The City of Sonoma is in the process of transitioning from an at-large election system to a district-based system, and your input is critical to shaping fair and inclusive City Council districts.
What is Changing?
All registered voters in Sonoma vote for all Council Members, but under the new system, voters will elect a representative from their specific district. The transition will ensure balanced population distribution using U.S. Census data and emphasize preserving communities of interest within district lines.
Why Your Input Matters
The City is committed to keeping communities together during the redistricting process. A Community of Interest is a group of people in a geographic area who share common social or economic interests. Your feedback will help ensure your community’s unique needs and perspectives are represented in the new district boundaries.
How to Participate
Here’s how you can share your input:
- Tell Us About Your Community of Interest
- Fill out the online Community of Interest form.
- Pick up a worksheet at Sonoma City Hall during business hours.
- Download the worksheet in English or Spanish and return it via email, or deliver it to City Hall, located at No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA 95476.
- Draw and Submit Your District Map
- Use the online mapping tool, Districtr, to draw your proposed district boundaries. Maps submitted by February 26, 2025, will be reviewed by the City’s professional demographer, staff, and the City Council.
- Watch a demonstration of how to use Districtr from the January 15th City Council Presentation.
- Paper maps (in English and Spanish) will soon be available at City Hall.
- Attend Public Hearings
- Participate in upcoming meetings to provide feedback on proposed district maps.
Key Details
The City Council is considering two district map options:
- A 4-district map with an at-large mayor.
- A 5-district map where the mayor is selected annually by the Council, as is currently the practice.
Public input is vital in determining how these districts are drawn.
Stay Informed
Sign up for updates, explore frequently asked questions, and learn more about the transition process on the Districting Sonoma webpage.