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September 29, 2023 – The City of Sonoma (City) is excited to announce the kick-off events for the General Plan Update, a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the community to work together to create a visionary blueprint for the future of our City. Once approved in 2025, the City’s General Plan 2045 will guide the development of the City for the following two decades. Before embarking on this two-year project, the City will hold several events aimed at educating the community about the update process and engaging them in envisioning the Sonoma of tomorrow.
Event Details:
Special Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council:
Meeting Purpose: General Plan Kick-off Meeting to discuss the process overview and future outreach efforts.
Date: Wednesday, October 11th, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Council Chambers, 177 First St W, Sonoma, CA 95476
Format: Hybrid meeting with virtual participation option
Interactive Community Visioning Workshops:
Meeting Purpose: Discuss strengths, issues, opportunities, and your vision for the City of Sonoma through 2045.
Dates: November 2nd and/or 13th, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Vintage House, 246 First Street East, Sonoma, CA 95476
Features: Spanish translation available; workshops will be recorded for future viewing
The General Plan Update is a critical step in ensuring that Sonoma continues to thrive while preserving its unique character. Mayor Sandra Lowe remarked, “The General Plan is our roadmap for the future. It guides our decisions on housing, transportation, parks, and more. A policy decision this important deserves full participation from all corners of our community. We look forward to a comprehensive citizen-involved process.”
Jennifer Gates, Community Development Director, emphasized, “This update is an opportunity for everyone to share their vision for Sonoma. What we love about our city, the challenges we face, and the opportunities ahead – your input matters, and it will shape our policies for the next 20 years.”
The existing General Plan dates to 2006, and much has changed since then. New housing developments, evolving businesses, and shifts in California laws necessitate a comprehensive update to ensure Sonoma’s continued evolution aligns with community values.
The General Plan covers key aspects of community life, including land use, economic development, transportation, parks and recreation, cultural and natural resources, public safety, and more. City staff, elected and appointed officials, business owners, developers, and citizens can reference the General Plan for guidance on what the community values and what its policies require.
The General Plan Update is a way for you to share your vision for the future of Sonoma. What do you love about Sonoma? What opportunities and challenges do you think face the City as it evolves over the next 10, 15, or 20 years? Participating in the Sonoma General Plan Update process will help make sure that the updated General Plan conveys the values and priorities of all its residents and businesses.
For more information about the City of Sonoma General Plan Update, to stay informed about upcoming events and sign up for email notifications, please visit www.sonomacity.org/general-plan/
General Plan Update Contact Information:
Project Planner: Kristina Tierney
Phone: (707) 933-2202
Email: generalplan@sonomacity.org
Website: www.sonomacity.org/general-plan/
Community participation and input are essential in shaping the future of Sonoma. Join us at the joint meeting on October 11th and one of the community workshops in November to be part of this exciting journey towards Sonoma’s General Plan 2045.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Tracy, PIO
stracy@sonomacity.org
(707) 338-3759