Recognizing the vast knowledge and talent of our community, the City asks community members to step forward and serve our City on a commission or committee. These commissions and committees are charged with focusing on key issues within Sonoma and then provide feedback, recommendations and support to the City Council on those issues.
The Council also makes appointments to regional committees such as the Sonoma Citizens Advisory Commission.
At this time, the City is seeking applications for the following commissions and committees:
- Planning Commission
- Community Services & Environment Commission – CSEC
- Design Review and Historic Preservation Commission – DRHPC
- Cultural & Fine Arts Commission – CFAC
- Traffic Safety Committee
- Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission – SVCAC
PLANNING COMMISSION – The Planning commission prepares, revises and implements the comprehensive long-term General Plan for the physical development of the City and surrounding areas. It conducts hearings and makes decisions and/or recommendations on a variety of land use applications.
- 7 members with 1 alternate position.
- 5 positions will be appointed by individual Council Members and the Council as a whole will vote on the two At-Large members and one Alternate position.
- At least 5 members and the Alternate will be qualified electors (registered to vote and live in the city limits) of the City and the remaining members may be a resident of Sonoma Valley, as defined by the commission’s Appointment Administrative Policy.
COMMUNITY SERVICES & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION – The Community Services & Environment Commission advises the City Council on matters related to the preservation and enhancement of parks, special events, recreational facilities, open space and the natural environment under the jurisdiction of the City.
- 7 members with 1 alternate position.
- 5 positions will be appointed by individual Council Members and the Council as a whole will vote on the two At-Large members and one Alternate position.
- At least 5 members and the Alternate will be qualified electors (registered to vote and live in the city limits) of the City and the remaining members may be a resident of Sonoma Valley, as defined by the commission’s Appointment Administrative Policy.
DESIGN REVIEW & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION – The goal of the Design Review Commission is to protect the architectural heritage of Sonoma and promote excellence in town design through its review of proposed projects and developments.
- 5 members with 1 alternate position.
- 5 positions will be appointed by individual Council Members and the Council as a whole will vote on the one Alternate position.
- 4 members and the Alternate will be qualified electors (registered to vote and live in the city limits) of the City and 1 member may be a resident of Sonoma Valley, as defined by the Commissions Appointment Administrative Policy.
CULTURAL & FINE ARTS COMMISSION – The role of the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission is to develop and establish a balanced arts and cultural program for the City. Each year, they select and honor the“Treasure Artist of the Year” and sponsor the “Student Creative Arts Awards” program providing cash awards to deserving students.
- 7 members with 1 alternate position.
- 5 positions will be appointed by individual Council Members and the Council as a whole will vote on the two At-Large members and one Alternate position.
- At least 5 members and the Alternate will be qualified electors (registered to vote and live in the city limits) of the City and the remaining members may be a resident of Sonoma Valley, as defined by the commission’s Appointment Administrative Policy.
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE – The Traffic Safety Committee reviews complaints and suggestions submitted by residents regarding traffic safety issues. It advises the City Council on all physical measures proposed as solutions to those issues.
- 5 members with 1 alternate position.
- 5 positions will be appointed by individual Council Members and the Council as a whole will vote on the one Alternate position.
- 4 members and the Alternate will be qualified electors of the City and 1 member may be a resident of Sonoma Valley, as defined by the Commissions Appointment Administrative Policy.
SONOMA VALLEY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE – A joint advisory agency with representation from the County of Sonoma and the City of Sonoma to share responsibility for local planning in the Sonoma Valley.
- 3 members
- 1 alternate
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications can now be submitted electronically through the City’s Civic Web Portal, https://sonomacity.civicweb.net.
- Application — You can access the application by clicking on the “Commission Application” tile. To complete an application, complete the on-line form. Once you are done, click Submit to send your form directly to the City. Please attach a copy of your resume to your application before submitting it. Paper applications will still be accepted and are available in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, No. 1 The Plaza.
- Interviews — No formal interviews with the City Council as a whole will be held. Individual Council Members may reach out to individual applicants to learn more when reviewing applications in January.
- Terms — Individual Council appointees will serve terms that are aligned with the Council Member who appointed them, and any At-Large members and the Alternate will serve two-year terms.
Individuals that are interested in applying, or current members that would like to be reappointed, are encouraged to apply by submitting an application. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm Thursday, December 31, 2020.
For questions, please contact the City Clerk at 707.938.3681, or by email at cityhall@sonomacity.org.