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 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.
Youth Scholarship Fundraising & Grants
Commissioners are exploring new fundraisers — like restaurant-sponsored nights — to keep enough money in the Youth Commission Scholarship account.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.