Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council

What the River MAC Does 

The Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) gives residents a meaningful way to participate in County government. MAC members listen to community perspectives, learn about local priorities, and share those insights with the District Supervisor and County staff when items are referred to the MAC by the Supervisor or by County departments. The MAC may also elevate topics of community interest to the Clerk for possible placement on a future agenda, providing another path for local issues to be brought forward for discussion. 

How MAC Meetings Work 

MAC meetings are open to the public and follow California’s Brown Act. This means: 

• Meetings are held in public. 

• The Council discusses only the topics listed on the agenda. 

• The public is invited to provide brief comment during designated comment periods. 

The River MAC offers both in‑person and virtual attendance options for the public as well as members to support broad participation across the region. 

Residents can: 

• Share comments during public comment periods 

• Request future agenda items 

• Attend meetings to learn about issues affecting the Lower Russian River Area 

Council members review referred items, hear presentations, engage with staff and subject‑matter experts, and develop advisory recommendations based on the information presented and the public input received through these structured processes. 

How the MAC Fits Into County Government 

County leaders make final decisions on policies and projects, and the MAC supports those decisions by offering community‑based recommendations grounded in local knowledge. Whenever input is requested, the MAC helps ensure coastal perspectives and experiences are part of the conversation. 

Why Serve on the MAC? 

Joining the MAC is a meaningful way to contribute to your community and stay connected to issues affecting the Lower Russian River. You don’t need to arrive knowing all the ins and outs of County government. Members learn as they go, bringing their own experiences, perspectives, and knowledge of the community to the table. The River MAC covers an area that includes most of Forestville, Rio Nido, Guerneville, Monte Rio, Duncans Mills, Villa Grande, and parts of Cazadero.  Members are authorized to attend remotely, making it easier to participate even when meetings rotate among different communities. 

Who Can Apply? 

If your home address is within the River MAC boundaries and you’re interested in helping guide local discussions, we encourage you to apply for the upcoming term beginning January 1, 2027. Use this map to find out which River MAC area you live in—just enter your address in the search box located in the upper left corner of the screen. 

Your voice can help shape the future of the Lower Russian River. Apply here. 

Click here for application (works best on desktop)

Questions? email district5@sonomacounty.gov

or book an appointment with the River MAC Clerk, Debbie Ramirez

• View the Lower Russian River MAC Map (PDF: 2.6 MB) 
• Look up your address on an interactive GIS map to see which area you live in.
• Get regular updates from Supervisor Hopkins by subscribing to the District 5 Newsletter.
• Find information about Vacation Rental permitting
• Watch recordings from past meetings on the District 5 YouTube Channel
• Stay up to date and communicate with other Lower Russian River residents in the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council Facebook Group.
• You are always welcome to reach out to your MAC representatives or the team at District 5. You can reach our office at district5@sonomacounty.gov and phone 707-565-2241. MAC representatives can be contacted via the representatives page of this website.