Make Your Voice Heard
In a small town like Cloverdale, a single voice can make a large impact. Thank you for taking the time to make your voice heard!
Get updates & news about the project straight to your email inbox.
Subscribe for updates →Submitting to multiple places multiplies your impact — the same letter works for all three!
- No maximum length — shorter is better though.
- Add this line at the end: “Please include this letter in the public record.”
- Your name carries more weight, but anonymous is fine.
- Multiple people in a household can each send separate letters.
- Paste your letter in the body of the email — don't attach it as a file.
- Maximum 200 words. Shorter letters have a better chance of being published.
- Maximum 200 words. Shorter letters have a better chance of being published.
- Submit via their Letter to the Editor form, not their Op-Ed form.
- Introduce yourself and your connection to Cloverdale. Share how long you've lived here, whether you run a business, have raised your kids here, work in town, or have another connection to the community.
- Be clear about your support. Say early on that you support Esmeralda, and end by asking the City Council and Planning Commission to approve the project.
- Make it personal. Pick one or two benefits that matter most to you. A short story about your experience or hopes for Cloverdale can help explain why.
- Keep it concise. A few short paragraphs are plenty.
- Use your own words and keep it positive. You don't need formal language or planning expertise. Focus on what you support and why, and be respectful of people with different views.
Dear City Council and Planning Commission,
My name is , and I support Esmeralda. My connection to Cloverdale is .
I'm especially excited about because .
In my own experience, . My hope for Cloverdale's future is , and I believe Esmeralda can help by .
Please approve Esmeralda and include this letter in the public record.
Thank you for your consideration,
Your name
Interested in displaying a yard sign?
Email us at team@esmeralda.org and we'll get one to you.
Two hearings down, two to go! Join us at the upcoming City Council hearings:
Planning Commission
Thu, Oct 1
City Council
Wed, Oct 7
Informational hearing; originally planned for introducing the ordinances
City Council
Wed, Oct 14
Ordinance introduction
City Council
Wed, Nov 11
Full package adoption vote
- You get 3 minutes. Tips:
- State your name & that you live in Cloverdale.
- Pick 1–2 key points, don't try to cover everything.
- Write it out and practice — 3 minutes is ~400 words.
- Public comment occurs at the start of the meeting.
- You can leave once you've spoken, you don't need to stay for the whole meeting.
- The Council cannot respond or debate you, they just listen.
Make this your own, keep it to 1–2 key points, and practice aloud so it fits within 3 minutes.
Good evening, Mayor and Council members.
My name is , and I support Esmeralda. My connection to Cloverdale is .
I'm especially excited about because .
In my own experience, . My hope for Cloverdale's future is , and I believe Esmeralda can help by .
Please approve Esmeralda. Thank you for your time.
A local Cloverdalian made Hello Esmeralda! to have an open dialogue about what Esmeralda could mean for Cloverdale's future.
Join by clicking this link or scanning this QR code.
Follow @esmeralda_institute