Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County backs Santa Rosa EIFD plan revisions and directs further work on a West County EIFD feasibility study
Summary
After staff described revisions to Santa Rosa’s Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District plan, the board approved the IFP with an amendment authorizing the auditor‑controller to execute documents clarifying tax increment allocation and agreed to continue feasibility work on a West County EIFD.
The Board of Supervisors reviewed a revised infrastructure financing plan (IFP) for a proposed Santa Rosa Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) and an update on a feasibility analysis for a potential West County (Sebastopol/unincorporated) EIFD.
Deputy County Administrator Crystal Keriharo and county counsel identified substantive changes to the Santa Rosa draft IFP: explicit eligibility of planning and design costs, a project category allocation that assigns 80% of funding capacity to performing arts/sports/placemaking and 20% to affordable housing, and a policy limiting placemaking bond issuance for the first 10 years unless a major catalyst project emerges. Staff also inserted language clarifying that out‑of‑boundary performing arts or sports projects must materially increase economic activity within the EIFD area to be eligible.
County and city staff emphasized that the Santa Rosa IFP includes protections such as a 50% placemaking reservation during the first 10 years and a 20% affordable‑housing set‑aside. County counsel proposed — and the board adopted — an amendment authorizing the auditor‑controller (or designee) to execute documents memorializing and clarifying allocation of county tax increment with the City of Santa Rosa.
On the West County EIFD feasibility work (Sebastopol and unincorporated area options), consultants from Cosmont and city/county staff described boundary options, estimated 20–25% allocation scenarios of tax increment for city and county shares, draft fiscal analyses and a corridor‑focused approach in Sebastopol. The board directed staff to continue engagement and analysis, noting further fiscal vetting is required before any resolution of intent or formation steps.
Supervisors expressed interest in developing consistent county policy for unincorporated EIFDs, protecting general fund growth and ensuring projects deliver net positive fiscal impacts before final votes. The board approved the Santa Rosa actions and agreed to continued work on West County feasibility and policy.
