Tuesday, March 25, a community coalition — including SEIU 1021, Sonoma County Conservation Action, North Bay Organizing Project, and Rohnert Park City Councilmember Jackie Elward — united at the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting to oppose the proposed purchase of buildings at 3850 and 3880 Brickway Blvd., Santa Rosa. 

These proposed building purchases are a part of a larger three-building purchase proposal that includes 400 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa. Together, the proposed building purchases waste taxpayer money and move core County services away from the heart of Santa Rosa.

The proposed building purchases have been marred with controversy. On January 29, 2025, the Sonoma Board of Supervisors was set to vote on the purchase of 400 Aviation Blvd (which the County is currently leasing) until a conflict-of-interest issue involving Supervisor David Rabbitt caused the item to be pulled. In addition, according to the County’s own hired expert appraiser, the County has proposed overpaying for the building by as much as $19 million — funds that could be better spent on road repairs, homeless services, affordable housing, and other support for our communities. This proposed wasteful spending is the subject of a whistleblower complaint filed by SEIU 1021.

SEIU 1021 Regional Vice President Travis Balzarini stated, “Sonoma County officials tried to covertly push an expensive, inconvenient move to Airport Business Park without bothering to consult residents. Their plan is irresponsible, wasteful, and unfair, especially for those who rely most on county services. That’s why our community is showing up powerfully to stop the county’s proposed millions of wasteful spending.” 

Sonoma County Conservation Action Political Director Matt Callaway stated, “Sonoma County Conservation Action strongly opposes moving vital county services, including the registrar of voters, out of Santa Rosa beyond our UGB. This move would increase our carbon footprint and decrease equity by making services less accessible. Locating county services within the city, close to restaurants and retailers, also enhances our local economy and discourages urban sprawl.” 

North Bay Organizing Project Organizer Diana Kingsbury stated, “We urge the county to halt this rushed decision and instead engage in a transparent process that allows our community to have a meaningful say. Accessibility to essential services should not be compromised.” 

Rohnert Park City Councilmember Jackie Elward stated, “It is discouraging to learn the county’s plans to move several departments out of Santa Rosa and away from constituents. Having a centralized location near public transit is an essential equity issue so that everyone can have ease of access to County services. If the County wants to utilize SMART, Rohnert Park is the best option to host county employees!”