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.
Wastewater revenue bonds, Series 2026A
About $50 million in bonds will fund electrical upgrades at the Laguna Treatment Plant, paid by sewer ratepayers — not the general fund. Restructuring saves an estimated $12 million versus earlier projections.
Capital Improvement Program status
Roseland residents argued capital dollars flow to wealthier areas like Oakmont while west-side roads crumble; Alvarez countered District One has received the most road funding. MacDonald asked for a district-by-district project tracker.
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.
Downtown flood risk
Betty Andrews urged the council to act on recent FEMA flood studies to reduce downtown flood risk.
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.
City Hall Development Agreement Supplemental EIR
The environmental review for the City Hall Development Agreement with Museum on the Square, LLC was continued to October 22 — the public will get its chance to weigh in then.
School board meeting accessibility
A parent pointed out that school board meetings don't allow virtual comment and run six hours, shutting out working parents — she asked the district to follow the city's lead.
Education as an economic engine
Schools and colleges are major drivers of Santa Rosa's economy — SRJC tripled dual-enrollment to 1,000 students in three years, and Sonoma State proposed a 'Santa Rosa Compact' to link schools, city, chamber, and colleges. Demographic decline in K-12 enrollment looms as a structural challenge.
Gun Buyback
Santa Rosa police successfully scooped up 583 unwanted weapons off our streets during their latest gun buyback event. It's a huge haul that directly cuts down the number of accessible firearms in our community.