As Healdsburg’s mayor for 2026, it’s my honor to wish everyone in town a safe, happy and peaceful New Year.
Being Healdsburg’s mayor (who the council selects each December) doesn’t carry any additional political power. I get the same single vote on each public decision as my colleagues. Aside from presiding over meetings, the mayor’s primary responsibility is to serve as a spokesperson. That may mean the occasional press encounter, ribbon-cutting or speech delivered to local groups, but for me it also means a broader platform for communicating with you about your concerns. Feel free to send an email to ch*****@********rg.gov, or ask for a callback or a meet-up. My door is open!
Foremost on many people’s minds is Healdsburg’s transition to district elections. Our new districts are going to take some getting used to for all of us. The City is committed to demystifying what’s new, especially as we move into elections next fall. This outreach is a golden opportunity for community members and public servants to get to know each other better.
Two very impactful events will come before the council this spring. The first is our yearly goal-setting session. This is where the council discusses its priorities for the coming fiscal year. If you have a particular issue you would like to see addressed by the council, it could become part of our goals.
Right afterward, we jump into our biennial budget process. As in years past, we are committed to a balanced budget, which means that all those great ideas that come up at goal setting need to find a funding source. Your values play an important role in these pivotal decisions.
Planning for the area around the new SMART train station (planned for near Hudson Street) and south of Memorial Bridge will begin this year. There are many options to consider, and we need to hear from you about how you envision Healdsburg’s future.
The budget process will be framed by rising costs and flat revenues. I predict that the council will likely focus on shepherding projects we have already started and funded (including several affordable housing projects), increasing water resilience, and several major street projects featuring enhanced bike and pedestrian safety. Goodbye, March Avenue potholes!
Fortunately, our City finances are in good shape. We can be proud of our conscientious and hard-working City staff, our inventive business community and our powerhouse nonprofits. We are in a great position to face challenges and enhance this beautifully diverse, generous, supportive and creative city.
Let’s work together to make things happen!
Mayor Chris Herrod’s one-year term began with his election at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting. The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 20.
