Santa Rosa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Rosa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Settlements and active litigation
The city paid $250,000 to settle claims with former City Manager Maraskeshia Smith and $205,000 to settle the Clare Hartman wrongful termination case. The city denies liability in Hartman; 32 lawsuits remain active.
Municipal Debt Strategy for Infrastructure
Staff made the case that the city has been too shy about borrowing, letting deferred maintenance on streets, city hall, and the wastewater plant pile up. A $35 million wastewater revenue bond is coming soon, and a broader debt strategy for roads and facilities will come to council in coming months.
Moody's credit rating upgrade to Aa1
Santa Rosa's credit rating was upgraded to Aa1, the second-highest rating — a sign the city's finances are on solid ground, which helps when borrowing for projects like the 520 3rd Street purchase.
Measure Q tax measure endorsed by police union
The council is asking voters in November to double the existing Measure Q half-cent sales tax to a full cent, raising about $46 million a year. Without it, the city says it will cut roughly 42 positions, close fire stations, eliminate police violent crime teams, and reduce street and park maintenance starting in summer 2027.
FY 2026-27 city budget adoption
The city is projecting a $13.8 million deficit by 2029-30, and reserves can't cover it. Staff laid out what cuts-only would mean: closing a fire truck company, eliminating police specialty units like gangs and narcotics teams, and slashing street and park maintenance. Council members signaled they'd rather ask voters for new revenue.
Structural budget deficit
The city is staring down a $15-20 million hole for next year after cutting $15.2 million and 54 positions last year. Sales tax has flatlined for seven quarters and CalPERS costs have doubled in five years. Residents pushed back on further cuts to homeless services and suggested revenue ideas.
Pension debt: CalPERS Fresh Start
The city owes CalPERS $482 million, and payments are climbing toward $50 million a year. Staff proposed restructuring the debt with a 'fresh start' plus the city's $26 million in pension reserves, saving $3.8 million next year and $36.6 million over the life of the plan.
November 2026 city council election
The election for council districts 2, 4 and 6 is officially on the November 3 ballot, consolidated with the statewide election.
Appointment of City Attorney
Santa Rosa picked its next top lawyer, Ashle Crocker, starting June 3. The 5-2 split shows the council wasn't fully aligned on the choice.
Appointment of Interim City Manager
The council is interviewing candidates for the city's top administrative job. The city manager runs day-to-day operations, so this hire shapes everything from budgets to services. No selection was announced at this meeting.
City workforce vacancies and AB 2561 reporting
The city reported a 9.2% vacancy rate with 117 vacancies as of March, under a soft hiring freeze amid budget deficits. The Teamsters rep warned understaffing in water and technical jobs creates safety risks and urged the city to fill enterprise-fund positions and fix punitive payroll policies.
Property Tax Disparity Under Proposition 13
Council members pressed staff on why Santa Rosa keeps only 11.7 cents of every property tax dollar — far less than some other agencies. Staff said fixing it would take state-level action, but the county partnership conversation is heating up.
$17.5 million General Fund deficit
Santa Rosa projects a $17.5 million shortfall next fiscal year, driven by expiring grants, public safety overtime, and costs growing faster than revenue. The plan: use $8.4 million in reserves, lease fire apparatus, and restructure pension debt — leaving about $4.3 million in department cuts to be revealed May 5-6.
2026 Federal and State Legislative Platforms
The council adopted its priority lists for lobbying Washington and Sacramento — covering wildfire/FEMA reform, water infrastructure, housing, public safety, and flood risk. Federal lobbyists reported about $38.6 million secured so far this cycle. Council Member Bañuelos pushed for stronger immigration-related language, which the council agreed to pursue further.