Is Marin Urban or Suburban?

Marin County is currently designated as an urban community by the state, requiring it to build new housing at the same density as cities like San Francisco. But under legislation approved recently by the state Assembly, the county would be re-designated as suburban, reducing the housing mandate from 30 to 20 units per acre for future developments. The bill’s author, San Rafael Assembly Member Marc Levine, says it would lead to smarter growth more in-character with the county’s rural nature. But critics say it would reduce affordable housing requirements at a time when Marin hasn’t met existing ones. We talk about the proposal, which now heads to the state Senate.

• More: Bill to Ease Pressure on Marin to Build More Housing Moves Forward (Marin Independent Journal)