Sonoma County, California, is advancing several significant capital projects aimed at improving infrastructure and public services across the region. 

These developments, which include a new public health lab and morgue, upgrades to an animal services building, and the design of a new government complex, mark a major investment in the county’s future.

One of the most ambitious projects is the planned construction of a new county government complex. On December 10, Sonoma County’s Board of Supervisors approved a nearly $13 million agreement with ZGF, a Los Angeles-based architectural and engineering firm, to design the facility. 

The new government office building will be located on the county’s Santa Rosa campus and is set to hold approximately 800 employees and the board’s meeting chambers.

The project, estimated to cost $308 million, will include a single five-story office building, along with mixed-use residential and commercial development. It is part of a long-standing plan to address deteriorating buildings on the 1950s-era campus, which suffer from seismic safety concerns and maintenance issues such as crumbling roofs and sewage leaks. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.

“The county campus in about five years is going to be a completely different campus,” said Johannes Hoevertsz, director of the county’s public infrastructure department.

A new public health lab and morgue are also in the works. The current facilities, located on the former county-owned Chanate Road campus, will need to relocate before their lease expires in December 2026. To address this, the county has allocated $47.1 million for the construction of a new facility on Paulin Drive in Santa Rosa.

Groundbreaking for the project took place in November, but construction has faced delays due to stormwater violations. Heavy rains overwhelmed the site’s mitigations, causing sediment to wash into nearby Paulin Creek. Work has been on hold since December 12 as the county works to resolve these issues with contractors and state water quality regulators.

“Part of it is due to unprecedented rainfall,” said Michelle Ling, deputy director for the facilities development and management division. “Part of it is due to- they could have had a better plan. Hindsight is 2020, we’re working on it.”

Plans are also moving forward for upgrades to the county’s animal services building, which has not been assessed in years. Proposed improvements include expanding the lobby, adding staff offices, soundproofing walls, and improving kennels. Landscaping changes, such as a cat obstacle course and sitting areas, are also part of the plan.

The total cost for these improvements is estimated at $4 million. Design work is currently underway and expected to finish by October 2025. “The goal is to have a completed plan should the board give the go-ahead on construction,” Ling explained.

In addition to these county-led projects, Sonoma Clean Power has announced leadership promotions within its newly established Capital Projects and Engineering division. 

Felicia Smith, previously a senior program manager, has been promoted to director of programs. She will oversee customer-facing energy solutions, including energy efficiency programs and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Rebecca Simonson, formerly director of programs, now leads the Capital Projects and Engineering division as its director. Under her leadership, Sonoma Clean Power will focus on capital investments in buildings, energy production facilities, microgrids, and electrical energy storage.

“Elevating Felicia and Rebecca underscores our commitment to advancing SCP’s mission through leaders who understand our communities’ unique needs and have proven track records of success,” said Geof Syphers, CEO of Sonoma Clean Power. “Felicia’s leadership in cultivating our program offerings and engaging customers, coupled with Rebecca’s expertise in program management and infrastructure project development, will be critical as we expand SCP’s clean energy solutions across Sonoma and Mendocino counties.”

From sustainable energy initiatives to essential public services, the county is positioning itself to meet the needs of its residents effectively. 

With millions of dollars allocated and significant progress on the horizon, Sonoma County’s investments are set to shape its future for years to come.