Petaluma commissioners press for EV charging, micro-mobility and note city fleet now includes 46 electric vehicles

Commissioners and staff at the March 12 meeting reviewed ongoing work to expand EV infrastructure, promote used-EV adoption and address multifamily charging barriers, while staff reported substantial progress electrifying the city fleet.

The EV ad hoc described several parallel lines of work: pursuing grants for public charging and DC fast chargers, identifying multifamily pilot sites for charging installations, exploring market-transformation tools (such as outreach to dealers and incentives for used-EV purchases), and looking for permitting improvements to accelerate private and public installations. Commissioners emphasized pairing grant-seeking with ready-to-permit locations so the city can move quickly when funds are available.

In a staff update, the city reported 46 electric vehicles now in its municipal fleet, including light-duty Lightnings and four full-size electric transit buses. Staff said electrification has reduced the fleet's average vehicle age and brought resiliency benefits (the vehicles can act as mobile power assets during outages). Staff also described existing charging arrangements and plans to coordinate with private operators to expand fast charging in town.

Commissioners noted barriers in multifamily buildings (electrical limitations and panel upgrades) and discussed programs such as PG&E smart-panel pilots, permitting streamlining, and federal/state grants for workplace and community charging. The EV ad hoc said it will continue work on pilot identification, dealer engagement and outreach strategies, and coordination with schools and other partners.