Walter Brooks and Pete Richmond, two seasoned professionals in agriculture and science, joined the Napa County Planning Commission this week after approval by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

The five-member commission plays a critical role in shaping Napa County’s future. It reviews use permits, subdivisions and parcel maps, and advises the supervisors on broader land use decisions. Brooks and Richmond replace outgoing commissioners Dave Whitmer and Andrew Mazotti and will serve four-year terms set to end in December 2028.

Brooks, a self-employed grape grower, bring a background that spans agriculture and science. With 20 years of winemaking experience, he has also managed space missions and led teams of scientists and engineers at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View and at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. In his application, Brooks emphasized the importance of balancing growth, sustainability and quality of life in Napa Valley. “Maintaining a balance between growth and sustainability and quality of life is a major challenge for Napa Valley,” he wrote. He also highlighted the planning commission’s role in implementing the county’s general plan.

Richmond, president and vineyard manager of Silverado Farming, brings 38 years of farming and vineyard management experience. He previously served on the Napa County Housing Commission. Richmond expressed a commitment to fostering collaboration between business and community in his application, noting the importance of protecting the Agricultural Preserve while addressing the region’s housing needs. There’s a need to “protect the Ag Preserve and find housing options for residents,” he said.

The two commissioners were nominated by supervisors representing their respective districts. Supervisor Liz Alessio, who represents District 2, nominated Brooks, while Amber Manfree, the District 4 representative, selected Richmond.

These appointments come as Napa County faces critical challenges, including preserving agricultural land, managing sustainable growth and addressing housing shortages, as well as developing a new general plan that will map out the county’s long-term direction.