Walnut Creek's blueprint for the next 25 years gets its first policy discussion before the full council Tuesday, July 21, when the City Council holds a special study session to launch the 2050 General Plan Update.
The session, set for 4 p.m. at City Hall, 1666 N. Main St., will ask Mayor Kevin Wilk, Mayor Pro Tem Matt Francois, and Councilmembers Cindy Darling, Craig DeVinney, and Cindy Silva to weigh in on the city's priorities for housing, transportation, land use, open space, and economic development. No vote will be taken.
The General Plan is the city's master planning document. Walnut Creek's current version was adopted in 2006. The update will guide decisions on zoning, growth near the city's two BART stations, parks, and community investment through roughly 2050.
$3.16 million contract already in place
The council laid the groundwork on March 17, when it unanimously approved a contract with Alta Planning + Design, Inc., not to exceed $3,160,705 over four years, with an option to extend 12 months. The vote was 4-0; Councilmember Silva was absent. The consultant team also includes Fehr & Peers, BAE Urban Economics, Cultural Planning Group, Harris & Associates, and Plan to Place.
Principal Planner Crystal De Castro and Assistant Planner Kat Lee are leading the effort on the city side.
Commissions already briefed
The council session follows a joint meeting on June 25, where the Planning Commission, Design Review Commission, Transportation Commission, Park Recreation and Open Space Commission, and Arts Commission received a kickoff presentation from staff and Alta Planning + Design.
The city targets final adoption in 2029, according to its project website, walnutcreek2050.org. The process has five phases, starting with existing conditions and visioning, which is underway.
Key topics include housing for current and future residents, safe mobility options, future growth and land use changes, and strengthening the local economy. The city's recently updated Housing Element and Safety Element will be folded into the final plan.
How to participate
Residents can attend the Tuesday, July 21 study session in person or join via Zoom (Webinar ID: 843 0612 4990, Passcode: 019928) or by phone at 1-669-900-6833. Written comments must be emailed to [email protected] by 2 p.m. Tuesday to be included in the official record.
The next regular City Council meeting is Tuesday, August 18, at 6 p.m. Project updates and engagement opportunities are posted at walnutcreek2050.org.
