Brentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Youth Commission Event Planning and Community Engagement
The Commission is planning a full slate of community events: the S.T.E.M. Fair, the April 2027 Multicultural Fair, Deck the Park, and the Craft Night Before Christmas, plus a new budget for the 2027 Career Fair.
Youth Scholarship Fundraising & Grants
Commissioners are exploring new fundraisers — like restaurant-sponsored nights — to keep enough money in the Youth Commission Scholarship account.
Youth Commission Event Planning and Ad Hoc Committees
Three new committees are proposed — for a Hackathon, a fundraising essay competition, and a monthly program recognizing local high school clubs.
"In God We Trust" display in council chambers
The proposal returned after a divided August vote and drew passionate testimony on both sides, plus an audience disruption that forced a recess. The council voted 4-1 to take no further action.
Stonebrook at Bridle Gate Unit 1 final map
The city manager's review of the final map for Subdivision No. 9586, Stonebrook at Bridle Gate Unit 1, was reported as an informational item. The development sits south of Sand Creek Road and west of State Route 4.
City Manager separation agreement
The city's top administrator, G. Harold Duffey, has a separation and general release agreement with the city, and the council was scheduled to hear a public report on it. Leadership transitions at the top can affect how city services are run day to day.
Sand Creek Sports Complex Nonprofit Fee Structure
New rental fees take effect November 1, with the nonprofit rate cut to $69 per field per hour to widen access. Phase 1A — three turf fields, lights, parking — should be substantially complete next month, with operations starting early 2027.
Pavement Management Program 2026 completion
The city was set to formally accept completion of the 2026 asphalt paving program by Consolidated Engineering, wrapping up street resurfacing work funded this year.
Federal immigration enforcement on city property
Roughly a dozen residents, many with the East County Rapid Response Coalition, described families afraid to go to work, school, or the store, and asked the city to act. The council directed staff to draft an ordinance barring ICE staging on city property and to build know-your-rights education with community groups.
FY 2026-2028 Operating Budget & Fiscal Forecast
Brentwood's pension plan hit about 93% funded — its best since before the Great Recession — and the council put another $440,787 into the trust. Big savings are projected in the 2030s as unfunded obligations drop off.
Annexation No. 18 to Community Facilities District No. 5
The council was scheduled to hold a hearing on annexing territory into CFD No. 5 and calling a special election, where property owners would vote on the annexation and its special tax. CFDs fund public improvements and services in the affected area.
2nd Street Parking Lot Lease Restatement
The city is negotiating the price and payment terms for a property located at 2nd Street and Central Boulevard with Klingbeil Capital Management.
Byron-Bethany-Union Cemetery consolidation concern
Two cemetery board trustees warned the county supervisor may replace them to push a consolidation that would send East County cemetery tax dollars to the debt-ridden Alamo Lafayette cemetery. They asked to be agendized November 10.
Real Property Negotiations for 2nd Street and Central Boulevard
The city is negotiating over a parcel at 2nd Street and Central Boulevard owned by the Successor Agency to the Brentwood Redevelopment Agency, with Klingbeil Capital Management on the other side of the table. Details of price and terms were discussed in closed session, and no deal was announced. One resident expressed hope that this signals more public land-use discussions coming soon.
Creekside Pickleball Noise and Court Relocation
A 25-year neighbor of Creekside Park asked the city to convert the fenced, lit racket-sports surface to a tennis court, saying parents want indoor gym courts, not more outdoor hoops — the city already has 11 basketball courts and only 2 tennis courts.
Solid Waste Fleet Electrification
The city was set to accept completion of its fleet electrification project by Schneider Electric, part of the shift toward electric city vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Donations and sponsorships policy
The council was scheduled to review donations and sponsorships received from April through September 2026 and consider amendments to the city's donations policy.
Accessible parking standards
A retired Air Force colonel pointed out Brentwood's Costco has 17 accessible spaces while Antioch's has 37. The council asked staff to study raising city standards and to talk with Costco about adding spaces.
City Hall flagpole replacement
The council rejected the $123,772.57 contract, unhappy about cutting trees for flags that still wouldn't be very visible. Staff will look for a cheaper, more prominent spot.
City of Brentwood Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP)
The committee is reviewing a comprehensive equity plan designed to guide diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion efforts within the City of Brentwood's workforce. This initiative aims to shape internal municipal practices and foster a more inclusive organizational culture.
Indoor pickleball and recreation facility exploration
Commissioner Myers requested a future discussion on renting or repurposing an existing vacant building — like the former Raley's — for indoor pickleball, cornhole, and other recreation, noting a letter to the editor in the Brentwood Press called for an indoor facility.
Residential Street Tree Policy and Removals
Commissioner Myers wants the Commission to review the city's residential street tree code after a resident removed a mature tree, leaving a stump. The Commission voted to agendize a discussion of what enforcement tools exist, including what can be done when owners won't replace trees.
Oak Meadow Park Field Lighting and Safety
The city received 12 bids in September to convert sports field lighting to LED at Oak Meadow Park and Balfour Guthrie Park, and the contract award is being finalized — resolving Chair Lind's lighting concern.
