The City of Sebastopol has been working closely with the community to reimagine downtown as a safer, more vibrant, and people-focused place. Funded by a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant, this 18-month effort evaluated how Main Street, Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol Avenue, and McKinley Street can better function as both a regional corridor and the heart of the city. Through technical analysis, coordination with Caltrans, and multiple rounds of community engagement, the study developed and evaluated four alternatives focused on safety, walkability, bicycle access, traffic calming, and downtown vitality. The result is a recommended framework for City Council consideration that advances safety, environmental responsibility, and long-term investment in downtown.

Thank you for providing your input as part of the community survey

The Survey was closed Sunday February 8, 2026.

The final community survey received 646 responses, with “Walkable One-Way” receiving the highest level of support, followed by “Fine-Tune Today,” “Totally Two-Way,” and “Test the Two-Way.” Across comments, safety, walkability, and creating a more vibrant downtown were the most consistent priorities, while opinions on full two-way circulation were mixed.

After reviewing the survey results and public input, on February 10, 2026 the Planning Commission recommended a hybrid approach that carries forward the pedestrian and bicycle improvements most supported by the community, combined with a two-way circulation framework for continued design development and feasibility analysis.

The City Council will be determining the preferred option to be included in the final report on Tuesday March 3, 2026. Check back here for updates.

Check out the four alternatives under consideration by clicking here for the details.

Each alternative includes safety streetscape enhancements to address the study objectives and input provided during our many community engagement events and activities. Learn more about what we heard by visiting the Community Workshop pages linked above.

Please submit any additional comments to planning@cityofsebastopol.gov with the subject line "STG Downtown Comments" by Sunday, February 8th.