Sonoma City Council sets goals for 2026, approves tree canopy study

City leaders map urban forest, adopt public art policy, and outline priorities for housing, economic development, climate adaptation, and regional partnerships.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Sonoma City Council ratified its goals for 2026, which focused on housing, economic development, climate adaptation, and fostering Sonoma Valley partnerships, unification, and immigration support. The council also approved the city's first comprehensive urban tree canopy inventory and assessment, revealing a 25% canopy cover with potential for 14% growth. Additionally, the council unanimously signed off on a pilot public art project that will turn utility boxes into neighborhood landmarks.

Why it matters

Sonoma's city goals and initiatives around housing, economic development, climate adaptation, and community partnerships aim to address key challenges facing the city, while the tree canopy study and public art project reflect efforts to enhance the city's livability and character. These efforts are particularly important as Sonoma navigates growth, economic changes, and environmental concerns.

The details

The city's goals for 2026 include increasing affordable and senior housing, supporting local businesses, activating downtown spaces, and meeting climate adaptation targets. To achieve these goals, the city plans to use temporary street and parking space activations, seek grant funding and partnerships, and focus on community organizations that offer youth and family programs. The tree canopy study found that 25% of Sonoma is covered by urban tree canopy, with potential for 14% more growth. The data will be used to update the city's tree removal permit and heritage tree ordinances, set canopy targets, and track new plantings. The council also approved a pilot public art project that will wrap utility boxes with designs from local artists.

  • The city's annual goal setting session was held on January 30, 2026.
  • The city's comprehensive urban tree canopy inventory and assessment was conducted in 2022 using high-resolution aerial imagery.
  • The public art policy was adopted by the council in late 2024.
  • The utility box art wrap pilot program is expected to begin installation this spring.

The players

David Guhin

Sonoma City Manager who presented the city's goals for 2026.

Patricia Farrar-Rivas

Sonoma City Councilmember who pressed staff on balancing climate and equity concerns in the tree canopy plan.

Jack Ding

Sonoma City Councilmember who asked for details on the prioritization of tree removals.

Jack Myrna

Arborist who helped conduct the field work for the tree canopy inventory and assessment.

Ron Wellander

Sonoma Mayor who expressed interest in expanding the city's public art program beyond the utility box pilot.

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What they’re saying

“Inventory provided helpful details about the trees' conditions and maintenance to further protect our city's urban tree canopy.”

— Jacob Dunn, City Associate Planner (sonomanews.com)

“Are they very close to schools or sidewalks or the bike routes? You mentioned safety, and that is very important.”

— Jack Ding, Sonoma City Councilmember (sonomanews.com)

“Most of the removals are going to be just completely dead trees, or trees with some sort of disease in the roots or some sign of the tree failing in the near future.”

— Jack Myrna, Arborist (sonomanews.com)

“I love the fact that this is a little taste, but I would like very much to jump to a big taste.”

— Ron Wellander, Sonoma Mayor (sonomanews.com)

What’s next

The city plans to compare the new tree canopy data with existing arborist reports, update Sonoma's tree removal permit and heritage tree ordinances, set 'challenging but realistic' canopy targets, and track survival rates of new plantings.

The takeaway

Sonoma's city leaders are taking a comprehensive approach to enhancing the city's livability and sustainability, from setting ambitious goals around housing, economic development, and climate adaptation to investing in the urban tree canopy and public art. These efforts reflect the city's commitment to balancing growth, community values, and environmental stewardship.