CITY of COTATI
APPLICATION FOR COUNCIL APPOINTMENT
Revised 01/2025
This application is considered a public record pursuant to The California Public Records Act (Government Code §7920 et seq.) and may be made available to any member of the public upon request. Appointee's contact information may be published in the City of Cotati public informational roster.
Appointees to certain advisory bodies will be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as required by California Government Code §87200 et seg. and the City of Cotati Conflict of Interest Code.
Choose one; please complete a separate application for each advisory body for which you would like to be considered.
Advisory body to which appointment is sought:
• City Council Measure S Oversight Committee
•Planning Commission Community-Police Advisory Commission
CONTACT INFORMATION
First Name: Ryan Last Name: Long
Mailing
Address: Cotati, CA 94931
E-mail:
Phone:
Alt phone:
EDUCATION
High School Graduate; or
Location:
GED
College/University Major Degree/Date
University of Hawaii, Manoa BBA - Finance 2009
Other formal education:
Application for appointment to advisory body
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
List all employment during the last five years. If retired, list last employer.
Period Employer (include location) Position/Title
June 2020 - Present Data Instincts, Windsor CA Associate Jan 2018 - Present Entrepreneur Self-Employed
Mar 2019 - April 2020 Paneau, San Francisco Sales Representative
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Year you became a Cotati resident: 2022
Are you a City of Cotati registered voter? EYes •No
Are you related to any member of the City Council, any City advisory body •Yes ENO Member or City Employee? If yes, please list name and relationship:
Are you currently a vendor or contractor with the City of Cotati •Yes ENO Are you currently employed by the City of Cotati? •Yes
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If yes, please explain: •Yes KNo List civic activities, clubs, associations, etc.:
Sonoma County Alliance (SCA), Coro - Pathways to Leadership program SCA Water Supply Committee, WaterReuse Association
Please attach a brief statement summarizing your reasons for interest in the appointment sought.
Please initial the following 2 paragraphs:
RL
I understand that this application is considered a public record pursuant to The California Public Records Act (Government Code 7920 et seq.) and may be made available to any member of the public upon request. Appointee's contact information may be published in the City of Cotati public informational roster.
RL I understand that appointees to certain advisory bodies will be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as required by California Government Code §87200 et seg. and the City of Cotati Conflict of Interest Code.
I certify that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge:
2-12-25
sighau Date
Emergency contact information (confidential; for emergency use only):
Jenna Long Wife
Name Relationship Phone number
Thank you for your interest. Please return completed form to the Deputy City Clerk via email at [email protected] or deliever to City of Cotati, Attn.: Deputy City Clerk, 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931-4217
I am seeking appointment to the Cotati City Council because I am committed to fostering a community where families and small businesses can thrive while maintaining the small-town charm that makes our city unique. Born and raised in Sonoma County, I have a deep appreciation for the values that make this area special. With a background in finance, land use, and public outreach, I bring a strong understanding of fiscal responsibility, economic development, and infrastructure planning—key elements for guiding Cotati's future.
My wife and I chose to make Cotati our home because of its strong sense of community and small-town character. Now, as we raise our two young daughters here, l am invested in ensuring Cotati remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place for all residents. I believe that thoughtful leadership and smart planning will help preserve what makes our city unique, while meeting the evolving needs of our community.
As an entrepreneur and founder of Connective Outreach, I work with cities and water agencies throughout California to improve public engagement on critical infrastructure projects, promoting transparency and open communication. Public outreach is an essential skill for any councilmember, as it ensures that residents are informed, heard, and actively involved in decisions that shape their community. My experience in community engagement has equipped me with the ability to foster productive dialogue, listen to diverse perspectives, and communicate complex policies in a clear and accessible way. These skills are critical for bridging the gap between government and the people it serves, building trust, and driving solutions that reflect community needs.
Previously, I assisted businesses with land use approvals and permitting, helping navigate complex regulations to support responsible development. Earlier in my career, I served as a Financial Institutions Examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, leading teams in evaluating financial institutions. This experience has given me valuable insights into economic policy, financial oversight, and sustainable budgeting-skills essential for responsible city governance.
Since moving to Cotati in 2022, I have been committed to serving and engaging with our community. I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Cotati Planning Commission, where I have worked to approve over 300 new housing units, including much-needed affordable housing. I also participated in the Pathways to Leadership program, which strengthened my understanding of local government and regional challenges. Previously, I helped gather signatures for a local ballot Measure, Through this effort, I gained firsthand experience in local government processes and community advocacy by engaging directly with residents to support the initiative. As a member of the Sonoma County Alliance, I serve on the Water Supply Committee, where I engage with decision-makers and policymakers, stay informed on key issues, and relay important information to Alliance leadership and members.
My priorities for Cotati include expanding housing options while preserving our city's small-town character, supporting small businesses, maintaining responsible fiscal policies, and investing in infrastructure and sustainability. I believe that thoughtful planning and community engagement are key to ensuring Cotati remains a welcoming, vibrant place to live and work.
With my experience in public outreach, finance, and business development, I am ready to bring pragmatic leadership and proactive problem-solving to the City Council. I would be honored to contribute my skills and experience in service to Cotati and look forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow council members and the community.
Sincerely,
Ryan M. Long