Sonoma Honors Local Figure As City Council Prepares Key Decisions

City to recognize longtime community volunteer Gary Edwards as 2026 Alcalde, while council weighs water, transit, and tax issues.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The city of Sonoma, California will host a public reception in March to honor Gary Edwards as the 2026 Alcalde, a ceremonial designation awarded annually to a resident for community service. Meanwhile, the Sonoma City Council has a full slate of decisions ahead in the coming month, including proposals related to water rates, transportation funding, and affordable housing taxes.

Why it matters

The Alcalde tradition in Sonoma recognizes residents who have demonstrated wide-ranging voluntary service to the community, including leadership in local nonprofits and initiating community projects. As the city council prepares to make key decisions on infrastructure, transportation, and housing, honoring a longtime community volunteer underscores Sonoma's commitment to civic engagement and values-driven policymaking.

The details

Gary Edwards, a former city councilmember, was selected as the 2026 Alcalde for his decades of involvement in local organizations and civic activities across Sonoma Valley. The city council will also consider proposals related to Sonoma Water's budget and rates, a cooperative funding agreement with the Sonoma County Transportation Authority for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and an extension of a 1% increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax for affordable housing purposes.

  • The public reception to honor Gary Edwards as the 2026 Alcalde will be held on March 12.
  • The next Sonoma City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 29, 2026.
  • The council is expected to adopt the 2026-2027 budget and rates from Sonoma Water in late April.

The players

Gary Edwards

A former Sonoma city councilmember who was selected as the 2026 Alcalde, a ceremonial designation awarded annually to a resident for community service.

Sonoma Water

The agency responsible for delivering Russian River water to local cities and districts in Sonoma County.

Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA)

The regional transportation planning agency that oversees the Go Sonoma Measure M sales-tax transportation funds.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Sonoma, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Sonoma City Council will consider adopting the proposed 2026-2027 budget and rates from Sonoma Water at their meeting in late April.

The takeaway

Sonoma's Alcalde tradition highlights the city's commitment to recognizing and celebrating community service, even as the council grapples with important decisions on infrastructure, transportation, and housing that will shape the city's future.