Local Leader, Neighbor, and True Petaluman at Heart

The DeCarli family has been a part of Petaluma’s growth and history since the 1870s, with Alex DeCarli proudly carrying on this legacy as a fourth-generation Petaluman. Alex is not just a local leader in business and community service, but a neighbor who shares a deep love for Petaluma.

Alex felt called to run for City Council to represent District 5 on November 14, 2023 when his opponent voted to approve an overlay zoning district in our historic downtown. This zoning change would open the door for 6-9 story buildings to be built in the heart of Petaluma, against vocal opposition from a majority of citizens.

After graduating from St. Vincent High School, Alex earned a degree in Manufacturing Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His professional journey took him to Germany, where he was innovative in designing surgical equipment. Throughout his career, Alex has always prioritized business efficiency and sustainability.

Returning to his roots, Alex assumed leadership of his family’s propane business. DeCarli Propane has been a trusted provider of clean energy to rural communities, farms, dairies, businesses and homes throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties since 1946. With a forward-looking approach, Alex has driven the company to innovate and expand its green energy offerings. His leadership is paving the way for a future where clean energy reaches every corner of our region, empowering communities while addressing critical environmental needs.

Beyond his professional life, Alex was an accomplished equestrian, spent years working on and flying vintage aircraft, was a collegiate level competitive cyclist, grew up racing motorcycles and is a lifelong fisherman. His real passion is vintage steam trains, where he builds, maintains and operates railroad equipment to share with friends, family and enthusiasts.

Alex is true to his roots. He is dedicated to uplifting the voices of all Petalumans, planning for a sustainable future, and taking meaningful action so the community he loves remains vibrant and welcoming for generations to come.

Alex's Priorities

  • Protecting Our Historic Downtown

    • Shared vision of a thriving downtown that respects our heritage

    • Thoughtful, community-first planning — not a patchwork of policies driven by the latest developer’s proposal

    • Sound decisions based on thorough, responsible analysis without taking shortcuts. 

  • Community-Driven Traffic and Parking Solutions

    • Community-driven traffic and parking solutions, not imposed by the City

    • Ease traffic congestion and improve road quality

    • Complete Streets and Safe Streets that offer convenient parking for the health and wellbeing of our school children, commuters, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

  • Open and Accountable City Government

    • Prioritize the needs of residents over developer-driven agendas and untested urban theories

    • Ensure community voices are heard and reflected in City decisions

    • Engage a more diverse representation of the community in the policy process

  • Environmental Responsibility

    • Safeguard our Urban Growth Boundary, greenbelts and farmlands to create a sustainable future for future generations

    • Protect our River, floodplains, and sensitive habitats

    • Champion environmental action by reducing our carbon footprint through clean energy innovation

  • Recruiting High-Paying Job Industries

    • Secure a stronger future by intensifying our economic development efforts

    • Strategically attract businesses that provide solid career paths for younger residents

    • Support our vital agricultural and manufacturing sectors