Santa Rosa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Rosa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Greenway Connectivity Study — linking east and west bike trails across Santa Rosa
A $750,000 donation from the Sonoma Land Trust will help pay for planning the Southeast Greenway, a park and trail project on the old freeway right-of-way.
Downtown improvements
Santa Rosa is moving toward letting people carry beer and wine outdoors in designated downtown zones under a new state law. Council members want a pilot program, likely Friday through Sunday from noon to 10 p.m., covering Courthouse Square, Railroad Square, and big events. Police data shows relatively few alcohol-related problems downtown, but the department is short-staffed.
Bennett Valley Golf Course subsidy
The golf course keeps its $500,000 general fund subsidy, and Council Member Rogers pressed on when it ends. Staff said debt service ends in 2031 but warned major infrastructure needs — including a $10 million irrigation replacement — remain, with a new operations contract and public-private partnership planned.
Synthetic turf and lighting at MLK Park sports field
After months of debate, the council cleared the way for a synthetic turf, lighted soccer field at Martin Luther King Jr. Neighborhood Park. Youth soccer leaders called it 'preventative infrastructure' for kids; council members asked for PFAS-free materials and recycling commitments.
MLK Park and Trail master plan
The council adopted an updated master plan for Martin Luther King Jr. Park, the third-highest priority park for improvement citywide. Residents asked for shade, lighting, an enhanced soccer field and public art honoring the community's history.