What is annexation?
The City of Ukiah is trying to triple the size of the city limits. This will put an undue burden on law enforcement and other city services. Help us stop them.
What is Annexation?
Annexation is the means by which an existing city extends its boundaries.
What is LAFCo?
The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) was established by state law in 1963 to assist local agencies in managing changes to jurisdictional boundaries. Every county in California, totaling 58, has its own LAFCo Commission. The main objectives of LAFCo are to:
Encourage the orderly formation of local government agencies and promote the efficient provision of public services
Preserve agricultural land and open-space resources
Promote orderly growth and discourage urban sprawl
Where is the City Expanding?
The City is tripling its size and scope by annexing four areas. The Western Hills, which has already been approved, Masonite, Brush Street, and other City Owned Properties totaling over 1,617 acres.
Additionally, the City is looking to annex land identified as their “Sphere of Influence” which goes from Calpella all the way South of Highway 253. This is where the City is currently looking at tripling its size and scope.
Development in this area includes some commercial, industrial, and manufacturing uses (both existing and decommissioned), as well as areas containing vacant and agricultural lands.
Why does this matter?
This matters for all residents because the City is trying to grow the city limits to increase tax revenue. However, with this expansion, the city’s resources will be stretched even thinner, putting an undue burden on local services such as police, fire, and other local agencies, as well as city residents.
Is Tripling the Size of the City at Once the Best Course of Action?
We don’t believe that tripling the size of the city in a single move is the best course of action. While annexation can be an essential tool for accommodating growth and future development, the current proposal seems excessive and could place unnecessary strain on infrastructure, public services, and the surrounding community. We believe a more measured, phased approach would allow the city to expand responsibly—ensuring that resources are not overstretched, the interests of all residents are respected, and growth is guided by thoughtful planning that minimizes negative impacts on both current residents and neighboring communities.
