This upcoming election, Petaluma has an opportunity to vote YES on Measure Y to renew its 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, Petaluma residents have the opportunity to ensure these protections will remain in place for the next 25 years!
Greenbelt Alliance is proud to partner with the Sierra Club, Generation Housing, and other community leaders and organizations to pass Measure Y in Petaluma.
Learn more about the campaign and add your support to our growing endorsements list 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 voting YES on 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.
On November 5, Vote Yes on Measure Y to renew the City of Petaluma’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) that protects precious open spaces and farmlands, prevents sprawl development, and supports affordable housing.
