The essential role of Non-profits in Sonoma

By Ken Brown

Non-profit organizations like the Boys and Girls Club or the Sonoma Community Center provide valuable services which government cannot realistically provide,and deserve support

Some people are asking why the Sonoma City Council should provide funding to non-profits like the Sonoma Community Center, the Sonoma Ecology Center, The Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma Valley and Vintage House Senior Center.

The following are my thoughts on this issue:

Non-profits provide services and activities which enhance the quality of life in Sonoma. Cultural events, youth activities and public service both help the residents of Sonoma Valley and make the City more attractive to visitors. They provide jobs, shop locally, and work in concert with businesses to help our schools provide programs in the arts. They provide affordable rooms for the entire community's needs. Our citizens provide the bulk of these organization's board and volunteer base and give them an opportunity to give back and serve the community.

Activities undertaken by city-funded non-profits include anti-gang programs and after school programs; cultural events, arts, and environmental efforts like Nathanson Creekside restoration. The Vintage House provides on-going education through the Sonoma State Life Long Learning program, nutrition for seniors and much needed transportation . They maintain the traditions of our community like the 4th of July Parade and Celebration, the City Party, The Vintage Festival, Cinco de Mayo and so much more.

Non-profits often do what government cannot by providing focused and low cost essential services with a maximum of innovation and creativity and a minimum of delay and red tape.

Non-profits, by their very nature, leverage volunteer labor and external contributions, multiplying the impact of city funding

Non-profits have lower wage and overhead costs compared to public sector programs

The amount of funding provided to Sonoma Valley non-profits over the last four years averages a very small percentage of our budget. No one wants more taxes and that would be the case if we had to maintain a separate a Park & Rec District. Our system is working and its just so much more fun and enjoyable : Why change it?

Sonoma is known doing business in it's own unique manner. Therefore, I have vigorously advocated for targeted Sonoma City non-profit funding during my service on the Council, and intend to do so in the future if re-elected. You can take that to the bank.

Ken Brown