Concord mayor reflects on serving in extraordinary times

CONCORD, CA (Nov. 10, 2021) — During this season of gratitude, I would like to thank the Concord community for supporting me during my time as mayor.

I have truly enjoyed serving in this leadership role during what ultimately became two of the most challenging years we have seen in decades, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a silver lining, though. The hardships we endured as a community and a city afforded us a chance to create partnerships and programs that made a positive difference and taught us lessons that we will carry forward as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.

I would like to share a heartfelt thank you with all city staff, who continued to serve our residents even when we had to close the doors to City Hall. From repairing roads to developing new ways to review permit requests and offering virtual recreation, our staff remained committed to providing dedicated service to the Concord community.

Some of the initiatives we executed during the pandemic turned out to be successful and welcomed changes. Expanded outdoor dining spaces, a “shop local” gift card program, virtual community meetings and additional online city services are just a few examples of how the challenges over the last two years have created opportunities.

Giving thanks

Thank you to Contra Costa County, especially the Health Services Department, which has worked tirelessly to share information and guidance to keep our community safe during a very uncertain time. They also facilitated the distribution of hundreds of thousands of COVID vaccines, which is the very reason we are now able to begin returning to a version of pre-pandemic “normal.”

I am especially grateful to our community partners and community-based organizations, who really were on the frontlines when so many people lost their jobs and businesses or were at risk for losing their housing. Organization like the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and Visit Concord, the MDUSD Central Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, White Pony Express, St. Vincent De Paul, Monument Crisis Center and so many more.

One of the things I was looking forward to doing during my time as mayor was hosting the annual Mayor’s Cup golf tournament at Diablo Creek Golf Course. Though we canceled it in 2020, fortunately, we were able to host it in October 2021. I am so pleased to share that this charity tournament raised nearly $28,000 for three wonderful nonprofits: the Concord Historical Society, the Concord Junior Giants and First Tee Contra Costa. Thank you to all who supported this legacy event.

Working together

I would also like to thank my City Council colleagues for their support. We may not always agree, but we work well together, enjoying rich (often long) discussions on the virtual dais as we consider decisions that will affect our community for years to come. I appreciate the mutual respect we have for one another, and I look forward to supporting the next mayor, who will be selected on Dec. 7.

I would be remiss if I did not take one more opportunity to thank my family for their endless support – to my wife Michelle, my kids, my parents and my in-laws. Thank you for all you do to make it possible for me to fulfill my passion of serving the Concord community.

Mayor Tim McGallian can be reached at 925.671.2489 or email Tim.McGallian@cityofconcord.org