Petaluma staff seeks public input, consultant for fairgrounds master plan as programming expands

Deputy Director Cat Risinger told the council that the fairgrounds have hosted a growing slate of events and pilot programs and that staff has issued an RFP to select a consultant for a fairgrounds master plan. Staff emphasized balancing the site’s legacy agricultural uses with new year‑round programming and event‑based revenue opportunities.

‘‘We planned and implemented successfully hosted a 2025 pedaluma fair and we're very excited about this year's 2026 pedaluma fair,’’ Cat Risinger said, summarizing recent activity. Staff described new and returning uses—an indoor ice rink pilot, bilingual agricultural trainings, a year‑round event manager, a city‑permitted rodeo, and expanded expo hall uses—that illustrate the grounds’ diverse potential. Parks staff also noted ongoing outreach to community groups and an expectation that a selected master‑plan consultant will help guide reimagining and grantable improvements.

Councilmembers and staff discussed aligning a fairgrounds master plan with the proposed public safety facility located at the site, and how master‑plan priorities might dovetail with the city’s climate and economic strategies. Staff said the RFP process is complete, proposers have been interviewed, and community engagement will follow consultant selection. A master plan will guide project sequencing, funding opportunities and permit strategies so programming and capital work can proceed in a manner consistent with long‑term goals.