I'm honored to receive the endorsement of the Northern California Engineering Contractors Association! This support reinforces my commitment to responsible growth, infrastructure investment, fiscal accountability, and collaborative leadership that puts Rohnert Park residents first.

Rohnert Park's retail vacancy rate has declined to approximately 5–6%, with nearly 95% of commercial retail space occupied. While these numbers are encouraging, there's always room to grow. Let's explore how we can support existing businesses, attract new restaurants and shops, and keep Rohnert Park's local economy strong and vibrant.

Michael DeSimone’s campaign for Rohnert Park City Council, District 2, has earned the endorsement of the North Coast Builders Exchange (NCBE), recognizing his commitment to responsible growth, strong infrastructure, local jobs, and collaboration between residents, businesses, skilled trades, and local government.

Small businesses help make Rohnert Park a strong community. They create jobs, provide services, support City revenues, and contribute to the character of our community.

Supporting them requires more than simply saying we are “business-friendly.” It means listening to the people doing the work, building strong relationships, understanding how City decisions affect businesses, and creating the conditions for long-term success.

My more than 20 years of professional experience in budgets, contracting, negotiations, process improvement, and complex problem-solving has taught me the value of bringing different perspectives together and working toward practical solutions.

That is the approach I would bring to the City Council: show up, listen, understand the facts, bring people together, and work toward practical solutions.

A strong business community and a strong Rohnert Park are not separate goals. We succeed together.

Leadership is ultimately about how you show up and serve. In the final part of this series, I share the leadership I would bring to District 2: accessible, prepared, responsive, independent, and accountable. Drawing on more than 20 years of leadership experience, I’m ready to listen, do the homework, consider different perspectives, make thoughtful decisions, and take responsibility for the results.

Rohnert Park benefits from both the experience of those who have helped shape our community and the fresh perspectives that can help us look ahead. In Part 2 of this series, I share how more than 20 years of leadership experience has taught me to ask questions, listen to different perspectives, evaluate the facts, and approach decisions with an open mind, building on what works while remaining willing to improve where opportunities exist.

Rohnert Park is growing, bringing new housing, businesses, and opportunities, but growth also requires us to think ahead. As our community changes, we need to ensure our infrastructure, public services, finances, and neighborhoods are keeping pace. In Part 1 of this series, I share why thoughtful planning, meaningful community engagement, and looking beyond the immediate decision are essential to preparing for the Rohnert Park we’re becoming.

Transparency isn’t a judgment of anyone’s character, nor is it simply making information available. To me, it means intentionally engaging residents, sharing information and inviting questions and feedback—ideally before important decisions are made.

I’m honored to earn the endorsement of Equality California in my campaign for Rohnert Park City Council, District 2. This endorsement is especially meaningful to me and reinforces my commitment to ensuring everyone in our community feels welcomed, heard, respected, and represented.

I’m honored to share that my campaign for Rohnert Park City Council, District 2, has earned the endorsement of Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO). This endorsement is an exciting milestone and reflects our shared commitment to responsive, accessible, and effective local leadership.

I'm excited to share an important milestone in my campaign for Rohnert Park City Council, District 2. After completing the candidate filing process, gathering nomination signatures, and taking the Oath of Office, I have officially qualified to appear on the November ballot. I'm grateful for the support of so many neighbors and look forward to continuing to meet with residents, listen to their priorities, and earn their trust in the months ahead.

Rohnert Park’s 2025 Water Quality Report confirms our drinking water continues to meet all state and federal safety standards. While that’s reassuring news, it’s also a reminder that providing clean, reliable water requires ongoing investment, responsible financial planning, and transparent communication with residents. Read my summary and why it matters for our community’s future.

Building a stronger Rohnert Park starts with understanding our finances. By engaging residents in the budget process and exploring new ways to increase revenue and improve efficiency, we can work together to create a more sustainable future for our city.

How do your elected officials make you feel? Trust, accessibility, and genuine engagement are at the heart of effective leadership. This article reflects on what residents should expect from their elected officials and why listening, showing up, and building relationships matter just as much as the policies and decisions that shape our community.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Rohnert Park residents will see significant water rate increases approved by the City Council. While city leaders cite aging infrastructure and rising costs, many residents are raising concerns about affordability, transparency, and long-term financial planning.

Rohnert Park is home, and I believe our city deserves leadership that listens, communicates openly, and works collaboratively with the community to build a stronger future together.