In a statement to Sonoma City Council and City staff on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, Sonoma’s Public Works Director and City Engineer Colleen Ferguson announced that she would be retiring at the end of the year. Ms. Ferguson has served as the City’s Public Works Director and City Engineer since July of 2017. She is retiring after a 32-year career of working for local cities – Santa Rosa and Sonoma.
Colleen Ferguson, known to City of Sonoma (City) staff as “Fergy” as to not be confused with the wonderful Public Works Administrative Assistant Colleen Pratt, has worked for the City since July 2017. Ms. Ferguson was fortunate to work on and lead some important projects for the City. During her tenure with Sonoma, the City completed construction of West Napa Street Water System Replacement Project, Depot Park First West Improvements, and several pavement maintenance, pedestrian and bicycle safety projects; developed the City’s Five-year Capital Improvement Program budget; and completed the 2018 Water Master Plan Updated and associated Water Rates. Ms. Ferguson and her dedicated team are currently the Fryer Creek Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Project which will be completed by the end of summer 2022, the Montini Connector trail, which is proposed for completion in spring 2022, several paving projects for construction in summer 2022, and water supply improvement projects for drought-related grant funding.
“City infrastructure and services provide the foundation for everyone in the community to live, work and play. It has been a privilege to serve the Sonoma community for the past 4 ½ years,” said Ms. Ferguson. When asked what precluded her decision to retire, Ms. Ferguson shared that, “Thirty years ago I set a goal to be in a position to retire when I turned 60 years old. I turned 60 at the end of September and decided that it’s time to move on to the next phase of my life.”
Ms. Ferguson has over 30 years of service in Public Works and 38 years as a Civil Engineer. Prior to working for the City of Sonoma, Ms. Ferguson worked for the City of Santa Rosa Department of Public Works for 28 years serving in various positions including Deputy Director. Ms. Ferguson holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University. Her experience and expertise have been a tremendous asset to the City of Sonoma.
In her retirement announcement, Ms. Ferguson expressed admiration for the City’s Public Works staff who have persevered through fires, windstorms, floods, power outages, and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic during the past few years. Ms. Ferguson expressed confidence in the resilience of City staff to serve the community in the years ahead.
“Fergy has come to a decision most of us make at some point, retirement. I have only known her for a few months, but her dedication to her department and the City is commendable,” said City Manager Garrett Toy. “We anticipate retaining a firm to conduct the recruitment for a new Director and we are in the process of developing a plan for a smooth transition. We thank her for her service and wish her a happy retirement.”