November 2024 Ballot Measures Overview
Cloverdale City Council Opposes Measure J
The Cloverdale City Council has unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Measure J, a pivotal measure on the
upcoming November ballot. Measure J, known as the “Sonoma County Prohibition on Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operations (CAFO),” seeks to phase out existing CAFOs and prohibit new ones across unincorporated
Sonoma County, which could have significant repercussions for the region’s agricultural industry.
The Council’s resolution, based on a comprehensive agenda report, highlights several concerns regarding Measure J’s potential impacts on the local economy, agricultural heritage, and community well-being. Measure J would
enforce stringent regulations on farms categorized as CAFOs, affecting operations involving cattle, dairy, poultry,
and other livestock. Under the measure, existing CAFOs would be required to cease operations within three years, imposing severe financial penalties for non-compliance.
Additionally, various County departments, including the Sonoma County Department of Agriculture and the
Economic Development Board, have expressed concerns about the economic fallout if Measure J passes.
Given the importance of agriculture to Cloverdale’s history and economy, the City Council’s resolution emphasizes the need to protect local farms and ranches. The resolution urges all Sonoma County voters to consider the far-reaching consequences of Measure J and to vote “no” in the upcoming election.
Measure CC: Expanding and Protecting Cloverdale’s Urban Growth Boundary
Measure CC proposes an amendment to the City’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and an extension of its term until
2050. The UGB currently restricts urban development to within specific boundaries to preserve the natural
landscape and prevent urban sprawl. Measure CC would extend the UGB to include the western hills adjacent to the city’s boundaries, a first step towards potential future annexation into Cloverdale.
Importantly, Measure CC does not approve or authorize any development. Instead, it allows the City, rather than Sonoma County, to control any future development within these newly included areas. Additionally, any
changes to the UGB or future development decisions will still require voter approval, ensuring that the community retains control over how Cloverdale grows.
Measure DD: Funding Essential Services and Infrastructure
Measure DD is a proposed three-quarter percent (0.75%) local sales tax that would provide approximately $1.6
million annually to Cloverdale’s general fund. These funds are crucial for maintaining and repairing streets, upgrading aging infrastructure, improving parks and open spaces, and enhancing public safety.
This measure is designed to ensure that the revenue stays within Cloverdale, with no money being diverted to the state or county. Essential purchases, such as groceries and prescription medications, are exempt from this tax,
minimizing the impact on residents with fixed or limited incomes. Measure DD also includes provisions for
mandatory audits and oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in how the funds are used.
