The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and Santa Rosa City Council approved and have put into the effect the formation of a joint powers association (JPA) for a Renewal Enterprise District (RED) to tackle housing issues in the region. 

The basic premise of the RED is to work across jurisdictions to market and attract developers, to blend private financing and public funds, to leverage state and federal grant funds and to facilitate creation of housing that meets established public policy goals for increased density, access to transit, protection of open space and community separators and improving energy efficiency, climate resilience and affordability.

By working together through an JPA, the City and County have an opportunity to develop and implement a common vision and drive regional renewal efforts by leveraging their real estate assets, regulatory authority and new funding sources for maximum effect and long-term benefit.

Once established, the RED JPA will have four seats filled by two Santa Rosa City Council members and two members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Members will serve two-year terms, and other cities and municipalities being able to join and get one voting member per municipality.