Opening Petaluma's Budget Books: Workshop 'Follows The Clucking Money'

PETALUMA, CA — Curious where Petaluma's money comes from? A local nonprofit is inviting residents to dig into the city's finances, ask questions, and help shape future conversations about taxes, spending, and economic growth.

Petaluma residents can learn to track how City Hall collects the money that pays for roads, parks, police, and other public services during the next installment of the "Follow the Clucking Money" workshop series.

Organizers will walk participants through Petaluma's newly adopted 2026–27 budget, explaining how revenue flows into the city through taxes, fees, permits, grants, and other sources and how the funds get spent.

The session also includes a recap of the first workshop, a demonstration of the updated Follow the Clucking Money online budget tool, and an opportunity for residents to suggest topics for future discussions.

The workshops are organized by Petaluma Urban Chat, a group focused on public participation in local government, planning, housing, transportation, and city finances.

Led by a volunteer board that includes Petaluma Mayor Kevin McDonnell, members describe developing educational programs and civic tools that make public policy issues more transparent to residents.

"Follow the Clucking Money" builds on Urban Chat's earlier launch of The Vacancy Project, an interactive mapping initiative that identifies more than 40 vacant storefronts, buildings, and lots around downtown Petaluma.

Organizers say the project is intended to spark conversations about redevelopment, strengthen the local economy, and increase city revenue by promoting use of long-vacant properties.

The free workshop, "Cracking Open the Revenue Nest," will be held Wednesday, July 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., and pizza will be served.