Tiffany Robbe serves as Petaluma's Consulting Planner for M-Group while her spouse, Zack Matley, Principal of W-Trans, develops 'traffic calming solutions' for the City
I am concerned about the quality and objectivity of M Group's work, as there have been ongoing criticisms of their projects in Petaluma. In my view, M Group’s approach could prioritize profit and project acquisition, possibly at the expense of quality outcomes for the community. Recently, Councilmember Brian Barnacle publicly defended M Group in a newspaper article, responding to critiques from community members. Additionally, after his election, he transitioned into a new role in the building sector—a field where M Group holds considerable influence in city planning decisions across the Bay Area. This situation raises questions about the dynamics between elected officials and consulting groups that influence local planning.
This is not shocking in the slightest. I’m sure they all have some sort of alternative interest in some format or another. What’s up with her getting a job with M Group after losing her job with the city when they had to shut down the planning dept? How many people did that? Would they go back to working for the city if that job opened up like people would like?
Why is this? Is this not something us lay people can view as public record? And I’ve asked this before and never get an answer but is there some sort of certificate this EIR person holds or standards they have to meet? It just seems like a huge red flag for me and no one really questions the process or anything?
Consultants on contractors which will be awarded large contracts are typically required to go through the City's request for proposal process. You can request records to confirm if an RFP was ever created to solicit proposals...I highly doubt it.
I am concerned about the quality and objectivity of M Group's work, as there have been ongoing criticisms of their projects in Petaluma. In my view, M Group’s approach could prioritize profit and project acquisition, possibly at the expense of quality outcomes for the community. Recently, Councilmember Brian Barnacle publicly defended M Group in a newspaper article, responding to critiques from community members. Additionally, after his election, he transitioned into a new role in the building sector—a field where M Group holds considerable influence in city planning decisions across the Bay Area. This situation raises questions about the dynamics between elected officials and consulting groups that influence local planning.
This is not shocking in the slightest. I’m sure they all have some sort of alternative interest in some format or another. What’s up with her getting a job with M Group after losing her job with the city when they had to shut down the planning dept? How many people did that? Would they go back to working for the city if that job opened up like people would like?
Many others like me who have taken the time and reviewed any of M Group's EIRs or witnessed their bias want M Group fired.
Why is this? Is this not something us lay people can view as public record? And I’ve asked this before and never get an answer but is there some sort of certificate this EIR person holds or standards they have to meet? It just seems like a huge red flag for me and no one really questions the process or anything?
Consultants on contractors which will be awarded large contracts are typically required to go through the City's request for proposal process. You can request records to confirm if an RFP was ever created to solicit proposals...I highly doubt it.
City has not required any RFP for M Group for at least 13 years. At least. The Grand Jury cited that as issue.
*or contractors