Santa Rosa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Rosa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Hall campus exchange for 520 3rd Street
The city is swapping its crumbling City Hall campus for a modern downtown office building, dodging a $100 million-plus repair bill. The city keeps 1.61 acres of creek land, and many residents want Santa Rosa Creek daylighted as part of the future redevelopment.
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.
Potential police staffing cuts below 1990s levels
Police Chief John Cregan said without new revenue the department could lose 11 sworn officers next year and up to 24 by 2030, dropping below 1990s staffing while the city has 39,000 more residents. Response times to violent crimes would rise and specialty teams like gang and traffic units would be eliminated.
Potential fire station and engine company closures
Fire Chief Scott Westrope warned that cuts would force closing a fire engine company by July 2027 and, by 2030, possibly two engines plus a ladder truck — the only staffed ladder trucks between San Francisco and the state line. Response times already miss the council's 5-minute goal.
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.
$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.