With the new year comes new opportunities

The start of every new year brings with it the excitement of possibility and new beginnings.

It is a chance to set ambitious goals and resolve to do something for the betterment of ourselves and our community. It is also a chance to take stock of where we are and where we are headed, and to envision a future that we can create together.

As I look ahead to 2020, I am excited by the opportunities that we have to build on our successes. While we are saying goodbye to Police Chief Guy Swanger, who has had a tremendously positive impact on the culture of Concord’s police force, we look forward to bringing in the next chief of police, who will lead the department with a continued focus on building strong relationships with the community.

We also look forward to the development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station. This has been a long-term project for the city, but we’ve made incremental steps forward in recent years – with the transfer of land to the East Bay Regional Park District last year and ongoing discussions about the planned campus district of higher learning.

Concord will continue to vigorously pursue the development of this land, which would add thousands of homes and ultimately become an East Bay jobs hub benefiting the entire region.

The city continues to evaluate transportation safety and traffic operations for all modes of travel within Concord. We have been successful in obtaining competitive grants to fund projects such as the Willow Pass/Galindo/Cowell Complete Streets Feasibility Study. We are examining street design options for each of these corridors to improve safety, accessibility and efficiency. I am particularly interested in reviewing and providing feedback on the design concepts when they come before the full council in early 2020.

As with any organization, Concord has its share of challenges that must be addressed. The most pressing challenge is the city’s projected budget deficit. Despite 11 years of national economic recovery, cities across California continue to grapple with operating costs outpacing revenues – particularly with road maintenance and state-mandated costs.

Last fall, the city held a series of community meetings to discuss this issue and solicit feedback on priorities. The council will continue to keep fiscal stability front and center, and we will seek community input as we develop solutions.

Other challenges that are affecting all Bay Area cities are homelessness and access to housing. Through partnerships with the county and local nonprofits, Concord will continue exploring ways to support our most vulnerable populations. In addition to funding homeless services, the city allocated $7.8 million to Resources for Community Development to help finance the construction of 62 units of affordable housing on Galindo Street.

I am honored to have the opportunity to address these topics and more at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City luncheon on Jan. 29. The event is open to all, and tickets are available at concordchamber.com. If you are interested in learning more about what’s happening in Concord and how the City Council and staff are addressing these issues, I encourage you to join us for this great event.

Over the next year, I also look forward to meeting you at one of my Mayor’s Meet-Ups. The first will be 10 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18, at Willow Pass Center; the next will be Saturday, Feb. 22, at Centre Concord. Please check the city website (cityofconcord.org) and social media for further information and future dates.

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