Sonoma County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sonoma County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Legislative Platform and state advocacy
The county's annual wishlist for Sacramento: flexibility to reuse the fairgrounds racetrack property, safeguards against abusive remote public comment, and state funding to fix aging veterans memorial buildings. The platform also adds a new principle opposing state mandates without reimbursement and responds to federal HR 1 changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh.
Surveillance technology and Flock cameras
Supervisor Coursey flagged that a Homeland Security grant funds a video wall for Santa Rosa PD's real-time crime center, and Flock camera images could appear on it during active cases. The County Executive agreed to flag future surveillance-tech items.
Racial Equity Action Plan implementation
The Office of Equity's first required progress report shows 9 of 10 strategies moving, 120 department-led equity initiatives, and three new programs — mentorship, inclusive hiring, and equity competencies for managers — rolling out to pilot departments in spring 2027.
Osprey Hill Ranch conservation acquisition
The county and Sonoma Land Trust locked in a conservation easement on a scenic Sonoma Coast ranch between Jenner and Bodega Bay. It protects habitat and agriculture, keeps grazing in place, and sets up possible future Coastal Trail connections.
Retiree cost-of-living under AB 1601
A new state law lets the county explore a targeted cost-of-living boost for the lowest-benefit retirees. The retirement system is 94% funded with $4.3 billion in assets, and staff will bring cost scenarios back around February or March.
Mosquito district cuts rural representation
The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District unilaterally cut Sonoma County's unincorporated at-large seats from two to one — one seat has sat vacant since 2015. Supervisors, especially Hopkins, were angry the district never reached out, and the board continued the item and ordered a letter demanding reconsideration.
Employee engagement and workplace culture
The county's second employee survey is underway at 40% response; results come back in 2027. Departments reported wins like Walktober wellness walks and a revamped, shorter survey.
Tamayo Madarieta claim settlement
The county settled an employment claim for $225,000 in closed session, with Hermosillo recused.
Palm Drive Health Care District tax rates and budget
The board set the health care district's property and parcel tax rates and adopted its FY 2026-27 budget, which funds local health care services.
VESCO Amendments: Replanting and Permit Extensions
Proposed changes to the county's vineyard erosion rules would address replanting of cultivated lands and extend permits. It matters to growers and to anyone concerned about hillside vineyard development and watershed protection.
Community health centers
The Board honored National Health Center Week; center leaders warned of state and federal funding threats and policies affecting immigrant patients, and stressed the safety-net role of the county's eight community health centers.
Tom Schopflin Fields soccer complex grant
The Board approved a matching grant for phase 2 of the Schopflin Fields project, which supporters said leverages private fundraising to create youth sports fields serving kids across the county.
January 2026 Russian River spills litigation
In closed session, the Water Agency and Sanitation District boards discussed anticipated litigation over the January 2026 Russian River spills. No action was reported publicly, but the board gave direction to staff — a sign legal exposure from the spills remains an active issue.
Wind-down of the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP)
The county's pioneering PACE financing program — which helped 3,200+ homeowners and businesses fund energy, water, and wildfire-resilience upgrades through property tax bills — is shutting down. New federal rules killed the residential side and no commercial projects came in over the past year. Existing loans will still be serviced through 2046, so current participants aren't affected.
Code enforcement fines placed on property tax rolls
Residents — including a Cooper Road homeowner facing over $10,000 in costs — told the board the county's code enforcement fine process felt opaque and financially punishing. The board kept the item but directed staff to make one final push to set up payment plans before fines hit August tax bills.
Wooler Slide and Giovanetti Culvert Road Repairs
Changes to the 2026-2027 repaving list and right-of-way contracts for the Todd Road/Standish Avenue intersection project were on the consent calendar. These determine which county roads get fixed and when.
Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District Budget
The sewer district serving Sonoma Valley was slated for its own budget adoption, requiring a two-thirds Board vote. It determines what the district can spend on wastewater services next year.
Telecommunications Ordinance Updates
The county's rules governing telecom facilities — think cell towers and wireless equipment — were set for a public hearing update. These rules shape where infrastructure can go and how neighboring properties are protected.