On July 16, 2025, the Martinez City Council voted to enter into negotiations for an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Tucker Sadler, the beginning steps for a public-private partnership with a qualified developer to revitalize its Waterfront and Marina.
This initial phase of developing an ENA will take several months, and a draft will be brought back to the Council most likely in the fall. An ENA is not a final deal, just the first step in exploring whether a public-private partnership is feasible: it establishes preliminary roles, responsibilities, deliverables, and timelines.
According to the 46-page power point presentation
- Infrastructure: The marina challenges include infrastructure that was built in the 1960’s which is now an asset beyond useful life. There have also been closure/removal of facilities including restaurant, bait shop, amphitheater, docks. They are also dealing with issues such as deferred maintenance, flooding, illegal dumping and future maintenance needs – sea wall repair and replacement, general operations and dredging expectations.
- Fiscal: They also have financial challenges where the Marina Enterprise Fund has a structural deficit. Over $1.7 million from reserves have been used between FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24. Within FY 25-26, includes another $560k loan which grows to $650k next year. The city is anticipated to have another $1.2 million in budget cuts over the next 3 years and by 2027, the city will go below reserve goals.
- Site Plan Features:
- Entry plaza
- Amphitheater
- Event Center
- Hotel x 3 + parking
- Yacht Club
- Pool Deck
- Park
- Retail
- Beach
- Dock master
- Boat launch
- Restaurant
- Boardwalk
- Sports Amenities
- Pickleball courts
- Dog park
- Boat storage
- Commercial
- Underground parking garages
The City of Martinez encourage everyone to learn about the potential Waterfront and Marina revitalization. While the proposal and vision shown at the 7/16 Council meeting is only a preliminary concept, the potential benefits of a public-private partnership are discussed as part of the recorded meeting presentation and on the website.
You can find the following information on the City’s website at www.cityofmartinez.org/MarinaProject:
- – Video of the City Council meeting presentation by Tucker Sadler
- – The presentation slides of the preliminary concept
- – What an ENA does
- – Current marina condition and costs
The City says it wants the community involved in this process! Please view the website, watch the presentation, and sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on this potential project (link at www.cityofmartinez.org/MarinaProject )
- July 14 – City Council Set to Consider Partnership to Revitalize Martinez Marina
- Dec 7, 2024 – Martinez Approves New Management Partner for the Martinez Marina
- July 12. 2024 – Martinez Marina Operator Ends Management Contract
