West Sonoma County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District

On October 14, 2025, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors initiated the process to form the West Sonoma County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District and created its governing body, the Public Financing Authority. Under state law, the Public Financing Authority is responsible for preparing and approving the Infrastructure Financing Plan, carrying out the required community meetings and hearings, and overseeing the financial activities of the District.

What is an EIFD?

An Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District is a financing tool available to local governments that allows a portion of future growth in property tax revenues from a defined geographic area to be reinvested in public improvements. An EIFD does not create any new taxes or fees for property owners. Instead, it allows a share of future property tax growth, also known as tax increment, to support projects that benefit the broader community.

EIFDs were authorized by the State of California in 2014 following the dissolution of Redevelopment Agencies in 2012. Only the non educational portion of the existing one percent property tax can be contributed to an EIFD.

What is a Public Financing Authority?

The Public Financing Authority serves as the governing board of the District. It is responsible for guiding development of the Infrastructure Financing Plan, ensuring compliance with the statutory process, and overseeing implementation of the District’s financial strategy.

The West Sonoma County Public Financing Authority consists of three members of the Board of Supervisors and two public members. All members are appointed by the Board and serve at its discretion until successors are selected.

How does an EIFD finance projects?

Forming an EIFD does not result in a new tax. Once the District is created, the assessed value of each property within the boundary is set as the baseline for calculating future tax increment. As property values rise over time, the difference between the baseline and the updated assessed value generates tax increment. A portion of that increment is directed to an EIFD fund that is managed by the Public Financing Authority.

What types of projects are eligible for financing?

Projects must provide broad community benefit and have a useful life of at least fifteen years. Examples include:

Transportation improvements including roads, streetscapes, parking areas, and transit facilities
Affordable housing
Broadband and digital infrastructure
Childcare facilities
Libraries
Parks, open space, and recreational facilities
Climate resilience improvements
Environmental cleanup and remediation
Transit priority facilities
Water and wastewater facilities
Solid waste facilities
Flood control and stormwater improvements

Proposed West Sonoma County EIFD Boundaries map

The West County EIFD boundary encompasses the primary population centers in unincorporated West County, such as Guerneville, Forestville, Graton, Sea Ranch, and other communities in a non-contiguous fashion, totaling approximately 15,700 in population over approximately 53,000 acres.

Approximate West County EIFD Formation Timeline

Timeframe	Activities
October 2025	a) Board of Supervisors adopts a Resolution of Intention (ROI) and formally establishes Public Financing Authority (PFA) entity
Nov 2025 - Jan 2026	b) Procurement of necessary consultants for EIFD formation c) Appointment of three (3) Supervisors and two (2) members of the public to the PFA
February 2026	d) PFA meets to direct the drafting of the Infrastructure Financing Plan (IFP)
March 2026	e) Distribution of the draft IFP to property owners, residents, affected taxing entities, Board of Supervisors
April 2026	f) Preview of draft IFP with Board of Supervisors
May 2026	g) PFA holds an initial public meeting to present the draft IFP to residents, property owners, general public (no action taken)
June 2026	h) Board of Supervisors considers a resolution approving IFP and County allocation of property tax increment to IFP
July 2026	i) PFA holds first public hearing to hear additional comments and takes action to modify or reject IFP
August 2026	j) PFA holds second public hearing to consider oral and written protests and takes action to terminate proceedings or adopt IFP and formally establish the EIFD by resolution

Resolution of Intention and PFA formation documents: