Do you ever wonder what Contra Costa County will look like 20 years from now?  You have a chance to shape this future. 

• Where will new housing be located, and what kinds? 
• How can we improve traffic? 
• How can we make our air cleaner and fight climate change? 
• How can we make our communities more sustainable? 

These are the kinds of things that will be addressed as the County updates its General Plan, a blueprint for future development, and its Climate Action Plan, a blueprint to combat climate change. 

The Plan has been reconsolidated twice, once for 1990-2005 and again for 2005-2020. However, as the Bay Area and Contra Costa have grown over the past 28 years, conditions have evolved, and the General Plan needs to evolve as well. The updated General Plan will respond to current concerns about sustainability, environmental justice, and affordable housing, while carrying forward enduring County values like balancing growth and conservation.

Input from residents is an important part of this planning effort, which is called Envision Contra Costa 2040.

The Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development is holding community meetings on the plan throughout the County, including several in West County. I'm helping facilitate these meetings, and hope to see you there. 

This is a great chance to learn more, ask questions, and weigh in with our thoughts and ideas. 

Kensington and East Richmond Heights

When: 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 1

Where: Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Avenue, Kensington 

North Richmond 

When: 6 p.m. ,  Monday, May 13

Where:  Community Heritage Senior Apartments , 

1555 Fred Jackson Way, North Richmond 

Tara Hills

For more information on the plan, the process, or the meetings check the Envision Contra Costa 2040 website, or call 925-674-7791.