Shaping the future of Sonoma Valley housing

When it comes to housing, everyone imagines the growth of the valley differently. Some people want small homes on big lots, others advocate more live-work housing or mixed-use projects with stores downstairs and apartments upstairs.
Now is your chance to give your opinion on how the city should grow.
The city is holding a community workshop this Thursday on the housing element of the general plan, which will set forth the city of Sonoma’s housing strategy for the next five years.
The community is encouraged to come and give input on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center, Room 110, 276 E. Napa St. Light refreshments will be provided.
The workshop will provide an overview of the housing element, and then facilitators will put questions to community members such as:
• What are the greatest strengths of Sonoma’s housing and neighborhoods?
• What are Sonoma’s most important housing needs?
• What options should the city pursue to address its housing needs within the housing element of the general plan?
A second community workshop will be held on March 3 at the same time and place.
You can review the current housing element part of the plan on the city Web site: www.sonomacity.org. For more information, contact the city’s planning department at 707.938.3681 or cityhall@sonomacity.org.