Recognizing the vast knowledge and talent of our community, the City asks individuals to serve our on a variety of commissions and committees. These commissions and committees are charged with focusing on key issues within Sonoma and to then provide feedback, recommendations, and support to the Council on those issues.
In preparation for this application period and after a review of the Commission & Committee Appointment Policy, the City Council has made several changes that will allow for greater engagement by our community members. These changes include changing the requirement that an applicant be a qualified elector to being a resident, either of the City of Sonoma or Sonoma Valley, and adding a non-voting Youth Member to each City commission and committee.
Currently, the City is seeking applications for the following positions:
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION – Five Directly Appointed Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
- NEW DEADLINE – 5:00 PM DECEMBER 31, 2022
- The Climate Action Commission advises the City Council on issues related to reducing greenhouse gasses from the city’s municipal, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors and on adapting to climate change within the city’s jurisdiction.
- NOTE: Applicants who have a professional background, expertise, or education in one or more of the following areas may be appointed to the Climate Action Commission: climate action, environmental science, energy efficiency, alternative transportation, environmental justice/equity, sustainable business, waste minimization, environmental education, or a related field.
PARKS, RECREATION, & OPEN SPACE COMMISSION – Five Directly Appointed Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, One Non-Voting Certified Arborist, and One Alternate
- NEW DEADLINE – 5:00 PM DECEMBER 31, 2022
- The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission advises the City Council on matters related to the preservation and enhancement of the parks, recreational facilities, and open space under the jurisdiction of the city.
PLANNING COMMISSION – Four Directly Appointed Members, Two At-Large Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
- NEW DEADLINE – 5:00 PM DECEMBER 31, 2022
- The Planning Commission’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the development of the General Plan and Development Code, review and action on environmental impact reports, subdivision and parcel maps, use permit and variance applications, and special studies and reports.
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE – Three Directly Appointed Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
- NEW DEADLINE – 5:00 PM JANUARY 9, 2023
- The Traffic Safety Committee reviews complaints and suggestions submitted by residents regarding traffic safety issues. It advises the City Council on all physical measures proposed as solutions to those issues.
CULTURAL & FINE ARTS COMMISSION – Three Directly Appointed Members, Two At-Large Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
- NEW DEADLINE – 5:00 PM JANUARY 9, 2023
- The role of the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission is to develop and establish a balanced arts and cultural program for the City. Each year they select and honor the “Treasure Artist of the Year” and sponsor the “Student Creative Arts Awards” program providing cash awards to deserving students.
DESIGN REVIEW & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION – Three Directly Appointed Members, One Non-Voting Youth Member, and One Alternate
- NEW DEADLINE – 5:00 PM JANUARY 9, 2023
- The goal of the Design Review & Historic Preservation Commission is to protect the architectural heritage of Sonoma and promote excellence in town design through its review of proposed projects and developments.
- NOTE: The members of the commission shall include persons who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience, or knowledge in the following areas: historic preservation, cultural geography, or another historic preservation-related discipline; architecture and architectural history; prehistoric and historic archaeology; urban planning; landscape architecture; or related disciplines, to the extent such persons are available in the community. All members must have demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the cultural heritage of the city.
Individuals that are interested in applying, or current members that would like to be reappointed, are encouraged to apply by submitting an application.
Applications are to be submitted electronically through the City’s Civic Web Portal.
Individual Council appointees will serve terms that are aligned with the Council Member who appointed them. At-Large and Alternate Members shall serve two-year terms. The non-voting Youth Member will serve a one-year term.
For questions, please contact the City Clerk at 707.938.3681, or by email at cityhall@sonomacity.org.