Supervisor Carlson reviews three key goals of 2024
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Dec. 26, 2024) — As 2024 comes to a close, I’d like to reflect on the accomplishments of my second year as county supervisor.
This year, the county had many critical projects and initiatives come to fruition. For me, 2024 was about making Contra Costa a more welcoming community, improving access to essential services and developing a sustainable future.
A welcoming community
Throughout my public service career, I’ve focused on making our community welcoming to all. As the first LGBTQIA+ councilmember and mayor, I authored the Inclusive City Resolution in Pleasant Hill to champion human rights, social justice and equality. I continue to bring my commitment to ensuring every resident feels supported as I represent District IV as county supervisor.
A particularly meaningful moment was the Naturalization Ceremony I hosted on March 18, 2024, at the county administration building in Martinez. The first of its kind in a county facility, the ceremony celebrated the citizenship journey of 31 individuals from 17 countries – all now residents of Contra Costa.
In partnership with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, I had a front-row seat to this momentous occasion. Meanwhile, our county Elections Office was on hand for our newly minted citizens to register them to vote and empower them to engage fully in our democracy.
Expanding access to essential services
As the county continues to build a welcoming community, it’s equally important to expand access to services. In 2024, the Board of Supervisors took steps to ensure our most vulnerable residents get the support they need.
I was proud to add the undocumented population to our Basic Health Care program, providing affordable healthcare access for uninsured county residents who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered CA for primary care, medications and more.
In addition to improving healthcare access, the board allocated Measure X funds for youth centers in Districts III, IV and V. I am pleased to report that District IV was the first district to utilize our $5 million capital investment to support the Community Youth Center (CYC) in Concord. The CYC currently serves more than 2,000 youth through sports, gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, tutoring and counseling.
To optimize my allocation, I believe it was important to collaborate with an existing youth center. These funds will help expand the CYC into a 75,000 sq. ft. facility, increasing its capacity to serve more youth. The new facility should open in September 2025.
Planning for a sustainable future
Alongside expanding services, the Board of Supervisors plane for a sustainable future. In 2024, we adopted the 2045 General Plan and the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). It will guide the county’s development for years to come.
The General Plan, last updated in 1991, addresses growth, affordable housing and environmental sustainability. The CAAP focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. The adoption culminates five years of public outreach and more than 170 community meetings. It ensures that Contra Costa remains a place of balanced growth and environmental stewardship.
As I reflect on 2024’s progress, a lot of work remains. In the coming year, our county will continue protecting the vulnerable, improving access to services and fostering a welcoming community.
Thank you to the constituents of District 4 for the honor of serving you. I look forward to continuing our work together to build a thriving, sustainable Contra Costa for generations to come.
Ken Carlson serves as Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to Carlson at SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us or call his office at 925-655-2350.