FINAL ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANT IN RICHARDSON BAY REGIONAL AGENCY’S TEMPORARY HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM OFFICIALLY HOUSED, CAPPING OFF SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 6, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
415-420-0905
FINAL ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANT IN RICHARDSON BAY REGIONAL AGENCY’S TEMPORARY HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM OFFICIALLY HOUSED, CAPPING OFF SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVE
Innovative program, supported by $3 million in funding secured by State Senator Mike McGuire, helped dramatically reduce the number of illegally anchored vessels in Richardson Bay
Sausalito, CA— The final eligible participant of the Richardson Bay Regional Agency’s (RBRA) Temporary Housing Support Program has officially been moved into safe, secure housing, capping off a wildly successful program that helped the RBRA remove or relocate all illegally anchored vessels on Richardson Bay.
Launched in early 2023 with the help of $3 million in state funds secured by State Senator Mike McGuire, the RBRA’s innovative initiative provided housing vouchers to eligible participants living on the waters of Richardson Bay, allowing them to move into safe, secure housing on land. At the time the program was launched, some 60 individuals were living in vessels and house boats on Richardson Bay. Now, there is just one vessel left, and the owner of that boat is enrolled in the RBRA’s Safe and Seaworthy Program, making them eligible to stay on the anchorage until October 26, 2026.
“Putting housing first has always been the priority for residents living on Richardson Bay. And today, we’re seeing the results of years of teamwork,” said State Senator McGuire. These residents who were once on the water--many in dangerous conditions--are now living in safe, stable housing on land. I’m incredibly grateful to RBRA, the State of California, County of Marin and the Marin Housing Authority for working together, thinking outside the box, and investing in life changing solutions.”
For years, hundreds of boats were illegally anchored on the waters of Richardson Bay, damaging the eelgrass habitat, which is critical to the health and vitality of the local ecosystem. Through various efforts and in concert with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, the RBRA and its partners helped relocate vessels off the anchorage, resulting in a restored eelgrass environment and improved access for visitors and recreation enthusiasts on Richardson Bay.
“This is an incredibly important milestone for our agency, for the people of Marin County and for everyone who loves Richardson Bay,” said RBRA Board Chair Jack Ryan. “For years, the issue of people living illegally on the water seemed like an intractable problem with no resolution in sight. Today’s announcement shows how far we’ve come, and adds further evidence that our collaborative, engaged approach has led to positive results that work for the entire community.”
The RBRA managed the housing program in collaboration with the Marin Housing Authority, Marin Health and Human Services (HHS), and Episcopal Community Services. That program ran in parallel with the RBRA’s vessel buyback program, which offered eligible participants money based on the length of their boat ($150 per foot) if they turned their vessel into the RBRA for proper disposal.
Since the Temporary Housing Support Program was funded through the McGuire grant, 27 individuals have found homes, the last of which was secured in July. Additionally, according to the HHS online dashboard, 51 people have been housed from the anchorage using various available programs.
“We are incredibly grateful for the funding support of State Senator McGuire and have been very fortunate to work with such committed and professional partners on this initiative,” said RBRA Executive Director Brad Gross. “Most importantly, we’re proud to have placed so many individuals in safe homes on land, and to open up access to Richardson Bay so that everyone can enjoy all it has to offer. This really has been a transformative project.”
Richardson Bay remains a valuable recreational asset to the boaters of California and anchoring is encouraged. Mariners may anchor for up to 72 hours without a permit.
###
The Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) is a local government agency serving Belvedere, Mill Valley, Tiburon, and unincorporated Southern Marin County. RBRA is dedicated to maintaining and improving the navigational waterways, open waters, and shoreline of Richardson Bay.