REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Redevelopment is an important financing tool used by cities and counties in California to revitalize physically and economically disadvantaged areas, build needed capital improvements, support economically critical private sector projects, and provide affordable housing. Over 400 California cities and counties have adopted local redevelopment plans.
In Sonoma, the redevelopment agency is called the Community Development Agency (CDA). The City Council serves as the Board of the CDA. A redevelopment project area is in place. The current five-year redevelopment implementation plan was adopted in 2009. Goals of the plan include ensuring economic stability, increasing local employment opportunities, preserving the unique historic character of the community, and increasing local tax revenues. Through redevelopment, a variety of programs and projects support Sonoma's continued economic vitality. They include:
Rehabilitation Loans for Commercial Properties. Two loan programs are currently available for businesses and/or commercial property owners in the project area. Guidelines and application forms for these programs are provided below. The Matching Funds loan program is administered by staff; applications for the larger loan program are reviewed by a CDA Loan Committee comprised of two Board members.
Business Improvement Matching Funds Loan Program Guidelines
Business Improvement Matching Funds Application
Redevelopment Loan Program Guidelines
Redevelopment Loan Program Pre-Application
Economic Development Partnership. Using redevelopment funds, Sonoma participates in a collaboration with the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma County to support our local economy. The Sonoma Valley Economic Development Partnership implements a strategic plan that is focused on business retention, expansion, and attraction.
Public Infrastructure Improvements. Redevelopment can, in some cases, be used as a funding source for public infrastructure projects (such as street improvements) which support private development. Use of redevelopment funding for such projects is identified in the City's capital improvement program (CIP) budget.
Graffit Removal. A program operated by the Public Works Department provided prompt removal of tagging and other graffiti in the project area. Graffiti removal is provided at no charge to businesses. Contact Public Works at 938-3332.
Private Development Assistance. In certain cases, the CDA may offer assistance to stimulate new investment by the private sector in a signficant development project. In such cases, the Agency's goal is to provide the final "piece of the puzzle" of a project to achieve viability by the private sector, through the elimination of an unusual obstacle or hurdle. Such "gap" funding can make the difference for a project that stimulates new private investment and results in significant community economic benefits. The Agency's participation in a project is spelled out in a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) or an Owner Participation Agreement (OPA), depending on ownership of the property and the desired outcome in each case. There are several examples of successful partnership projects in Sonoma between the Agency and the private sector.
NOTE: Outside of the city limits, there is another redevelopment project area that includes much of the Springs neighborhood and is administered by Sonoma County. To learn more, contact the County's Community Development Commission.
For information on these programs, or for help with other questions you may have, contact Laurie Decker, Economic Development Project Manager, at 707-327-7338.
Housing Projects. The Community Development Agency is required to "set aside" 20% of the tax increment revenues received in the project area to increases, preserve,and improve the community's supply of affordable housing. For more information, contact the Planning Department.