John Marin, Placer County leader to retire

John Marin, Placer County’s Community Development Resource Agency Director, has announced that he plans to retire in March after nearly 30 years of county service.

‘John’s prior position as Chief of Staff to the Board of Supervisors, his exposure to county policies and procedures, and his strong focus on providing excellent customer service have made him the ideal person to lead in this challenging role,’ said County Executive Officer Thomas M. Miller. ‘We wish him well in his future endeavors.’

During his 17 years as administrator in the Board of Supervisors office, Marin fulfilled many high profile roles on behalf of the Board, supporting 28 different supervisors over the years.

In November of 2005 he was named to lead the new Community Development Resource Agency. In this position he was responsible for handling environmental review of projects and for coordinating review of the largest, most complex development proposals facing the county, all during a period of explosive growth.

Under his leadership, John helped pioneer a much closer working relationship among the Planning, Building, and Engineering & Surveying Departments to improve public service. A new Geographic Information System division was also created using advanced information technology, which included implementation of an online permitting system. Staff also moved into the new Community Development Resource Center, a facility designed to help foster close cooperation and enhanced public service.

‘Our goal has been to provide excellent development services to all segments of the community, whether it’s the person who is building his or her dream home, the weekend warrior who wants to add a garage, or the professional developer who wants to build a community. Each deserves our respect and our assistance,” Marin said.

A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Urban/Regional Planning, he was hired by Placer County as an assistant architect in the Public Works Department in 1979. He is a past member of the American Institute of Architects, and served as Placer County Facilities Manager. He also worked as an associate planner.

Topping his list of future plans is a desire to continue his education in architecture and complete some personal construction projects. He and his wife Therese Crutcher-Marin also hope to do extended travel in Southern Spain. The 28-year North Auburn residents have two children, Keith, (23) who is working on his master’s degree at the University of San Francisco and Vanessa, (20), who is studying engineering at San Diego State.

‘John Marin was a guiding hand for me when I was a new supervisor,’ said Board Chairman Jim Holmes. ‘He showed me how to get information, how to pursue projects and generally made me feel more comfortable as a supervisor. He will be missed. I certainly wish him well after his long service to Placer County.’

*Placer County