WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Walnut Creek is beginning a years-long effort to decide how the city should grow, move and invest over the next quarter-century — and residents are being invited to help shape the plan from its earliest stages.
The city is developing a new long-range blueprint called Walnut Creek 2050. The General Plan will guide decisions involving housing, transportation, parks, businesses, public spaces and other aspects of daily life through 2050.
Unlike a proposal for a single building or development, the General Plan does not approve individual projects. Instead, it establishes the policies city leaders will use when considering future development, infrastructure spending, zoning changes and community programs.
That makes the current outreach process an important opportunity for residents to influence decisions that may not become visible for years.
What could change under the new plan?
Walnut Creek’s existing General Plan was adopted in 2006 and was designed to guide the city through 2025. City officials say the update is needed to account for changes in state law, housing needs, transportation, the economy and community priorities.
The new plan will address state-required subjects such as land use, housing, transportation, open space, conservation, safety and noise. It will also place added emphasis on public health and well-being, economic vitality, arts and culture.
Some of the central questions residents will be asked to consider include:
- Where and how should Walnut Creek accommodate future growth?
- What kinds of housing should be available for young families, workers, seniors and longtime residents?
- How can the city preserve neighborhood character while allowing new housing and businesses?
- What would make it safer or easier to travel by car, BART, bicycle or on foot?
- How should Walnut Creek support small businesses, address vacant offices and encourage new investment?
- What role should parks, open space, arts and public gathering places play in the city’s future?
- How should Walnut Creek prepare for wildfire, extreme heat and other climate-related risks?
Want to keep up with the biggest decisions shaping Walnut Creek and the rest of the 925? Join the 925 News newsletter here.
The city is currently in the “existing conditions and visioning” phase. Later stages will examine different land-use and transportation alternatives, develop specific policies and produce a draft plan and environmental impact report.
The final plan is expected to reach the City Council for adoption in 2029.
Growth and preservation are already emerging as key issues
Early discussions suggest that balancing growth with the qualities residents already value will be one of the process’s defining challenges.
According to a July 21 City Council staff report, the project team met with more than 40 representatives of businesses, community organizations, public agencies, property owners, arts groups and advocacy organizations during June and July.
Participants called for more housing choices and thoughtful infill development while also protecting neighborhood character. Other priorities included safer streets, stronger bicycle and pedestrian connections, better access to BART and downtown, support for small businesses, more cultural amenities and improved climate resilience.
City commissioners raised similar themes, including the importance of Walnut Creek’s parks, downtown, schools, healthcare facilities and regional transportation connections.
Those early conversations do not determine what will appear in the final plan. The city says public feedback will continue throughout all five phases of the update.
How residents can participate
The city plans to collect feedback through workshops, open houses, online questionnaires, focus groups, commission meetings and pop-up booths at community events.
Upcoming opportunities include:
- Once Upon a Street at Broadway Plaza: Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Downtown Walnut Creek Farmers Market: Sunday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Shadelands Farmers Market: Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- First community workshop: Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Park Community Center
The Sept. 24 workshop is expected to give participants a chance to discuss their vision for Walnut Creek, identify major issues and opportunities, and help establish the objectives that will guide later stages of the plan.
Residents can follow new events, submit comments and sign up for email updates through the Walnut Creek 2050 participation page. Questions and suggestions can also be sent to WalnutCreek2050@walnutcreekca.gov.
The plan may carry “2050” in its name, but the choices that shape it are beginning now.
