The Socio-Economic Element covers economic issues, a variety of community services, and cultural resources. The table of contents includes: the economy; community participation; community services (child care, education, public health, public safety); cultural diversity; culture and the arts; historic and archaelogical resources; and parks, trails, and recreation.

Economy

In the last decade Marin County has enjoyed a relatively healthy and varied economy. However, the lack of space available for future economic development, increasing labor costs, traffic congestion, and a shortage of affordable housing have all impacted business viability in Marin, as has the recent downturn in the economy. Policies and implementation programs address these issues.

CDA staff met with the Planning Commission on October 20, 2003, to discuss the Economic Element of the Countywide Plan. The Economic Element was developed through a subcommittee of the Marin Economic Commission (MEC), which suggested economic policies and implementation measures to the Board of Supervisors. The Economic Element will be an appendix to the Countywide Plan and the policies and programs will be included in the Plan.

Community Participation

Levels of community participation are generally high in Marin compared to the Bay Area, the state and the nation. However, a disproportionate part of the population does not participate in civic activities such as voting or is not active in the community. Broad and informed participation creates healthy and just local governments and communities. Ensuring community access to clear, timely and appropriate information is an important first step in allowing residents to participate in local decisions that affect them.

Community Services

Education:

The public education system is under pressure to serve more children with limited resources and to increase the type of services provided. There are education inequities based on income, geography and race. Graduation rates and drop out rates of immigrants need to be monitored to evaluate strategies to improve educational opportunities for them.

Public Health:

Despite general good health of Marin County residents some disturbing health concerns face Marin's population. The breast cancer rate in Marin is the highest in the United States and other cancer rates including prostate cancer are high. Obesity rates are high for both adults and children. Targeted health issues in the county include cancer, hepatitis C, Heart disease, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), asthma and environmental illnesses.

Public Safety:

Marin's crime rate has been consistently lower than the rate of the state for many years. The rate of domestic violence calls is significantly lower than the rate of the state as a whole. However, compared to the state average since 1998, Marin has had a higher percentage of physical abuse cases. Ways to maintain safe neighborhoods and reduce violence and substance abuse need to be identified.

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

The ethnic diversity of Marin's population is low but is increasing. In 1990 88.7 percent of the population was white and 11.3 percent was African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, or other races. People of Hispanic origin (who may be of any racial group) composed 7.8 percent of the population. In 2000 the non-white population increased to 16 percent and the Hispanic population to 11.1 percent. The white population was 84 percent. The Countywide Plan seeks to support Marin's diversity and cultivate a rich community fabric throughout the County.

Culture and the Arts

Marin is a culturally rich community and the arts industry is a strong contributor to the economy. In 1999, the arts industry in Marin employed roughly 2,200 persons. In 2000 approximately 22 percent of Marin households gave to the arts and humanities, compared with 11 percent nationally. Although wages in the arts industry remain relatively low, they increased 13 percent between 1998 and 1999 from $23,000 to $26,000. The Countywide Plan looks at ways to support and enhance the arts.

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

The ethnic diversity of Marin's population is low but is increasing. In 1990 88.7 percent of the population was white and 11.3 percent was African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, or other races. People of Hispanic origin (who may be of any racial group) composed 7.8 percent of the population. In 2000 the non-white population increased to 16 percent and the Hispanic population to 11.1 percent. The white population was 84 percent. The Countywide Plan seeks to support Marin's diversity and cultivate a rich community fabric throughout the County.

Historical and Archeological Resources

There are 630 recorded archaeological sites in Marin County. Theses sites include settlements and villages, hunting camps, quarries, rock art sites, and trails associated with Native American settlement of the areas. The distribution of known archeological sites in the county is concentrated in urban areas and the Point Reyes Peninsula. Plan policies and programs provide protection for these resources.

Parks, Trails, and Recreation

Marin County residents and visitors have access to nearly half of the county's land base as parks and open space. Approximately 500 miles of trails allow access through much of this land. City, county, state and national parks offer varied recreational opportunities, ranging from hiking and sightseeing to soccer, golf and baseball. Visitors to Marin support a $500 million per year tourism industry.