Matt Froneberger’s Priorities

Affordability

Ukiah families are facing higher costs for housing, utilities, and everyday necessities, while local businesses are also dealing with rising operating expenses. At the same time, residents are seeing increases in the cost of local government services. The City Council has supported increases in Ukiah Valley Water Authority rates, and the Council recently green-lit higher recreation program fees. Matt believes affordability needs to be a greater consideration when the City makes decisions that directly affect the household budgets of Ukiah residents.

Matt believes City government should be careful about adding new fees, taxes, and costs, particularly when families are already feeling the pressure of inflation. Before approving increases, the City should look for ways to improve efficiency, prioritize essential services, and ensure residents are receiving good value for what they pay. Matt understands that every additional cost matters to working families, seniors, and local businesses.

Public Safety

Matt views public safety as one of the City’s core responsibilities and supports maintaining strong police, fire, and emergency services. He supports continued investment in frontline personnel, equipment, training, and emergency preparedness so first responders have the resources necessary to serve the community effectively. He also supports the public-safety investments funded through Measure P and believes those resources should remain focused on their intended purposes.

Matt also believes strongly in coordination among police, fire, emergency medical services, and other local agencies. His approach includes addressing neighborhood safety concerns, maintaining safe and accessible public spaces, improving emergency response and preparedness, and ensuring public-safety resources are managed responsibly.

Matt’s commitment to public safety comes from decades of firsthand public service. His entire adult career has been dedicated to serving communities through public works, infrastructure, water and wastewater systems, and public safety. He served for more than a decade with the City of Ukiah Fire Department and currently works for CAL FIRE as a Water and Sewage Process Operator. That combination of public-safety and infrastructure experience has given Matt a practical understanding of the essential services communities depend on every day — and the people responsible for delivering them.

Annexation

Matt believes any future annexation should be approached carefully and with the concerns of residents and property owners at the center of the process - both inside and in the proposed annexation areas. Most importantly, City residents should not have their current services diluted due to potential annexation. He supports considering further reductions to the current plans to focus on areas where there may be greater support for annexation. Before moving forward, the City should catalog and address the concerns of people who live and do business in potential expansion areas to mitigate impacts to all involved.

Annexation should also come with a clear understanding of its financial impact on both existing and newly annexed residents. Matt believes the City should take concrete steps to address concerns raised by affected property owners and businesses and explore options such as tiered increases in fees and taxation following annexation. Any expansion should ultimately provide a clear benefit to the community and be financially responsible.

Water

A reliable water supply is essential to Ukiah's future. Matt believes the City should maintain several dependable options for delivering water to residents and businesses rather than relying on a single solution. Planning for the future means protecting existing supplies while investing in additional storage and conservation strategies.

Matt supports exploring and expanding water storage options, including groundwater recharge, raising Coyote Dam, and developing decentralized storage locations. He also supports continuing to expand the beneficial reuse of reclaimed and recycled water through systems such as purple pipe, reducing the demand for potable water where recycled water can be safely and effectively used. These efforts should be pursued collaboratively with local water agencies and other community partners.

Addressing Homelessness

Ukiah's approach to homelessness must balance compassion with accountability and respect for residents, neighborhoods, and local businesses. Matt believes the City should enforce existing urban camping prohibitions while continuing to support appropriate services for people experiencing homelessness. Public spaces should remain accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

Organizations and agencies that provide services to the unhoused also have a responsibility to be good neighbors to the homes and businesses located around their facilities. Matt supports reviewing the operations of assistance organizations to ensure public and private resources are being used effectively and that programs are producing meaningful outcomes. The community deserves an approach that combines compassion, accountability, and measurable results.

Wastewater Infrastructure

Ukiah's wastewater system is critical infrastructure that requires continued investment and responsible planning. With limited resources available for rehabilitation, replacement, and repairs, Matt believes the City must prioritize the areas where improvements are most urgently needed and where investments can have the greatest long-term impact.

By addressing high-priority infrastructure needs before they become larger failures, the City can help ease pressure on the wastewater treatment facility and potentially avoid more costly repairs in the future. Matt supports making strategic infrastructure investments based on need, reliability, and long-term cost effectiveness rather than simply reacting to problems after they occur.

A Responsible, Practical Approach

Matt believes Ukiah's future depends on making practical decisions that put residents, local businesses, and the long-term health of the community first. Whether the issue is affordability, water, homelessness, annexation, or infrastructure, City government should focus on solutions that are financially responsible and produce tangible results.

As a community leader and civil servant, Matt understands the importance of listening to people directly affected by local decisions. He will work collaboratively with residents, businesses, neighboring agencies, and community organizations to find common-sense solutions and make sure Ukiah remains a strong, affordable, and vibrant place to live and work.