Update: On November 5, 2019 the people of Rohnert Park chose to renew the city’s Urban Growth Boundary with over 90% voting yes on Measure B. This is a huge win for open space in the North Bay, setting a precedent for other Bay Area cities to grow in a climate-smart way—within city boundaries and not on precious open space lands. Read more below.
Rohnert Park voters established an urban growth boundary (UGB) in 2000 with a 71% “yes” vote. The City of Rohnert Park held a special election on Nov. 5, 2019 to renew the UGB. Greenbelt Alliance and our partners garnered support for the renewal which was unanimously supported by the City Council.
The UGB is a line around the city that contains development. It protects surrounding open space and farmland from unhealthy sprawl. It has safeguarded Rohnert Park for 20 years and was required to be renewed by the voters before June 30, 2020 to avoid a lapse in that protection.
What the UGB Does
- Protects Rohnert Park’s open space and rural lands
- Protects the environment
- Preserves Rohnert Park’s family-oriented community
- Prevents sprawl
- Costs taxpayers nothing
Renewing the UGB is an essential way to support the city’s focus on a new downtown. It’s also key to preventing sprawl into the open space and agricultural lands on the edge of the city.
Photo: harminder dhesi via Flickr