Search Results

4042 Results Found

RFP - Professional Services for Plaza Park Topographical Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Involved

Para ver esta página web en español, haga clic en «Translate» o en el icono del globo terráqueo de arriba y seleccione «Spanish». Public input is an essential part of this process. The City is committed to making this transition open and inclusive, with five public meetings scheduled to gather feedback from the community. Here...

Timeline & Recordings of Past Meetings

The timeline for the transition to district-based elections includes several public hearings and opportunities for community input. A professional demographer will guide the City through the process, ensuring that the district maps are drawn in a way that fairly represents Sonoma’s residents. Key dates in the timeline are tentative and include: December 18, 2024 (5:00...

Background

Currently, Sonoma uses an at-large election system, meaning all registered voters in the City vote for all City Council Members, regardless of district. However, many cities, including some in Sonoma County, have faced legal pressure to transition to district-based elections, with allegations that at-large elections dilute the power of specific communities. Though Sonoma has not...

Are district boundaries permanent?

No. The City is required to review and adjust the district lines following each census. We will next review the district maps in 2031 and make changes based on the data received in the census.

What happens if there is only one candidate or no candidates running for a City Council seat in a district?

If only one candidate runs, that individual will be considered elected to the City Council. If no candidates run for a seat in a district, the situation will be handled in the same way as a vacancy. This will be addressed according to the California Elections Code.

Can a candidate run for election in a district if they do not live within its boundaries?

No. A candidate must live within the district they wish to represent.

What criteria will be used to decide which two districts will hold elections first?

State law does not specify the criteria for choosing which districts go first. If there is a district or community that is typically underrepresented, it could be prioritized. Otherwise, the decision will be made by the City Council.

Once district elections are adopted, will all five City Council members be elected at the same time?

No. Three council members will be elected in 2026, and the remaining two will be elected in the next cycle two years later.

What are Communities of Interest?

A community of interest is a “contiguous population that shares common social and economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation.” They are the overlapping sets of neighborhoods, networks, and groups that share interests, views, cultures, histories, languages, and values and whose boundaries can be...

What are the criteria for shaping districts?

Many factors may be considered, but population equality is the most important. The California FAIR MAPS Act requires municipalities to use a ranked list of criteria to help ensure a transparent and fair process: Relatively equal population: a total deviation of less than 10% Contiguous: districts should be whole and not jumping over each other...

Why does districting matter?

Districting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a City Council member. The City Council is seeking input on the district voting map for the City of Sonoma. Residents will have opportunities to share with the City Council how they think district boundaries should be drawn to best...

What is districting?

Districting is the establishment of boundaries for election districts. It determines who can run and who can vote in each district. Candidates and voters must live within their respective election districts. This does not impact city services to the public. The only change the districting process creates is how City Council Members are elected. Districting only happens once. After...

Rent Increase Letter

Community of Interest Worksheet

Fill out this form online (here)

Tell Us About Your Community of Interest

Para ver esta página web en español, haga clic en «Translate» o en el icono del globo terráqueo de arriba y seleccione «Spanish». Help shape the future of City of Sonoma’s City Council Districts The Sonoma City Council has begun the process of transitioning to district elections. The U.S. Census data will be used to...

How Can I Participate in the Redistricting Process?

Provide your comments on your community of interest by completing the online Community of Interest Form, or download the worksheet and return it by email cityhall@sonomacity.org or drop off a hard copy to Sonoma City Hall No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA 95476, or attend a public hearing and read your comments to the Council....

What criteria will help the City Council understand the importance of your community in the redistricting process?

Please consider the following questions and criteria when considering your community of interest (for consideration only, no need to provide answers): Does your community have a shared culture, characteristics, or bond? Is your community geographic in nature? Is your community able to be mapped? Is there density within your community? Describe your community’s relationship with...

What is a Community of Interest?

A Community of Interest is a group of people in the same geographically definable area who share common social and economic interests. Some examples of Communities of Interest are: Senior citizens Families with children attending the same schools People who live downtown or in a neighborhood Dog park community Residents who share a common language...

Close window