C i t y o f P e t a l u m a
P r o c l a m a t i o n
Honoring Sue Bloch on the Occasion of Her Retirement – May 5, 2025 WHEREAS, Sue Bloch has served the City of Petaluma with extraordinary distinction for over two decades, including through her time at Meyers Nave from 2002–2012, and subsequently with Burke, Williams & Sorensen from 2012 to the present; and
WHEREAS, Sue’s work has been instrumental in advancing the City’s affordable housing goals, shaping and supporting an extensive portfolio of development projects that have increased access to affordable housing and helped define the character of Petaluma’s community; and WHEREAS, Sue has supported the efforts of developing and/or preserving over 566 units of affordable housing in Petaluma, demonstrating her enduring commitment to expanding housing access and stability for residents of all income levels; and
WHEREAS, Sue did not simply serve as legal counsel, but acted as a trusted partner and educator to the City, elevating the expertise of City staff through her deep knowledge, strategic insight, and tireless mentorship in structuring complex public-private development deals; and WHEREAS, Sue played a central role in critical redevelopment dissolution matters, including litigation involving East Washington, Rainier Avenue, and the A&R Coop Agreement appeal, ensuring Petaluma’s interests were strongly represented during turbulent legal transitions; and WHEREAS, her contributions to affordable housing include work on numerous transformative projects, including but not limited to Park Lane Apartments, Madrone Apartments, Corona Ranch, Old Elm Village, Washington Commons, Downtown River Apartments, 414 Petaluma Bl vd., and the Meridian at Corona Station development, each of which has expanded housing opportunities in the community; and WHEREAS, Sue’s guidance was crucial to the City’s negotiation and completion of Development Agreements and Density Bonus Agreements, such as those with PEP Housing and Lomas Partners, and she also supported the City’s fiscal stewardship through her work on multiple bond refunding initiatives; and WHEREAS, Sue's calm, thoughtful, and practical approach to complex legal challenges has become a model of professionalism and integrity, leaving a lasting impact not only on the City’s affordable housing landscape but on the people who had the privilege of working alongside her.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that I, Kevin McDonnell, Mayor of Petaluma, along
with the members of the Petaluma City Council do hereby proclaim May 5 2025 as Sue Bloch Day, and expresses deepest gratitude for her outstanding service, exceptional expertise, and steadfast dedication to the public good; and wish all the best in her retirement.
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Kevin McDonnell, Mayor
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Caitlin Corley, City Clerk