Liberty High School Public Art and Design Academy 2027 Project Proposal
High school art students presented five colorful mural concepts for the Brentwood Family Aquatic Center. Commissioners loved the work but want the students to adjust their designs to fit around hallway doors and windows before making a final choice.
Public Art Guidelines & Funding Scope
The commission reviewed and advanced updates to the city's public art guidelines. These changes expand what counts as art and clarify how public art funds can be spent.
Zoning Text Amendment for Subarea “M” within PD-17
The city is correcting an administrative omission by reinstating Subarea “M” into the PD-17 zoning district for a church property on Birch Street.
Celebration Center Educational Expansion
Celebration Center is expanding its private educational facility by adding four modular classrooms to accommodate growing enrollment without increasing overall student capacity.
Fairview Avenue Commercial Center and Dental Office
A new 1.56-acre commercial project featuring a dental office and retail building will be developed on Fairview Avenue, bringing new professional services to the area.
E-bike Ordinance
Brentwood is drafting a new e-bike ordinance to crack down on reckless riding on downtown sidewalks and local trails. Expect new rules covering speed limits, rider ages, and mandatory helmets to keep everyone safe.
Community Events Participation and Budgeting
Commissioners approved participation in the Liberty Homecoming Parade and Hometown Halloween, allocating up to $800 for Halloween supplies and meals.
Closed Session Personnel and Legal Discussions
The city council met privately to handle confidential personnel evaluations and discuss potential legal disputes involving the city.
Downtown Body Art and Tattoo Regulations
The city updated the Downtown Specific Plan to establish clear rules for tattoo and body art shops, capping total licenses at two downtown locations.
Vasco Road Historic Flag Barn Relocation
The council arranged to relocate the historic Vasco Road flag barn to the local historical society museum on Sellers Avenue. This ensures an important piece of local history is preserved and publicly displayed.
Deer Valley Road Safety Improvements
Residents in neighborhoods like Lone Oak and Valley Green raised ongoing concerns about speeding, cut-through traffic, and pedestrian safety near schools. While traffic studies showed speeds didn't meet strict criteria for speed humps, council members pushed for more proactive and innovative solutions.
Senior Housing Affordability and Homelessness
County representatives highlighted that a growing percentage of seniors face severe housing cost burdens and long waitlists for subsidized housing, increasing the risk of homelessness.
Accessible Public Transportation and Tri MyRide
Tri Delta Transit reviewed fixed-route services, paratransit, and the successful rollout of the Tri MyRide microtransit service in Brentwood.
Senior Financial Scams and Public Safety
Police reported an increase in scams targeting seniors, including contractor fraud, grandparent scams, and romance cons, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and verifying requests.
ADA Accessibility Compliance in Downtown Commercial Areas
A local business owner testified that city-approved parking configurations block wheelchair and pedestrian access to her commercial property.
Youth Center Development
Good news for Brentwood teens: a brand-new 15,000-square-foot youth center is officially in the works at Lone Tree Way and Windy Springs Lane, backed by county funds and set to open its doors in 2029. It'll give local kids a dedicated space to hang out, learn, and grow.
Public Employee Discipline and Personnel Matters
The city council is addressing sensitive personnel matters, including potential employee discipline or dismissal and a possible open hearing on specific charges against a public employee. These proceedings directly impact municipal staffing, internal operations, and public accountability.
City Management and Administrative Leadership
The city council is addressing sensitive personnel matters, including potential employee discipline or dismissal and a possible open hearing on specific charges against a public employee. These proceedings directly impact municipal staffing, internal operations, and public accountability.
Gas Utility Litigation Consultation
The council will confer with legal counsel regarding two potential cases of significant exposure to litigation, which could involve city liability or future legal costs.
Real Property Negotiations for 400 Guthrie Lane
The council discussed potential terms and pricing for property located at 400 Guthrie Lane with negotiators.
Downtown Specific Plan Review and Economic Assistance
The city continues its partnership with the Downtown Brentwood Coalition by approving a two-year funding extension to keep downtown vibrant, host community events, and support small businesses.
City Manager Performance Evaluation
The city council reviewed the performance of the City Manager in a closed session to ensure alignment with municipal goals and objectives.
Planning Commission Conduct
A local Brentwood planning commissioner caught heat for dropping unverified rumors about a potential data center during a public meeting. Instead of focusing on actual city policy, officials ended up airing messy speculation that left everyone scratching their heads.
Poet Laureate Anthology Project Funding
Current Poet Laureate Maria Denny presented volume 8 of the community poetry anthology "In Mount Diablo's Shadow," and the commission recommended $2,122 in city funding to support its publication.
Future Data Center Regulations and General Plan Update
Commissioners requested staff research potential data center moratoriums and discussed the need to update the city's aging general plan.
East County Service Center General Plan Conformance
The Planning Commission evaluated whether Contra Costa County's East County Service Center project conforms to local planning guidelines. Concerns were raised about circulation, infrastructure, and compatibility with the Brentwood Boulevard specific plan.
Eight Acres Kitchen and Bar Music Hours Extension
Eight Acres Kitchen & Bar requested an extension for live music hours from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. as part of its one-year operational review. Neighbors and patrons spoke in support of the neighborhood restaurant and its extended hours.