Fairgrounds – Outreach process, recommendations and decisions

The Petaluma Fairgrounds is a 55-acre, multi-use property located in the heart of town. Through the years, this site has provided a place for fun, learning, special occasions, respite, and refuge during crises, as well as many lasting memories for Petalumans, County residents, and visitors. It is a truly unique place that is loved by so many. The City of Petaluma owns the Fairgrounds property and, for the past 50 years, has leased it to the 4th District Agricultural Association (4th DAA), a branch of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The 4th DAA determines the Fairgrounds property uses, which include the five-day Sonoma-Marin Fair in June and other organizations the 4th DAA subleases to, such as a preschool, elementary school, race track, and event spaces. 

After multiple lease renewals, the final renewal will expire on December 31st, 2023. The goal, the Fairgrounds – Outreach Process, Recommendations, and Framework for Decision-making, describes the series of milestones on a path forward for the fair and property.

The first two milestones, Complete Property, Soil, and Building Assessments and Receive Lottery Selected Panel Recommendations, are anticipated to be completed by Quarter 1 of FY 2023.