Our Kids Our Future- Marin Child Care Initiative:

‍The Our Kids Our Future initiative is a direct investment in the North Bay’s workforce, economic resilience, and long-term competitiveness, one that the North Bay Leadership Council is proud to support as part of our broader focus on workforce development and economic vitality. Employers across Marin are already feeling the strain of a broken child care system: limited availability, long waitlists, and costs that now exceed $28,000 per year for infant care often higher than housing, are forcing working parents to reduce hours or leave the workforce entirely. This is not just a local observation; it reflects a broader economic trend. National research shows that more than 60% of parents with young children experience work disruptions due to unreliable child care, and more than one in four have been forced to quit a job as a result. At the same time, Marin’s early education workforce is underpaid and shrinking, further constraining supply and stability. The result is a growing disconnect between available jobs and available workers one that directly impacts business productivity, retention, and regional growth.

Importantly, we don’t have to look far to see how a solution like this can work. In 2024, Sonoma County voters approved Measure I, an effort also supported by NBLC creating a dedicated, local funding stream expected to generate tens of millions annually to expand child care, strengthen the workforce, and improve children’s health outcomes. Early implementation is already underway, with investments focused on increasing access to care, supporting providers with better compensation and training, and expanding facilities, key steps toward stabilizing the system and helping more parents remain in the workforce

The Our Kids Our Future Marin Child Care initiative brings that same proven, locally controlled model to Marin and customizes it to meet our counties specific needs. It offers a practical, locally controlled solution. It would generate an estimated $12.5 million annually. Funding that stays in Marin to expand access to high-quality early childhood education, invest in facilities, and strengthen the early education workforce through better wages and training. By stabilizing and expanding the child care system, we can help more parents stay in the workforce, support employers in attracting and retaining talent, and build a stronger pipeline of future workers. This is an investment in our kids- in our future. We believe that if we want a strong North Bay, we need to be intentional about growing the next generation of leaders and we have to start where leadership begins- early!! But, first, we must qualify the measure for the November ballot by gathering 17,000 signatures by June. We encourage you to act now: sign the petition, engage your neighbors, and join us at the Rally for Marin Kids on Wednesday, May 6th from 4–6 pm at the College of Marin’s Center for Student Success to learn more and help gather signatures. This is a critical moment to lead because closing the child care gap isn’t just a family issue, it’s a business imperative!