Concord · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Concord public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Welcoming city resolution and United Against Hate
The council honored the Raise the Roof Coalition behind Concord's 2017 inclusive-community resolution. Coalition speakers said the need is greater than ever, with ICE operations in the heart of the Monument community and the only Bay Area immigration court located in Concord.
Building Connections Academy Private School Expansion
Building Connections Academy is moving to a larger location at 2150 John Glenn Drive to serve up to 48 students with developmental disabilities. The school provides specialized support to help students transition back to public school settings.
Building Connections Academy Private School Use Permit
A proposal to convert part of an existing office building on John Glenn Drive into a small private elementary school with up to 48 students.
PetSmart Shopping Center Façade and Site Upgrades
Browman Development Company is proposing exterior face lifts, seismic upgrades, parking lot repaving, and updated landscaping for the 2.85-acre PetSmart shopping center at 1700 Willow Pass Road.
Music and Market Series Finale and Community Programming
Concord hosted its popular Music and Market series, bringing residents together for live music, local food vendors, and a farmers market while highlighting community organizations and sponsors.
Senior legal services at 50 years
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services marked 50 years of free legal help for residents 60 and over — wills, benefits problems, scam recovery — with just five attorneys and about 25 volunteers.
PedalFest Bicycle Safety and Transit Integration Event
The city is hosting PedalFest at Baldwin Park to encourage cycling, teach families about bike safety, and show residents how to load bicycles onto County Connection buses. It's a great chance to learn more about active transportation options in Concord.
Chevron Master Sign Program and Façade Rebrand
An existing Chevron gas station at 1024 Alberta Way is seeking approval for a master sign program and exterior rebrand. The Design Review Board reviewed the updated plans and recommended approval to the Planning Commission with conditions on signage materials and bollards.
Data Center Development
Concord is filling locals in on a newly greenlit data center project, giving residents a peek at how big tech is moving into their backyards. If you care about your neighborhood's future, it's definitely worth checking out.
Solid Waste Consulting Contract Amendment
The council approved a contract increase for R3 Consulting, Inc. to provide ongoing solid waste technical and financial review services, drawing questions from a resident regarding competitive bidding and rate review depth.
Unique Beauty Clinic Use Permit Re-Approval
Re-issuance of a use permit for an 800-square-foot beauty and aesthetics clinic on Almond Avenue after the previous permit expired.
UA Local 342 Union Hall Development
The union is planning a new 32,000-square-foot office and hall on Detroit Avenue. The board is reviewing the design to ensure it fits the area's industrial mixed-use character.
4071 Cowell Road Subdivision
Plans to split a 1.32-acre property on Cowell Road into seven lots for new two-story homes were paused. The board decided to push the discussion to a later date.
Design-Build Procurement Authorization
The city introduced an ordinance enabling design-build project delivery to speed up major public building and safety projects like the Police Department roof and HVAC replacement.
Cortica Outpatient Clinic Approval
Cortica is moving its therapy clinic for children on the autism spectrum to a larger space at 1485 Civic Court. The new location will allow them to offer expanded services while fitting comfortably within downtown zoning and parking limits.
Municipal Election and Tiebreaker Policy
The council called the November General Municipal Election. A resident urged the council to replace the tiebreaker-by-lot rule with a special election option, though no change was made.
7 Flags Express Car Wash Design Review
A new automated car wash is coming to Oak Grove Road, bringing 110 feet of tunnel washing and vacuum stalls. The design board signed off on the look and feel, adding conditions to make sure signage and roofs match the area's aesthetic.
Down Payment Assistance
Dreaming of owning a home in Concord? The city is offering a sweet deal: up to $60,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. You can learn all about it at a virtual workshop on May 19th, but make sure to register beforehand!
Speed Limit Changes
Your daily commute just got a little slower. Concord's chopped the speed limit on three key roads – Clayton Rd, David, and Oak Grove Rd – from 40 to 35 mph. The writer thinks it's a bit much and wishes the city was clearer about these changes.
Election Information
Your June 2 primary election ballot is coming soon! Don't miss the deadlines to register and mail it back to make sure your vote is counted.