The future of the ageing Martinez Marina in California will take centre stage on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, as the city council considers a proposal to explore a public-private partnership aimed at revitalising the waterfront.
At 19:00, the council meeting will feature a presentation from Tucker Sadler, a San Diego-based architectural planning and design firm known for its work on public and private developments across California and other states. The firm will share a preliminary conceptual vision for the marina and adjacent waterfront areas, presenting a potential framework for collaboration with the city.
The marina was built in the 1960s and has long served as a community hub for recreational and commercial activities. However, decades of wear, environmental challenges such as sea-level rise and mounting safety concerns have led to partial closures and limited use. City officials have described the marina as a valued asset in need of significant reinvestment.
The marina features 332 slips designed to accommodate vessels ranging from six to 14 metres (20 to 45 ft) in length. The facility also offers RV parking, security, boat launch, pump-out stations and showers & restrooms.
The city of Martinez took over the ownership of the marina in August 2024 after the previous operator’s contract ended. A closer assessment of the site found that costly repairs would fall short of addressing the underlying structural issues. Instead, a full rebuild is likely needed to stabilise the marina and support its continued use into the future.
Ongoing maintenance and subsidies have placed increasing financial pressure on the city’s general fund. “Our city’s marina is a vital community asset that has faced decades of infrastructure deterioration and increasing financial strain on the city. An investment in Martinez by a private developer may offer a transformational opportunity to fund a comprehensive plan for our marina and waterfront,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn.
Following Tucker Sadler’s presentation, the city council will hold a discussion, followed by a public comment period. Community members and stakeholders are invited to attend the meeting in person or participate online to hear the proposal and provide feedback.
Should the council find the proposal viable, members may vote to authorise exclusive negotiations with Tucker Sadler. This step would initiate a formal process to define roles, deliverables and timelines. Any resulting agreement would be returned to the council and community for review and discussion in the autumn.
