Marin County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
Smart at a Crossroads Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
SMART is heavily dependent on revenue from voter approved Marin and Sonoma County sales taxes for funding its operations.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
By December 1, 2023, the Board of Directors should initiate a fully transparent, public process to be completed by April 1, 2024 that examines how SMART might continue funding its operations beyond April 2029, including an evaluation of when the voters would decide whether to continue levying a sales tax for SMART’s operations.
R3
SMART’s Board of Directors should consider hiring consultants to help evaluate the feasibility and timing of future tax measures.
F2
SMART has never attained the ridership levels that it promised in 2008.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
SMART’s past inability to be open and transparent about decision making and operations contributed to the erosion of public confidence leading to the defeat of the Measure I sales tax extension in 2020.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By December 1, 2023, SMART’s Board of Directors should direct staff to develop a written strategic marketing communications and public outreach plan and budget focused on educating voters in Marin County about the community benefits derived from the continued operation of the SMART rail system.
F4
SMART will likely be forced to discontinue services if Marin and Sonoma County voters do not approve a sales tax extension by the required supermajority in an election before 2029.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
By December 1, 2023, the Board of Directors should initiate a fully transparent, public process to be completed by April 1, 2024 that examines how SMART might continue funding its operations beyond April 2029, including an evaluation of when the voters would decide whether to continue levying a sales tax for SMART’s operations.
R3
SMART’s Board of Directors should consider hiring consultants to help evaluate the feasibility and timing of future tax measures.
F5
SMART’s new leadership, especially its General Manager and Chief Financial Officer, appear qualified, energetic and motivated to take on the many challenges that SMART is facing.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
SMART does not have a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By December 1, 2023, SMART’s Board of Directors should direct staff to develop a written strategic marketing communications and public outreach plan and budget focused on educating voters in Marin County about the community benefits derived from the continued operation of the SMART rail system.