Standing By Our Priorities:
Setting Restrictions for the Use of City
Property
April 7, 2026
City Attorney’s Office
Teresa Stricker, City Attorney
Jason Nutt, Asst. City Manager
Our Responsibility
April 7, 2026
1 Allocating local personnel, funds, and property
is a core responsibility of local government.
Ensuring Local Resources Serve the Entire Community
The City has a vested interest in ensuring that
these resources are used to serve all
residents
supporting their ability to participate fully in
civic life and daily activities.
serve all community members
Our Commitment
The City of Santa Rosa is steadfast in protecting
the health, safety, civil rights, dignity, and sense of belonging for all community members.
April 7, 2026
2 • Declaration of the City of Santa
Rosa
as an “Indivisible City”
-Resolution RES-2017-017
• Opposed the separation of
ch
ild
ren and families
-Resolution RES-2018-119
• Urged Congressional Immigration
Enfo
rcement Oversight
-Resolution RES-2026-014
Chilling Effects of Recent Immigration
Enforcement Actions on Cities’ Ability to Deliver
Local Services
April 7, 2026
3 Increased Fear &
Uncertainty
Avoidance of Community
Spaces
Reduced Use of Public
Programs
Lower Civic Participation
& Trust in Public Safety
Impacts on Local Industries
& Community Well-Being
Setting Clear Boundaries
This proposed ordinance will:
April 7, 2026
4 Prohibit use of City property without City authorization, except for spaces generally open to the public without authorization.
Prohibit City officials or employees from authorizing uses that disrupt City operations or discourage access to City services unless the use furthers a City purpose.
Authorize the City Attorney to pursue an injunction or other civil legal action for unauthorized or unlawful use of City property in violation of the Ordinance.
Reinforce the California Values Act and existing City policies by prohibiting City property from being used to assist in civil immigration enforcement.
Setting Clear Boundaries
This proposed ordinance does not:
April 7, 2026
5 Prohibit constitutionally protected speech or assembly.
Amend any existing legally binding agreement.
Restrict lawful public access to facilities traditionally open to the public.
Interfere with any federal officers’ independent authority under federal law.
Limit enforcement of criminal laws unrelated to immigration status.
Add Chapter 13-40 Use of City Property
a) “No person or entity may use City property owned or controlled by the City
unless the use advances or promotes public programs or other purposes authorized by the City and the City has authorized the use. For purposes of this Chapter, City property means real property or personal property belonging to, or subject to the control of, the City or any of its departments, boards, or commissions.
b) No City official, or employee, department, board, commission, or other au
tho
rity shall authorize the use of City property if the use will disrupt City operations or discourage access to City services, unless the use furthers a City purpose.
c) The use of City property to assist in the enforcement of Federal civil immigr
ation law is not a City purpose.
April 7, 2026
6 Add Chapter 13-40 Use of City Property
d) The use of City property shall mean the right to occupy or use the propert
y, to the exclusion of others, and shall include but not be limited to a license, permit to enter, use permit, or other similar instrument. It shall not mean non-exclusive access or use of City property traditionally open and available to the public where that access or use is on the same terms as members of the public and does not disrupt City operations. e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to interfere with or inhibit any exerc
ise of the constitutionally protected rights of freedom of speech or assembly or to prevent the use of, or access to, City property as required by law.
f) The City Attorney is authorized to bring a cause of action for injunctive or other civ
il relief against any person or entity that violates this Chapter by using City property for an unlawful or unauthorized purpose.” April 7, 2026
7 Keeping Our Commitment
April 7, 2026
8 Local Responsibility Public Safety Community Trust
Clear guidelines for City
property and resource use
Enhancing operational
consistency and safety
Fostering a healthy, stable,
and inclusive environment
Discussion
&
Direction