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Historic Preservation Commission outlines annual work plan, seeks education and nominations outreach
Summary
Commissioners discussed the FY 2025–26 work plan for the Sonoma City Historic Preservation Commission, prioritizing a general‑plan cultural resources element, a citywide survey, education/speaker events, community outreach and potential ad hoc committees to support nominations and public engagement.
The Sonoma City Historic Preservation Commission on Sept. 10 reviewed priorities for its FY 2025–26 work plan and discussed forming ad hoc groups to support public education, property nominations, a comprehensive citywide survey and possible updates to design guidance and the historic preservation ordinance.
Staff told commissioners the commission’s role had been updated recently to focus on historic preservation after design review functions were moved to the Planning Commission and that staff will bring a draft cultural‑resources element for the general plan in the near term. Staff outlined a likely multi‑year schedule that includes preparing contact statements (which identify the city’s historic periods and attributes), creating design guidelines and, if federal Certified Local Government grant funds become available, applying for a grant to support a comprehensive inventory survey.
Commissioners suggested several outreach and program ideas. Proposals included a speaker series and public programming tied to the Sonoma Community Center, reviving a historic‑home or cottage tour to raise awareness and funds, engaging local groups such as the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation and the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, and using social media to promote events. Commissioners recommended outreach to local schools to increase youth engagement and suggested an ad hoc focused on nominations and on recruiting future commissioners.
Commissioner Drake and other commissioners recommended staff present an actionable short list of ‘‘top five’’ priorities and the staff’s recommended first steps at the next meeting. Several commissioners volunteered to serve on ad hoc subcommittees and requested staff prioritize the citywide survey, contact‑statement work and potential National Register nominations for properties that meet criteria. Commissioners also discussed coordinating with other city commissions on public‑space improvement projects that have historic value.
No formal vote was taken on the work plan during the discussion; commissioners agreed to have staff compile the suggestions, prioritize them, and return with a draft annual work plan and recommended ad hoc committee assignments at a future meeting.
Ending
Staff will prepare a prioritized FY 2025–26 work plan for commission consideration, including options for ad hoc groups, outreach events and a schedule for survey and nomination work.
