The city clerk is a vital but often misunderstood position in city government. In Petaluma, City Clerk Claire Cooper, who was appointed in 2005, is the go-to-person for any information about upcoming or past City Council meetings, resolutions and ordinances.
The city's website offers live streaming of City Council meetings as well as video of past meetings, dating back to 2005. It also has a database of all city decisions and ordinances. In addition, the City Clerk's office accepts applications for passports and registers domestic partners.