top of page

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

responsibility.png
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & financial stability
  • Approved Novato's first balanced budget in more than five years and helped maintain that progress with a second consecutive balanced budget.

  • Replenished emergency reserves and invested in long-deferred infrastructure and facility maintenance.

  • Supported staff initiatives that brought long-overdue City audits up to date and into compliance.

  • Endorsed and campaigned for Measure M, which voters approved, securing sustainable funding for essential community priorities.

rachel farac for small businesses.png
Economic Development & Small Business Support
  • Championed the hiring of Novato's first full-time Economic Development Manager.

  • Supported "Shop Local Novato" campaigns to promote local businesses and strengthen the local economy.

  • Expanded the Tenant Improvement Grant Program to support local businesses and commercial property owners.

  • Helped develop the City's first Economic Development Strategic Plan, establishing a roadmap for long-term economic growth, investment, and job creation.

park.png
Roads, Infrastructure & Public Works
  • Secured $1.8 million in additional pavement funding and $500,000 for critical maintenance like weed abatement and repair services.

  • Helped complete the Grant Avenue Bridge Project, improving transportation safety and community connectivity.

  • Advanced key corridor improvements on Novato Boulevard and Olive Avenue to improve traffic flow and public safety.

  • Improved bicycle, pedestrian, and accessibility infrastructure to create safer streets for everyone.

  • Invested in long-term infrastructure maintenance to protect taxpayer investments and reduce future repair costs.

  • Approved modernization of the City's permitting process to shorten wait times, improve customer service, and help residents and businesses complete projects more efficiently.

rachel farac for public safety.png
Public Safety
  • Supported public education initiatives to improve community safety, including e-bike safety awareness programs.

  • Adopted the SAFE Program (Specialized Assistance for Everyone), providing mental health, homelessness, and crisis response services.

  • Approved updates to the City's Safety Element to strengthen preparedness for wildfire, flooding, sea level rise, and emergency evacuations.

     

requirements (1).png
PUBLIC SAFETY & MENTAL HEALTH
  • Supported public education initiatives to improve community safety, including e-bike safety awareness programs.

  • Adopted the SAFE Program (Specialized Assistance for Everyone), providing mental health, homelessness, and crisis response services.

  • Approved updates to the City's Safety Element to strengthen preparedness for wildfire, flooding, sea level rise, and emergency evacuations.
     

rachel farac for community building.png
Housing & Community Planning
  • Approved Novato's Housing Element and major General Plan updates, establishing a roadmap for responsible growth, housing opportunities, and protection of community values.

  • Supported the Habitat Redwood Boulevard project, one of California's largest affordable homeownership developments, creating 50 affordable homes and securing $2 million in City support through Affordable Housing Fund investments and permit fee reductions.

  • Championed the Construction Management Plan to reduce neighborhood impacts, improve accountability, and better manage development projects.

rachel farac for parks.png
Parks, Recreation & Community Spaces
  • Approved and adopted Novato's Park Master Plan.

  • Supported renovation and opening of the Pioneer Park Accessible Playground, Marin County's first inclusive playground.

  • Supported construction of the new Josef Hoog Community Park Playground, featuring inclusive and sensory-focused play elements.

  • Advanced accessibility improvements in parks and recreational facilities.

  • Planned improvements to Hamilton Amphitheater Park and other community gathering spaces.

  • Expanded recreational opportunities, community events, classes, and youth programs.

climate-change.png
Climate Action & Environmental Stewardship
  • Adopted the Climate Action Plan 2030, establishing a roadmap to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

  • Launched the Sustainability Action Dashboard, allowing residents to track progress toward Novato's climate goals, including reducing emissions from transportation and energy sources that account for more than 90% of local greenhouse gas emissions.

rachel farac for animal welfare.png
Community Engagement, Arts & Inclusion
  • Secured a $25,000 Better Cities for Pets grant and partnered with Marin Humane to launch pet-inclusive initiatives benefiting residents, businesses, and pet owners.

  • Expanded community engagement through district-based City Council meetings, neighborhood events, community pop-ups, and Farmers Market outreach, bringing local government directly to residents and making it more accessible and responsive.

Proven Results:

●      First balanced budget in five years.

●      Audits brought current after years of delays.

●      Measure M approved and successfully implemented.

●      SAFE Program launched.

●      Climate Action Plan adopted.

●      Economic Development Manager hired.

●      Economic Development Plan created.

●      Park Master Plan adopted.

●      Accessible and inclusive playgrounds completed.

●      Housing Element approved.

●      Major infrastructure and roadway improvements advanced.

●      Expanded public engagement and government transparency.

●      Stronger emergency preparedness and community resilience efforts.

INITIATIVES I’VE LED

In addition to my council responsibilities, I have been proactive in identifying needs, putting items on the agenda, and leading solutions that benefit Novato. These initiatives reflect my commitment to action, collaboration, and results:

BETTER CITIES FOR PETS GRANT
  • Initiated the item and led it through approval, securing a $25,000 grant in partnership with the Humane Society.

  • Supported programs that strengthen community wellbeing and animal welfare.

     

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN
  • Initiated and championed this proactive approach to downtown development.

  • Focused on reducing disruption, improving coordination, and ensuring projects are well-managed from the start.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
& GRANTS
  • Initiated and advocated for this item, helping advance the hiring of an Economic Development Manager.

  • Prioritized expanding grant opportunities to bring additional resources into Novato.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
  • Initiated efforts to expand and improve outreach, including farmers market events and in-district meetings.

  • Focused on making city government more accessible, transparent, and responsive.

A RECORD OF FOLLOW-THROUGH

From budgeting and public safety to permitting and economic development, I am proud of:

➤ Bringing forward ideas.

➤ Leading initiatives.

➤ And delivering results that matter.

I believe effective leadership is about more than voting—it’s about setting priorities, doing the work, and getting things done.

image9.jpeg

RE-ELECT MAYOR FARAC

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST.
RESULTS YOU CAN SEE.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Novato and remain focused on: strengthening our city's finances, improving housing and economic opportunity, enhancing city services and infrastructure, and building a more connected, resilient community.

image5.jpeg

MY COMMITMENT

I am proud of what we have accomplished together—and even more focused on what comes next. I will continue working to keep Novato financially strong, improve city services, and ensure the city grows in a way that reflects our community’s values.

bottom of page