Honoring Heritage. Embracing Growth.
A coalition of business owners and community leaders building momentum for Petaluma's next chapter of growth, vitality, and prosperity.
Our Mission
Renaissance Petaluma is a grassroots coalition of local business owners, residents, and community advocates united by a shared vision—to strengthen Petaluma's position as the ‘Gateway to Sonoma County’ while preserving the authentic character that makes our city special.
We believe Petaluma's best days are ahead. As CNN recognized us as one of ‘America's Best Towns to Visit in 2025’, we're working to ensure our community has the infrastructure, amenities, and economic vitality to capitalize on this momentum—not just for visitors, but for everyone who calls Petaluma home.
Key Pillars
Economic Vitality
Support sustainable job growth, increased tax revenue, and thriving local businesses.
Community Enhancement
Champion quality amenities, cultural programming, and infrastructure improvements.
Downtown Revitalization
Strengthen our historic downtown as the heart of commerce, culture, and community.
Authentic Growth
Advance development that honors Petaluma's heritage and respects our unique character.
Petaluma’s Moment
Petaluma stands at a crossroads. Named one of ‘America's Best Towns to Visit’, we're attracting national attention as Sonoma County's second-largest city and the region's cultural heart. Yet despite being five times larger than neighboring wine country towns, we lack the quality accommodations and infrastructure to fully capture the economic benefits of tourism.
Meanwhile, our median household income ranks highest among major Sonoma County cities. Our residents have purchasing power, our downtown has historic charm, and our location offers unmatched access to wine country, the coast, and San Francisco.
The opportunity is clear. Thoughtful investment in downtown infrastructure, quality hospitality, and community amenities will generate jobs, increase tax revenue, and create the vibrant downtown Petaluma that residents and visitors alike deserve.
#1 in Median Household Income
among major Sonoma County cities ($108,501).
10.3% Tourism Revenue Growth
in Sonoma County (Q4 2023-Q4 2024).
Sonoma County Gateway Location
45 min from San Francisco, access to 3 wine valleys, 15 miles to the coast.
Nearly 5x Larger Than Healdsburg
but capturing less overnight visitor spending.
Renaissance Petaluma advances smart growth—development that strengthens our economy, enhances quality of life, and preserves what makes Petaluma special.
Our Principles
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Support businesses that create quality jobs with competitive wages
Generate tax revenue that reduces resident burden and funds city services
Build supplier networks that benefit local farms, food producers, and service providers
Capture visitor spending that currently flows to neighboring cities
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Support thoughtful development that respects Petaluma's architectural heritage
Advocate for design review processes that honor downtown's unique identity
Champion the authenticity and charm that earned CNN's recognition
Preserve the walkable, human-scale downtown that locals love
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Description text goes hereAdvocate for amenities that serve residents first—dining, culture, gathering spaces
Support infrastructure improvements—parking, streetscapes, public spaces
Promote events and programming that activate downtown year-round
Strengthen the arts, antique fairs, farmers markets, and festivals that define us
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Concentrate development downtown to protect open space and agricultural lands
Support Petaluma's Blueprint for Climate Action and carbon neutrality goals
Advance projects that meet Urban Growth Boundary commitments
Build for the long term, not short-term gain
Why Petaluma?
Petaluma has always been special. From our Gold Rush-era roots as the "Egg Basket of the World" to today's thriving culinary scene, we've built a community that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection.
Here's what sets us apart…
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Rich History & Architecture
Chartered in 1858, Petaluma is one of California's oldest cities. Spared from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, our downtown features some of the finest preserved iron-front architecture in the United States. Our buildings tell the story of California's commercial past—and with thoughtful stewardship, they'll anchor our future.
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Culinary Excellence
Known for world-class food products including McEvoy Ranch olive oil, Petaluma Poultry's organic chicken, and Lagunitas Brewing, Petaluma is a farm-to-table destination with roots dating to the Gold Rush. Michelin-recognized restaurants Stockhome and Risibisi exemplify our dedication to culinary excellence and farm-to-table craft.
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Wine Country Appeal
The Petaluma Gap AVA, designated in 2018, produces distinctive wines from a unique microclimate. Local wineries like Keller Estate, Barber Cellars, and Parum Leo showcase terroir-driven winemaking in our backyard.
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Arts & Culture
With over a dozen downtown galleries, the historic Mystic Theatre, Petaluma Arts Center, and beloved community events like the Butter & Egg Days Parade, creativity flows through our streets. We're a makers' town—artists, craftspeople, and innovators thrive here.
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Strategic Location
Just 45 minutes from San Francisco and 90 minutes from Sacramento, Petaluma serves as the ideal base for exploring Sonoma wine country, the Sonoma and Marin coasts, and the Russian River. We're accessible yet authentic—close enough to visit, special enough to stay.
Stay Informed. Get Involved.
Join Renaissance Petaluma's community of supporters. Get updates on coalition activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to advocate for Petaluma's growth and vitality.