Update: With nearly 70% of the vote*, we are thrilled that Measure Y PASSED to renew Petaluma’s Urban Growth Boundary for another 25 years!
Petaluma voters said a resounding YES on Measure Y and a supermajority win that reinforced their historic commitment to land use policies to protect farmlands and open spaces, dating back to the 70s. Greenbelt Alliance is proud to have led the charge for this campaign with the Sierra Club Sonoma and alongside dozens of organizations, community leaders, and local residents!
Measure Y renews Petaluma’s current Urban Growth Boundary, which protects open spaces and farm lands and supports climate-smart growth for the next generations.
Petaluma’s current voter-approved Urban Growth Boundary, which was approved in 2010, expires in 2025. On July 1st, 2024, the City Council unanimously decided to place the issue on the ballot and ask for voters’ approval to renew it in the upcoming November election. Now, these protections will remain in place for the next 25 years!
Learn more about the campaign and see full list of endorsements by visiting the website: renewpetalumaugb.org
Why It Matters
An Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is simply a boundary around a city or town set by the voters to define the limits of urban development.
UGBs accomplish essential goals, such as preserving open space, agricultural uses, and wildlife habitat by reducing urban sprawl pressure onto these lands. At the same time, it also encourages climate-smart, city-centered development that makes it easier to walk and bike to school, access jobs, amenities, and other urban opportunities. By supporting Measure Y to renew Petaluma’s UGB, voters will:
- Protect open spaces and farmlands: by establishing a clear boundary for development, cities and towns can reduce expansion pressure on surrounding greenbelts, open spaces, and habitats.
- Improve wildfire safety: UGBs limit sprawl into medium-density areas, reducing exposure to high wildfire risk zones by creating a clearer distinction between urban and rural areas.
- Promote climate-friendly development: By focusing growth inside existing towns and cities, UGBs reduce driving and greenhouse gas emissions; saves money on water, sewer, parks, and roads, and protects the environment.
History
Petaluma has been a land use leader for decades, becoming the first city in Sonoma County to put boundaries on growth in its General Plan policies in the 1970s and 1980s.
In 1998, Petaluma passed its first voter-approved Urban Growth Boundary Measure I. The UGB has remained continually in place as the city has grown, allowing for good land-use planning. All nine cities in Sonoma County have voter-approved UGBs.
*Preliminary results on November 7, 2024
Originally published on September 23, 2024.
