Issues

Housing & Land Use +

Set clear, straightforward rules for building affordable housing so projects can move forward without unnecessary delays or confusion.
Update the County’s General Plan to allow more “middle” housing types (like duplexes, triplexes, and small apartments) so people have more realistic and affordable options—not just single-family homes or large complexes.
Encourage housing to be built near public transit, jobs, and essential services so people don’t have to rely on long car commutes.
Allow and support Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and splitting larger lots into smaller ones, so more homes can be added within existing neighborhoods in a reasonable way.
Keep the Sonoma Developmental Center publicly owned and redevelop it into a community that is designed around transit and reduced car use.
Prevent unchecked rural sprawl by enforcing zoning rules that protect open land and focus growth where infrastructure already exists.
Work with cities to ensure they meet state housing requirements (RHNA) within their own boundaries, instead of pushing development into unincorporated or rural areas.

Finish extending SMART rail to Cloverdale and complete the Russian River bike and pedestrian trail to improve regional mobility.
Focus on “last-mile” solutions—safe bike lanes, better sidewalks, more frequent buses, bike-share programs, and shuttles—so people can easily get to and from transit stations.
Create better east-west transit connections so major hubs like Sonoma State University (SSU), Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), and surrounding communities are actually linked together.
Address parking shortages in new housing developments by improving transit and non-car options, instead of just building more parking.
Plan for a future expansion of SMART (Phase 2) that includes east-west light rail connecting Sonoma Valley, the lower Russian River area, and Sebastopol.

Support long-term regional water solutions like the Eel–Russian River system to ensure a stable and sustainable water supply.
Invest in projects that store water, reuse it, and replenish groundwater (like aquifer recharge), so the region is better prepared for droughts.
Encourage homes and businesses to reuse greywater (like water from sinks and showers) to reduce overall water demand.
Improve how water systems are maintained and managed, and promote cooperation across the region to conserve water more effectively.
Support geothermal energy projects like the Geysers GeoZone, which can provide reliable, clean, and affordable power over the long term.
Protect watersheds and invest in forest management practices that reduce wildfire risk and improve ecosystem health.

Support Sonoma Clean Power’s efforts to develop large-scale geothermal energy, providing a stable and renewable energy source.
Reduce how much people need to drive (Vehicle Miles Traveled) by investing in better transit, biking, and walking infrastructure.
Build fire-safe communities and local resilience hubs so neighborhoods are better prepared for emergencies like wildfires and power outages.
Encourage regenerative agriculture and land management practices that restore soil health and naturally capture carbon.

Protect farmland and open space through long-term planning, so these lands aren’t lost to development.
Support local food systems and regenerative farming practices to keep agriculture economically viable and sustainable.
Prevent agricultural land from being converted into low-density rural sprawl.
Invest in helping agricultural communities adapt to economic changes, including the decline of the wine industry.

Promote union jobs and prioritize hiring local workers for county-funded projects, so economic benefits stay in the community.
Strengthen county departments by building in-house expertise instead of outsourcing important services.
Fully implement the County’s Master Plan for Aging to ensure seniors receive the support and services they need.
Support childcare and family assistance programs (like OpenDoors and 4Cs) to help working families manage the cost of care.

Follow through on voter-approved civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office to ensure transparency and accountability.
Limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities (ICE), requiring a judge’s order before transferring individuals.
Support community-based policing approaches that build trust between law enforcement and residents.

Restore the ability of public agencies to actively address inequality and support underrepresented communities by overturning Proposition 209.
Ensure the county workforce reflects the diversity of the population it serves.
Protect immigrant communities and ensure they can safely access services.
Expand access to reproductive healthcare, including transportation and partnerships with providers like Planned Parenthood.
Support access to gender-affirming care and ensure the safety and dignity of transgender and non-binary residents.
Make public planning processes more accessible by offering meetings in Spanish, providing childcare, and holding meetings at different times and locations.

Update and modernize county systems so services are more efficient, reliable, and user-friendly.
Invest in workforce development so county employees can afford to live in the communities they serve.
Maintain and improve essential infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Increase transparency and make it easier for the public to participate in decision-making, especially during updates to the General Plan.