08/03/2026
The City of Ukiah has announced a revised proposed annexation map, the "Sapling 2.0 Option." Read the full press release to learn what's changed and what it means for the Ukiah Valley:
CITY OF UKIAH REVISES 'SAPLING' ANNEXATION PROPOSAL TO ‘SAPLING 2.0’ OPTION WITH TWO KEY CHANGES
Ukiah, CA. August 3, 2026 – The City of Ukiah has released a revised annexation footprint, the Sapling 2.0,' advancing the 'Sapling' proposal shared earlier this year with two key changes. The update reflects continued community input and further City analysis. Updated maps, an address look-up tool, and background materials are available at the City's website.
Since introducing the "Sapling" annexation proposal, the City has conducted extensive public engagement including holding community workshops and scoping sessions, meeting with the County, sharing video and online resources, and engaging in direct conversations with residents.
The Sapling 2.0 Option makes two changes to the initial Sapling shape: it adds the Brush Street Triangle, an approximately 70-acre area just north of Ukiah's current city limits, and removes approximately 15 acres of land currently under Williamson Act protection.
The Brush Street Triangle's inclusion in the Sapling 2.0 shape was made at the request of property owners within the Triangle, an undeveloped section of property bordered by the City and the freeway. The area has long been identified as one with high service needs, and bringing it into the City will relieve pressure on County resources while allowing the City to utilize municipal services that are more appropriate to address demand in the area.
Ukiah Police Chief Tom Corning confirmed the City is prepared to meet those needs. "We understand the service demands in the Brush Street Triangle, and we are ready to meet them," said Chief Corning. "Bringing this area into the City allows us to provide the level of coverage and response that Ukiah residents already expect."
Additionally, the City adjusted the proposed annexation boundaries to remove an identified area of land that is currently under Williamson Act, which is a state program that offers protections for keeping land in agricultural or open-space use. The land was originally mapped as part of the County’s designated Master Tax Sharing Agreement footprint, which is why the parcels were initially included in the annexation maps, but upon further review and until the City has adopted its own Williamson Act program, City officials are recommending exclusion of those parcels at this time.
City leaders explained that annexation is an important next step for the region’s future because many of the Valley's biggest opportunities and challenges already extend beyond existing city boundaries. The City has played a leading regional role in advancing water reliability, coordinating wildfire preparedness, supporting economic development, pursuing housing solutions, and developing partnerships such as the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and the Ukiah Valley Water Authority. Annexation would better align the City's governance responsibilities with the broader community it already serves.
"Annexation is about building a stronger future for the Ukiah Valley," said Deputy City Manager Shannon Riley. “The revised Sapling 2.0 map reflects input from the community, and it keeps us focused on improving coordination for government services so we can more effectively address regional challenges such as housing, water reliability, wildfire resilience, street safety, infrastructure, and economic development."
Under the Master Tax Sharing Agreement previously negotiated and adopted by Mendocino County and its four incorporated cities, annexation would trigger a phased shift between the County and City in allocations for property tax, sales tax, and transient occupancy tax revenues over many years. This avoids sudden fiscal impacts to either jurisdiction while allowing both governments to plan responsibly for the future. As responsibility for providing municipal services in annexed areas shifts to the City, the County can reduce service obligations in those areas and either save money or redirect resources toward other priorities or under-served communities.
With annexation, the Ukiah Valley will be better positioned to coordinate long-term planning, attract outside grants and infrastructure investment, strengthen regional water reliability, support thoughtfully planned housing, improve economic competitiveness, and provide more coordinated public services.
Without annexation, responsibility for many regional issues will remain fragmented among multiple jurisdictions. City officials noted that this patchwork approach makes long-term planning more difficult and funding less stable – it reduces competitiveness for certain state and federal funding opportunities, and creates additional challenges when coordinating investments in infrastructure and regional services.
Community members are encouraged to review the proposed maps and watch the City’s revised informational video. Background materials, frequently asked questions, and additional information are available at CityofUkiah.com/annexation.
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