Progressive values and Costco dreams collide in a wealthy Bay Area town

"“We want to signal to the Costcos of the world to say we're open,” council member Mike Wall said during the meeting last Wednesday, according to the Press Democrat. The discussion centered on Windsor's nearly four-year-old ordinance prohibiting new or expanded gas stations, part of a broader regional climate strategy adopted by several North Bay municipalities in recent years to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Wall suggested that the town could consider an exemption for stores above a certain square footage threshold “for the health of the town,” the Press Democrat reported."

"Costco itself is staying quiet on the possibility. “Unfortunately, it is our company policy to not comment regarding future Costco warehouses until we are ready to share details about the new location (usually 2-3 months in advance),” a Costco spokesperson told SFGATE via email. Wall did not immediately return SFGATE's request for comment."

"The conversation comes as the wealthy town of Windsor faces mounting budget pressure, according to the Press Democrat. Town officials previously approved a 2025-27 budget that included a $19 million shortfall and required them to tap into reserves to close the gap. The town is also projecting future deficits in upcoming budget cycles and has discussed the possibility of placing a 1% sales tax measure before voters later this year. Council member Sam Salmon said Windsor's “retail leakage,” referring to residents spending money and paying taxes to other towns, has become a growing concern."

"Salmon added: “Can we get a Costco here in Windsor to help us lower this leakage? Because it is major.” Some council members acknowledged they personally shop at Costco stores outside W"

Windsor officials are weighing whether to loosen an ordinance that prohibits new or expanded gas stations. The proposal is framed as a signal to attract Costco to Sonoma County’s northern corridor. The ordinance is part of a regional climate strategy used by North Bay municipalities to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Council member Mike Wall suggested an exemption for stores above a certain square footage threshold for the town’s benefit. Windsor faces budget pressure, including a $19 million shortfall in the approved 2025–27 budget and projected future deficits. Officials have discussed a potential 1% sales tax measure. Council member Sam Salmon cited retail leakage as a growing concern and asked whether a Costco in Windsor could reduce it. Costco has not commented on future plans.

Read at SFGATE