Statement from No Ukiah Annexation on the City of Ukiah’s Press Release Reducing the Geographic Scope of Proposed Reorganization

Ukiah, CA – July 26, 2025 – We appreciate the City of Ukiah’s decision to pause and reassess its proposed annexation plans. This shift acknowledges the broad community concern and demonstrates the importance of transparency and public input in shaping the future of Ukiah.

As the City re-evaluates its approach, No Ukiah Annexation strongly urges City leaders to fully engage the public before moving forward with any revised proposal. Residents deserve to be at the center of this process, not after decisions have been made, but before they are drafted. Any path forward must be grounded in meaningful outreach, inclusive dialogue, and a sincere effort to listen to those most affected.

We believe that future plans should reflect “annexation of the willing,” not forced inclusion or decisions made behind closed doors. The City must build trust through collaboration and demonstrate respect for the voices of local residents, businesses, and property owners.

The City’s ongoing coordination with the County under the Master Tax Sharing Agreement is an important element of this discussion, but it cannot come at the expense of the community's right to open, honest engagement. It is the public, not just interagency working groups, who must ultimately shape the outcome. The City has already tried once to rush this process forward without adequate notice or inclusion. That mistake cannot be repeated. The people who live in the potential annexed areas deserve a say not only in what happens, but in how it happens, from the very beginning.

Importantly, while this pause is a step in the right direction, No Ukiah Annexation continues to call on the City Council to take formal action by directing staff, through a vote of the Council, to stop all annexation-related work. A clear and public decision is essential to ensure accountability and to rebuild trust with the community.

Our community’s long-term success depends not on the size of the map, but on the strength of its consensus. No Ukiah Annexation remains committed to standing with our neighbors in advocating for a transparent, fair, and community-led process.

And while we too want to see an “improved quality of life and a stronger economy,” such an outcome cannot be assumed or promised without the trust and involvement of the people most affected. Improvements to quality of life do not come from maps or meetings behind closed doors, they come from shared values, mutual respect, and real public buy-in. A truly “well-considered” annexation begins not with predetermined benefits, but with a clear-eyed, community-first process. That’s what’s been missing – and that’s what must change.