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What’s happening

News & events.

Coverage of the project, upcoming gatherings, progress reports, and longer reads on how Petaluma goes from vacant to vibrant.

Project updates The Vacancy Project Update August 2026 What a fast start it’s been! Interest in The Vacancy Project has exceeded anything we expected — and honestly, we’re a little stunned. Between the all-hands… August 4, 2026 La Via empty retail space on Petaluma Blvd North Blog posts Retail Is the Heart of Downtown—But Only If We Get It Right By The Vacancy Project, an initiative of Petaluma Urban Chat Downtown is the economic and cultural heart of our community. Its historic buildings, walkable streets, restaurants,… July 30, 2026 Haystack property as seen from Copeland. Blog posts Vacant by design? Why change takes intention Why does redevelopment in Petaluma move so slowly? In this provocative post for Renaissance Petaluma, Stuart Sutton (Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Washington) details the high-friction… July 21, 2026 Organizing meeting at Della Fattoria In the news The Petaluma Argus-Courier and the Press Democrat cover The Vacancy Project’s organizing meeting The Argus-Courier and the Press Democrat covered the launch of The Vacancy Project on June 24, 2026 at Della Fattoria. Read the full story in the… July 9, 2026 EKN Development's rendering of the 6-story Appellation Hotel In the news Community Matters: To build a stronger community, build a better downtown In his opinion piece, John Burns posits that the now-defunct downtown overlay would have been a valuable tool in revitalizing downtown. He encourages community members to… June 30, 2026 Magnificent mural at PBN and B Streets. Events The Vacancy Project holds its first organizing meeting The Vacancy Project held its first organizing meeting on June 24, 2026, co-sponsored by Petaluma Urban Chat and Renaissance Petaluma. Property owners, neighbors, business owners, and… June 25, 2026 Screenshot of the vacancy map for The Vacancy Project. In the news Petaluma Voice covers The Vacancy Project’s launch Petaluma Voice covered the launch of The Vacancy Project — including photos of the fenced lots and empty storefronts, and interviews with Amy Levine and Della… June 17, 2026 Historic photo of the Petaluma train depot, with a text overlay. Blog posts Take a deep dive into the history of vacancies in Petaluma The Vacancy Project’s map highlights vacancies in Petaluma’s urban core within a half-mile radius of the intersections or Petaluma Blvd North and Washington Street. Many parcels… May 5, 2026