Council Greenlights $3M General Plan 2050 Overhaul

Walnut Creek's City Council unanimously approved a four-year contract to reimagine the city's land use blueprint through 2050, while a housing progress report revealed the city has permitted just 4% of its state-mandated housing target — with a state review looming in 2027. The downtown business district, meanwhile, unveiled a five-year vision to transform the commercial core into a year-round destination.

• $3.16 million General Plan 2050 contract awarded to Alta Planning and Design, launching the city's most consequential planning process in years

• Housing permits surged 147% but the city has reached only 4% of its 5,805-unit RHNA obligation, with a mid-cycle state review approaching

• Downtown BID advances 3% assessment increase as the Walnut Creek Downtown Association unveils its "Downtown 365" walkability and activation vision

• Resident reports third catalytic converter theft in three years, prompting the mayor to direct staff to research statewide prevention legislation

• MCE electricity rates dropping April 1 alongside a gas-powered leaf blower ban and expiration of the outdoor dining grant program

The council voted 4-0 to authorize a $3,160,705 consultant services agreement with Alta Planning and Design — formerly Raimi and Associates — to prepare the General Plan 2050 update and a programmatic environmental impact report. Councilmember Cindy Silva was absent.