Measure M “Parks For All”

Measure M, also known as “Parks for All,” is a one-eighth cent sales tax approved by Sonoma County voters in 2018. It aims to support regional and city parks by generating an estimated $11.5 million annually for a period of 10 years.

As one of the smallest cities in Sonoma County, with just over 3% percent of the county-wide population, Sonoma will receive an estimated $118 thousand dollars per year, and a total of $1.19 million dollars over 10 years.

No, Measure M funds allocated to the City of Sonoma do not have to be spent within the fiscal year they are received, nor do they expire if left unused. Unspent funds remain in a balance that can be carried over for future use, allowing for flexibility in planning and executing park projects over time.

The revenue that is dedicated to the nine cities, including Sonoma, must be used to support local city parks and recreation needs, and may not be used to reduce existing funding for parks and recreation. Funds do not expire and may be used to accrue savings to be invested in park projects in future years. The revenue is to be used within one, or all, of the following seven categories:

1. Maintain parks and recreation facilities to ensure safe, clean, and accessible visitor experiences.
2. Improve and develop athletic fields, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, and visitor amenities.
3. Create and expand parks, trails, bikeways, public art, and recreation & historical facilities.
4. Plan and develop bike paths and trails with connections to schools, community spaces, and regional trails.
5. Provide recreation, education, and health programs for the community.
6. Decrease future fire risks, fuel loads, and invasive plants on city-owned open space parks.
7. Improve trails along waterways and riparian areas to benefit fish, wildlife habitat, and water quality.

Yes! Public input is encouraged throughout the process. Residents and park enthusiasts are invited to share their thoughts and suggestions on potential park projects by submitting public comments or attending commission meetings where project proposals are discussed.

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In 2024, the City of Sonoma is adhering to the 2024 Measure M Project Consideration Process, a five-step procedure rooted in the original recommendations put forth by the Parks and Recreation Task Force. These steps include:

1. Conducting a comprehensive parks assessment by City Staff.
2. Convening the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission (PROS) “Measure M Project Consideration Ad Hoc” committee to pinpoint Measure M funding-eligible projects and select one or more for consideration in the upcoming budget cycle.
3. Compiling detailed project descriptions and budget information for the identified projects.
4. Presenting the findings to the PROS Commission at a Public Meeting.
5. The PROS Commission evaluates the projects identified by the Ad Hoc committee at the public meeting and provides recommendations on which Measure M-funded projects should be considered by the City Council during the budget process.

For more information about Measure M, including county-wide annual reports, please visit the official Sonoma County Regional Parks website.