Let's Talk About Retail Vacancies and the Future of Business in Rohnert Park!

I've seen several conversations recently about vacant storefronts, restaurant closures, and the need to attract more businesses to Rohnert Park. These conversations matter, and I believe we should start with accurate information.

I recently spoke with City staff to better understand our commercial retail market, and here's what I learned.

Rohnert Park's Retail Vacancy Rates

·       Q1 2026: 7.75%

·       Q3 2026: Approximately 5–6%

·       Total Commercial Retail Space: Approximately 2.75 million square feet

That means an estimated 94–95% of Rohnert Park's existing retail space is occupied, based on the latest information shared by the City.

One important clarification: Keegan & Coppin's published 9.3% vacancy figure includes both Rohnert Park and Cotati, so it doesn't reflect Rohnert Park's individual vacancy rate.

While vacant storefronts and opportunities for improvement remain, more recent data suggests our retail vacancy rate has declined since the beginning of the year.

Looking Ahead: Keeping Rohnert Park's Retail Market Strong

Our goal shouldn't necessarily be 100% occupancy. A healthy retail market needs some available space for new businesses to enter, existing businesses to expand, and entrepreneurs to bring fresh ideas to our community.

Rather than focusing solely on filling vacant storefronts, I believe we should look ahead to how we maintain a healthy, competitive retail environment and continue attracting businesses that complement what we already have.

If elected to City Council, I would welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, commercial landlords, property owners, developers, and City staff to better understand what helps businesses succeed, support those already invested in our community, and identify opportunities to attract new restaurants, unique shops, entertainment venues, and neighborhood-serving businesses.

That includes understanding the challenges businesses face, streamlining processes where appropriate, and ensuring Rohnert Park remains an attractive place to open, operate, and grow a business.

As we look toward future developments like Downtown Rohnert Park and SOMO Village, we also have opportunities to create new shopping, dining, entertainment, and gathering spaces that complement our existing commercial centers and encourage residents and visitors to spend more time supporting our local economy.

Economic development isn't just about filling empty storefronts. It's about creating an environment where businesses can thrive and residents have more places to shop, dine, gather, and connect.

Now I'd love to hear from you!

What restaurants, shops, entertainment options, or other businesses would you like to see come to Rohnert Park? Are there existing local businesses you'd love to see expand?

Let's keep the conversation going and continue building a vibrant local economy!

Source: Discussion with City of Rohnert Park staff, October 13, 2026. Q3 vacancy figures are approximate.