I’ve been hearing “Petaluma is losing its soul” since I moved here in the late ’70s. We still had a growth moratorium.
Guess what? Petaluma is alive and kicking, with more soul than ever. Seriously.
Petaluma is at a crossroads — but this river city isn’t fading into nostalgia. It’s gearing up for a future that honors both its historic charm and community spirit, all while embracing smart growth.
They said Petaluma lost its soul. They were wrong.
City leaders are working on a new general plan that will guide Petaluma through 2045, focusing on housing, sustainability and preserving open space. And yes, in February 2025 the City Council approved an overlay allowing taller buildings—up to six stories—downtown, including the proposed Appellation Petaluma hotel. The move spurred intense debate: passionate locals worried it would “mess up” the skyline; others argue it’s essential to revitalize empty lots, boost revenue and bring residents back downtown. The overlay comes with a sunset clause, meaning all this is on the table again once the general plan is finalized.
Housing, affordability and infrastructure
California’s housing crunch didn’t spare Petaluma. In 2023, the city updated its housing element; by April 2025, it issued $90 million in bonds for two affordable housing projects, totaling 160-plus units. The Meridian project by the North SMART station includes 131 units and 33 supportive homes for formerly homeless residents—plus a community garden and café—breaking ground this summer. These steps show Petaluma is prioritizing multifamily, transit-oriented living over sprawling subdivisions…