Petaluma Releases 14 Draft Frameworks For Future Of City

PETALUMA, CA — The city of Petaluma announced the public release of Draft Policy Frameworks which will form the heart of Petaluma’s next General Plan, a document to guide the city's next 20-30 years.

The frameworks contain policies on many topics that will determine how the city functions, from crosstown commutes to climate resilience, strengthening the economy, and caring for parks — it's all there.

The frameworks were developed for two years with input from community members, city staff, and subject matter experts. Now, the city wants to ensure it's on the right track and asked the community to help create a shared vision for the future of Petaluma.

General Plan Framework Review

There are 14 frameworks in all. These include:

• Arts, Culture, and Creativity
• Economic Development
• Flood Resilience*
• Implementation & Governance
• Health Equity and Environmental Justice
• Historic Resources
• Infrastructure & Utilities
• Land Use & Community Character*
• Natural Environment
• Noise
• Parks & Recreation
• Public Facilities
• Safety
• Transportation

All the frameworks except the Land Use & Community Character and Flood Resilience were posted on the General Plan website as of March 21.

The Land Use and Flood Resilience frameworks will follow soon. Its development relied on the recently completed update of the city’s flood model, which was shared with the City Council in January.

The framework review period started March 21 and runs until June 3o. Since there is a lot of content to explore, the city made the policies available two months before it plans to begin collecting feedback in May.

Then, the city will ask the public to share their thoughts through an online portal (available in early May), at the General Plan Fest event May 11 or in person at Petaluma commissions, committees and City Council meetings.

Save The Date

The city is hosting General Plan Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11. During the family-friendly event at the Petaluma Fairgrounds, residents can learn more about the Frameworks and speak with city staff. There will be activities for kids, as well.

"Your ideas are vital to the process, and we hope to see you there," the city said. "Arrive early if you’d like to see animals leave the Fairgrounds at 10 a.m. as part of the Transhumance Festival! Additional details will be published closer to the date."

Upcoming General Plan Meetings

Community members are welcome to attend any public meeting relating to the General Plan.

Upcoming meetings include an update to the Planning Commission on April 9 focusing on Land Use, the General Plan Advisory Committee meeting on April 18 focused on Policy Framework review, and a City Council Workshop on April 29 focused on Land Use, the Blueprint for Carbon Neutrality, and the General Plan process.

Additional committee and commission meetings to review and discuss the Policy Frameworks will follow in May and June.

Get Started

Visit PlanPetaluma.org to check out the General Plan Frameworks.

Keep in the loop on the General Plan by signing up for notices.

Email the General Plan team at planpetaluma@cityofpetaluma.org with any questions.