Commitment to Council Goals and Community

First, I expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the council and the City on a new level. I highlighted these important goals set for the year ahead:

• Concord Naval Weapons Station: Continuing to push forward on housing and jobs.
• Addressing Homelessness and Housing Affordability: Continuing to implement strategies to address the needs of those who are unsheltered or who need more housing that is more affordable.
• The City’s Fiscal Health: Keeping a strong focus on the continuing work needed to maintain Concord’s long-term fiscal health.
• City Manager Search: Undertaking the search for a new City Manager, leveraging the "long runway" provided by City Manager Barone for the transition.

Tackling the Housing Crisis

Front of mind for me is an important affordability topic: addressing the housing crisis is essential to our city's future, as it impacts adult children, teachers, nurses, first responders, faith leaders, and many others who struggle to find affordable homes near their jobs here in Concord. I am committed to making progress on our 2023 Housing Element commitments, which include our work on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing.

Economic Health and Recovery

I noted that Concord is still recovering from the pandemic, which brought changes to commuting patterns and office use, reducing foot traffic and reshaping the City’s revenue generation.

The newly adopted Economic Development Strategic Plan will act as a roadmap to foster a stronger, more resilient local economy by supporting local businesses, welcoming innovation, and helping organizations thrive.

Focus on City Finances and Infrastructure

I underscored the need for us to keep a strong focus on city finances to ensure Concord's long-term fiscal health. Here’s the current state of things.

Structural Deficit: Despite efforts to establish fiscal stability over the last decade, including downsizing the workforce by 20% and implementing Measure V (a local sales tax), our City is operating with a structural deficit.

• Unsustainable Reserve Use: The current biennial budget relies on strategically using $2.5 million in reserves for FY 2025-26 and $2.8 million for FY 2026-27 just to stay balanced, as ongoing revenues are not keeping pace with ongoing costs. While reserve levels are above the 17% minimum threshold, continued use is not sustainable.
• Revenue Challenges: Major revenues are growing too slowly due to economic changes, resulting in flat sales tax, modest property tax growth, and hotel occupancy tax revenues below pre-pandemic levels.
• Infrastructure Deficit: The City faces a significant infrastructure funding deficit, needing to invest over $24 million more annually than currently available to maintain roads, parks, medians, and buildings.

It is important to call out that the City Council has already taken actions to address these challenges, even if further action is needed:

• Incorporating $6.4 million in budget cuts, reallocations, and anticipated expenditure savings into the tight operating budgets.
• Adopting a new Economic Development Plan.
• Creating a new Residential Roadway Maintenance Team, starting in July.
• Setting the development of an Infrastructure Investment Plan as a Tier 1 Council Priority for the fiscal year. This plan will include ideas for increasing infrastructure investment revenues and will require community engagement and support.

Celebrating the Spirit of Concord

Finally, I emphasized that despite the challenges—which Concord is in a better situation to face than many other cities—our community has a "roll-up-your-sleeves" spirit. I highlighted the strength and vibrancy of Concord through various community efforts:

• Youth and Imagination: Students whose artwork reminds the community of imagination and joy.
• Advocacy groups: Concord has an incredible array of people dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Concord residents, including Rising Juntos, the Raise the Roof Coalition, United Latino Voices, Contra Costa Labor Council, Diablo Valley Resistance, and the Concord Communities Alliance. These volunteers and more continue to work hard on behalf of our vulnerable neighbors.
• Support Organizations: Groups like the Monument Crisis Center and White Pony Express, which ensure vulnerable families have food and support. Many faith communities also work tirelessly to support people in need.
• Volunteers: Organizations and groups like Friends of Concord Creeks, Scout troop 444, and the Devil Mountain disc golf club, who contribute to the environment, street cleanliness, and park maintenance.
• Community Gardens: Residents are building community gardens, including the one in Hillcrest Community Park.
• Faith and Inclusion: Faith communities' recent gathering to Stand Against Hate, reflecting shared values of compassion and inclusion.
• Celebrations and Events: Events like Juneteenth, Concord Pride, and the Turkey Trot, which raised $42,000 for Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa.

Looking to the Next Generation

I am dedicating the coming year's focus to the City's youth and families, stating they are the reason behind efforts for safer streets, cleaner parks, affordable homes, and climate resilience. The work being done is for the next generation of leaders and neighbors.

Last (but not least), I thanked the city staff for their talent and dedication, the public safety professionals for their service and engagement with families, my City Council colleagues for their trust, and newly appointed Vice Mayor Dominic Aliano, whose partnership I look forward to during my tenure. And many thanks to my family for the personal support that makes my public service possible.

Would you like to know more about Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, the Infrastructure Investment Plan (will be available in early 2026) or the Economic Development Plan? Click the links above.