparities that hinder opportunities for too many of our residents.

As the primary safety net for vulnerable populations, The department’s mandate is to serve those most marginalized in our community. By addressing inequities through a focused lens of race and intersectionality, we strive to uplift those facing the greatest disadvantages, creating a ripple effect that fosters equity and strengthens resilience across the entire community.

At the heart of our strategic plan is a commitment to leading with race. Data from the California Endowment’s “Race Counts” report underscores that Marin has some of the largest racial disparities in the state across critical indicators such as health, education, income and housing. While the strategic plan explicitly prioritizes addressing racial inequities, it also embraces an intersectional approach to tackle the compounded effects of multiple forms of marginalization.

The concept of intersectionality recognizes that individuals often face overlapping systems of oppression and discrimination, shaped by factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation and other aspects of identity. By focusing on these intersections, the strategic plan ensures equity efforts reach those most impacted while fostering a more inclusive and resilient community for all.

The 2025-2028 strategic plan is anchored in five key priorities:

• Advancing racial equity by addressing systemic inequities to improve outcomes for historically marginalized communities.

• Improving community services and conditions by expanding access to place-based and mobile services while strengthening language accessibility.

• Fostering community partnerships by building trust and collaboration with cities, towns, nonprofits and residents.

• Optimizing workforce by supporting employee development and retention while expanding pathways for a diverse workforce.

• Boosting data collection and analysis by strengthening performance tracking and data-sharing systems to drive better outcomes.

Each of these priorities is designed to address specific areas where disparities persist and opportunities for growth exist. For example, improving community services involves not only expanding access but ensuring those services are culturally responsive and tailored to Marin’s diverse populations.

This plan would not have been possible without the voices of our community members, partners and staff. Through focus groups, listening sessions, surveys and workshops, we prioritized the lived experiences of those most affected by inequities. Their insights shaped a plan that is both grounded in reality and aspirational in its goals.

Collaboration has always been a cornerstone of Marin HHS’s approach, and this strategic plan builds on that foundation. By fostering dialogue and co-creation, we have crafted a roadmap that reflects our community’s collective wisdom and shared aspirations.

The strategic plan is not a static document. It is a living framework that will evolve alongside the needs of our community. With results-based accountability as a cornerstone, we will measure progress, ensure transparency and make data-driven adjustments to achieve the best outcomes. One example is our commitment that every Health and Human Services division will identify at least five racial equity measures by March 2025. This focus on measurable outcomes reflects our dedication to meaningful and lasting change.

Building a more equitable and resilient Marin requires collective action. We invite residents, community partners, and stakeholders to join us in this effort. Together, we can dismantle barriers, foster innovation and ensure that every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

The full strategic plan is available online at marinhhs.org/strategic-planning. I encourage you to explore it and discover how you can be part of this transformative journey.

Let us move forward with intention, compassion and a shared vision for a healthier, more equitable Marin County. The work ahead is challenging, but it is also filled with promise. Together, we can make a difference.

Niccore Tyler is assistant director and chief strategy officer for the Marin County Health and Human Services Department.