News
July 2026 – Social Wellbeing Awareness
Summer naturally pulls us outdoors, offering a perfect backdrop to strengthen social connections and boost our collective wellbeing. Longer days and warmer weather create a unique window to transition from isolated routines into shared, community-driven experiences. Social well-being is the sharing, developing and sustaining meaningful connections with others. Benefits of social well-being can include being comfortable where you are in social situations, increased self-esteem, the ability to create healthy
Fire Safe Academy-Contractor Training Course RETROFITTING FOR WILDFIRE
Course Description Fire Safe Marin, the region’s leading wildfire education organization, has partnered with world-renowned wildfire scientist Dr. Steve Quarles, Marin Wildfire, and the Marin Community Foundation to create this first-of-its-kind online training program, free of charge for licensed contractors. Participants are admitted in waves, with each wave capped at limited capacity. Complete the form down below to get on the waitlist. Through the FREE 5-hour course, you will learn: How embers,
Utilizing Peak Water Demand Calculator benefits developers, builders and residents.
CPC Appendix M or the Water Demand Calculator (WDC) provides a method for estimating the demand load for the building water supply, principal branches, and risers for single family and multifamily dwellings. The peak water demands derived using CPC Appendix M inform the recommended diameter of water supply pipes. The alternative approach of using CPC Appendix M methodology in conjunction with CPC Appendix A or pipe sizing yields lower design flow rates and smaller distribution piping when compared to
Community Development Agency Warns Permit Applicants of Phishing Scam
Marin County, CA – The Marin County Community Development Agency is warning planning and building permit applicants about a phishing scam involving fake emails that request payment for permit-related fees. CDA has received reports that applicants are receiving emails that appear to come from Community Development Agency Director Sarah Jones. The emails state that the applicant owes an administrative fee and include an invoice attachment. The emails are fake and were not sent by CDA. Permit applicants
Heat Illness - Warning Signs
Understanding Heat Illnesses In the construction industry, heat illness isn't just a matter of discomfort - it is a critical safety hazard that can escalate from fatigue to a life-threatening medical emergency in a matter of minutes. Because heavy physical labor, direct sun exposure, and personal protective equipment (PPE) drastically accelerate dehydration and core body temperature, proactive intervention is essential. Heat illness occurs when your body gets too hot and can no longer cool itself. It
Help Your Clients Build and Sell Safer Homes
New Resources for Builders & Realtors In wildfire-prone communities like Marin, small construction details can have a major impact on safety, durability, and long-term property value. Fences and gates are often overlooked, but when combustible materials such as wood connect directly to a home, garage, or deck, they can create a direct flame pathway to the structure during a wildfire. Non-combustible alternatives like steel, aluminum, and fiber cement can help reduce ignition risk while improving
Warning to MBA Members: Businesses Being Targeted in New Website Privacy Lawsuits
Dear Members, We want to make you aware of a growing legal issue impacting businesses across California, including companies in the construction industry. One of our members was recently served with a lawsuit related to the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The claim alleges that the company’s website used a tracking pixel or similar website technology without obtaining proper visitor consent. Like many businesses, the member was unaware that their website configuration could create potential
Call 811 Before You Dig to Avoid Repair Costs Averaging $3,500
Planning an Outdoor Digging Project this Spring? Call 811 Before You Dig to Avoid Repair Costs Averaging $3,500 In 2025, there were over 1,200 incidents in Northern and Central California where underground utility lines were damaged due to digging OAKLAND, Calif. — Every year during spring and summer months, many California homeowners and residents turn their attention to yard improvement projects that involve digging. Whether it’s repairing or replacing a fence, planting or landscaping, or installing