Kate loves San Rafael for its diversity of people, wonderful neighborhoods and beautiful open space. As the current Mayor of San Rafael, she continues to preserve and enhance the city where we live, work and play.
When Kate was elected Mayor in November 2020, she became the first female Mayor since San Rafael was incorporated in 1874. Kate is a long time public servant and first joined the San Rafael City Council in January 2013. In her previous seven years as a San Rafael Planning Commissioner she saw the importance of bringing in the community voice as early as possible and wanted to ensure our voice was heard in all aspects of local government.
Kate is recognized for her ability to listen and connect with the community; whether the conversation is with a few folks or an entire neighborhood association, she wants to be talking about the issues that are important to San Rafael.
She and her husband Jeff have lived in San Rafael since 1996 where they raised their two children. Kate has a MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a BA from Dartmouth College. She is a life-long athlete who runs, bikes and swims. She continues to delight in working in her vegetable garden when she has the time
Kate Colin’s Engagement with Our Community
Experience (Elected)
- Mayor, City of San Rafael (Dec 2020- present)
- Mayoral Fellow, U.S. Conference of Mayors 2024
- Mayors Against Illegal Guns
- Climate Mayor, U.S. Conference of Mayors
- Vice Mayor, City of San Rafael (Jan 2016 – Jan 2017, Jan 2020-Nov 2020)
- City Councilmember, City of San Rafael (Jan 2013 – 2020)
Homeless/Housing
- Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers Homeless Committee, Co-chair (2016-2021)
- Marin County Homeless Policy Steering Committee, Co-Chair (2016-2018)
- City of San Rafael Homeless Subcommittee, Chair (2013-2018)
- San Rafael’s Homeless Stakeholder Committee (2012)
Transit
- Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit (SMART), Board Member, 2020 – present
- Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Member (2020-present), Countywide Transportation Plan Subcommittee Member
- Marin County Transit District, Chair (2021) and Member, Board of Directors (2017-2021)
- Safe Routes to School, San Rafael Task Force, Member (2018-2020)
Sustainability
- SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) Local Elected Task Force
- BayWAVE (Sea Level Rise Assessment) Steering Committee, Member (2017 – present)
- San Rafael Climate Change Action Plan, Council Liaison and Chair (2013-2020)
- San Rafael Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Council Liaison (2013-2020
San Rafael City & Marin County Committees
- Marin County Gun Safety Collaborative, Member
- Latino Civic Leadership Initiative (Council Adhoc Subcommittee), Chair (2015-2018)
- Planning Commissioner, Member (2005-2012)
- Climate Change Action Plan, Co-Chair (2008-2009)
- Critical Facilities Stakeholder Committee (2004-2005)
- General Plan 2020, Co-Chair (2002-2003)
- Citizen Advisory to Redevelopment (1999-2004)