Meet The Froneberger’s

A lifelong Ukiah resident, public servant, and experienced water and infrastructure professional, Matt Froneberger has dedicated his career to serving his community and ensuring essential services work for the people who depend on them. A husband of 33 years, father of two, and grandfather, Matt brings decades of hands-on experience in local government, public works, water management, environmental compliance, and emergency services, along with a deep commitment to the community he has called home his entire life.

A smiling woman and man with a dog at the beach, ocean rocks in the background, both wearing winter hats.
A young man wearing a purple graduation cap and gown, standing between a woman with long blonde hair and a man with a beard, both smiling at a graduation celebration outdoors.
A smiling woman and man posing outdoors near a Christmas tree, with mountains and trees in the background.

Matt Froneberger has spent his entire life in Ukiah, building his career and raising his family in the community he is proud to call home. He and his wife Dana, have been married for 33 years and have two adult children and one grandchild. Having grown up here and raised his own family here, Matt understands firsthand what makes Ukiah special and the challenges facing the community today.

Matt brings more than three decades of experience in public works, water and wastewater, environmental compliance, and local government operations. He began his career with the City of Ukiah, where his more than 14 years of service included work in Public Works, including landfill operations, and Public Utilities at the wastewater treatment plant. During his time with the City, Matt also served as a shop steward for Operating Engineers Local 3, representing his fellow employees and gaining firsthand experience advocating for workers and addressing workplace issues. He also served as an Environmental Compliance Inspector, working with local businesses and the community on environmental regulations and compliance. During this time, he was a member of the Sonoma Environmental Quality Assurance Committee (SEQAC), a multi-agency coalition focused on coordinating environmental inspections, enforcement, and pollution prevention.

Matt went on to serve as Wastewater Systems Supervisor for the Town of Windsor and Public Works Operations and Utility Superintendent for the City of Healdsburg. From 2012 through 2018, Matt served as General Manager of the Forestville Water District, overseeing district operations, personnel, budgets, infrastructure, and major construction projects. He currently with CAL FIRE since 2019 as a Water and Sewage Process Operator and served his hometown for over a decade through the City of Ukiah Fire Department and the City of Ukiah Airport Commission.

A couple sitting outdoors near a stone wall during sunset, hugging and smiling at the camera. The woman has long, curly blonde hair and the man has short brown hair and a beard.

Matt's commitment to public service extends beyond his professional career. He has served as an elected member of the Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District Board and as an Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Region 1 Director, giving him experience working with elected officials, public agencies, and communities on important infrastructure and water issues across the North Coast. While serving on the Russian River Flood Control District Board, he was also the special district representative on the Inland Water & Power Commission (IWPC) and the Mendocino Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo). He has also served on the boards of the Ukiah Valley Youth Baseball League (UVYBL) and local booster organizations, reflecting his commitment to supporting local youth and strengthening the community for the next generation.

Throughout his career, Matt has been responsible for managing public resources, developing budgets, overseeing infrastructure, working with regulatory agencies, engaging with the business community, and responding directly to the needs and concerns of residents. He believes effective leadership starts with listening, being accessible to the community, and being accountable for the decisions entrusted to him.

After a lifetime of service to the Ukiah Valley, Matt is ready to bring his experience, practical knowledge, and commitment to our greater community. He is running to help ensure Ukiah has responsible leadership focused on maintaining essential services, protecting taxpayers, planning for the future, and keeping the community a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

A family of five sitting on a beach at sunset. They are smiling, and there is water, sand, and trees in the background.

Matt believes that effective leadership means listening to the community, being accessible to the people you represent, and taking responsibility for the decisions that are made. He is running for Ukiah City Council to bring his decades of experience, local knowledge, and commitment to public service back to the community where it all began.

“Ukiah has been my home my entire life. I’ve raised my family here, built my career here, and spent decades serving our community. I’m running because I believe Ukiah deserves leadership that listens to its residents, understands the challenges we face, and is accountable for getting the job done.”

-Matt Froneberger