The
Marin County Board of Supervisors governs the County of Marin, including the Parks and Open Space Department. Its same five members are also the Marin County Open Space District Board of Directors. The Open Space District requires its own governing board because of its status as a special district operating pursuant to the California Public Resources Code. A seven-member
Parks and Open Space Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors on policy matters related to acquisition, development, funding, management, and operation of county parks, open space and trail systems.