Sign in Subscribe
By Jennifer Sawhney on

How to Join Local Government Without Running for City Council

How to Join Local Government Without Running for City Council
There are openings for three regular members and two youth members to join the Climate Action Commission. The group discusses climate change issues with a citywide goal to reach carbon neutrality in Petaluma. The city hopes to encourage more non-auto travel like walking and biking to help reduce emissions. April 13, 2026. CRISSY PASCUAL/PETALUMA VOICE ©2026

Want to get more involved in Petaluma’s government decisions on public art, trees, and climate change? How about transit, the library, and new development?

The most visible faces of local government are the mayor and members of the city council. But behind these positions are other crucial volunteer roles: those held by members of the commissions, committees, and boards who guide the council’s decision-making process.

The window to apply is open until Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m. There are currently more than 20 vacancies.

If the council approves your appointment, you can have your say in one of several areas that affect us all.

Concerned about the climate? There’s the Climate Action Commission. Interested in local history? Apply for the Historic and Cultural Preservation Committee. Do you find public safety riveting? You’re in luck, because there’s a vacancy on the Public Safety Advisory Committee.

There is one opening for the Petaluma Museum Association/Heritage Homes & Landmarks committee, a one-year term. April 9, 2026. CRISSY PASCUAL/PETALUMA VOICE ©2026

The barrier to entry is fairly low. Eligible applicants must have lived within Petaluma’s city limits for at least one year, plus meet some additional requirements – and of course be willing to volunteer their time. More details are available in each committee’s description on the city’s website.

Here’s the current list of vacancies:

Airport Commission

  • One regular member; four-year term; ends 6/30/2030
  • One Petaluma Area Pilots Association Representative; one-year term; ends 6/30/2027

Climate Action Commission

  • Three regular members; four-year term; ends 6/30/2030
  • Two youth members; two-year term; ends 6/30/2028

Historic and Cultural Preservation Committee

  • One Petaluma Museum Association/Heritage Homes & Landmarks committee representative; one-year term; ends 6/30/2027

Planning Commission

  • One regular member; four-year term; ends 6/30/2030

Public Art Committee

  • One Petaluma Arts Council Member; four-year term; ends 6/30/2030
There is one opening to join Petaluma’s Public Art Committee, a four-year term. April 13, 2026. CRISSY PASCUAL/PETALUMA VOICE ©2026

Public Safety Advisory Committee

  • Three regular members; four-year term; ends 6/30/2030

Senior Advisory Committee

  • Three regular members; two-year term; ends 6/30/2028
  • One regular member; vacated term; ends 6/30/2027
The Petaluma Senior Center is located in Lucchesi Park at 211 Novak Drive. April 14, 2026. CRISSY PASCUAL/PETALUMA VOICE ©2026

Transit Advisory Committee

  • Three regular members; two-year term; ends 6/30/2028

Tree Advisory Committee

  • Three regular members; two-year term; ends 6/30/2028

Sonoma County Library Commission/Petaluma Library Advisory Board

  • One regular member; four-year term; ends 6/30/2030

For more information, contact the city clerk’s office at 707-778-4360 or cityclerk@cityofpetaluma.org, or visit cityofpetaluma.org/ccbs.

There is one opening for the Petaluma Library Advisory Board, a four-year term. April 13, 2026. CRISSY PASCUAL/PETALUMA VOICE ©2026