SEBASTOPOL COMMONS:
BUILDING THE COMMONS
The Building the Commons
Committee was established to
guide concept development,
assess community needs,
explore funding, and report
quarterly on progress toward
creating a Sebastopol Commons
— a shared civic space for
learning, culture, connection,
and wellness.
COMMITTEE
GOAL
To lay the
foundation for a
commons that
reflects Sebastopol’s
values — community,
creativity, and
connection — and to
establish a viable
concept for future
design and funding
exploration.
Vision for the
Sebastopol
Commons
• A multi-use community
hub serving Sebastopol
and West County
residents through:
• Education and lifelong
learning
• Arts, culture, and
creativity
• Health, wellness, and
senior services
• Recreation, community
classes, and civic
engagement
• Expanded and innovative
library functions
• The Commons will
strengthen social
connection and regional
vitality.
Two primary subcommittees
were formed for focused work:
Community Needs Assessment
Subcommittee: Evaluating local needs,
demographics, and models for
successful “commons” projects.
Funding Assessment Subcommittee:
Exploring costs, feasibility, and funding
strategies for different facility options.
Key
Activities
and
Progress
Committee convened five times since inception;
established framework and work plans.
Gathered baseline data on West County
demographics and community services.
Began comparative research on
library/community hub models nationwide.
Advanced Community Needs Assessment — including interviews, surveys, and the creation of a proposed Sebastopol Health Index.
Completed Funding Assessment foundation work,
comparing three development options:
1. New construction
2. Repurpose or remodel an existing building
3. Remediate and reuse existing city/community
assets
Began developing comparative cost and funding
matrices and identifying potential grant sources
and partnerships.
Next Steps
• Next 3 Months:
• Complete needs assessment synthesis
• Advance funding analysis
• Refine subcommittee focus areas
• Next 6 Months:
• Develop recommendations and
conceptual design pathways
• Identify funding options and potential
project partners
• By Q3 2026: Deliver final
recommendations on occupants, needs,
locations, costs, and funding sources.