Measure Y, Petaluma’s urban growth boundary measure, showing strong support - The Petaluma Argus-Courier

Measure Y, the latest in a decades-long effort to limit urban sprawl stemming from Petaluma, appeared to be cruising to victory.

The measure, which seeks to extend the term of Petaluma’s urban growth boundary to the end of 2050, as of Wednesday had the support of nearly 70% of voters, with 53% of the total potential vote counted. The measure needs a simple majority to pass.

The measure is yet another iteration within a 60-plus-year history of attempts to manage the city’s growth.

“The UGB minimizes the city’s environmental footprint and long-term infrastructure costs for roads and utilities, while promoting growth that benefits residents and local businesses, and assures that taxpayer and ratepayer dollars are spent efficiently and effectively,” supporters of the measure said in Sonoma County election filings. “A ‘Yes’ vote is a vote against sprawl, and an expression of support for meeting our housing goals with infill development. ... Passing Measure Y will ensure that a future city council does not allow subdivisions to creep up Sonoma Mountain or to the county line.”

The city’s 1961 General Plan recognized the benefits of compact development, showing some of the earliest efforts to manage growth as Petaluma dealt with sprawling development and failing infrastructure in the 1960s.

The current urban growth boundary largely resembles the previously labeled “Urban Line Limit” in the city’s 1987 General Plan.

An official urban growth boundary, as it’s referred to today, was established in 1998 by voter approval. The UGB was extended by voters in 2010.

You can reach Staff Writer Jennifer Sawhney at 707-521-5346 or [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @sawhney_media.