News & Updates ∙ August 18, 2020
Elementary Schools May Apply for Waiver
Contra Costa Health Services announced today that starting Aug. 19, public and private elementary schools (TK – 6th grade) can submit applications online to local health and education officials to allow in-person instruction at their campuses.
 
Schools in counties such as Contra Costa that are on the State’s monitoring list can’t reopen unless granted a waiver by local and state health officials. Schools must show how they would safely conduct in-person classes to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 before being allowed to reopen. CCHS and the County Office of Education have developed a checklist with safety measures schools must take.
 
COVID-19 has made the back-to-school season a challenging time for children and their families. Contra Costa Health Services has compiled a list of resources for parents and families to address the challenges of learning from home instead of at school.
 
These resources, along with additional information about school openings, can be found on the County's schools page.

As of Aug. 18, Contra Costa County has 11,668 known cases, with 1,498 positive cases in Concord. To review a demographic and geographic breakdown of cases, please see the County's COVID-19 dashboard.

For more information, please visit the County website. Residents can also call the Contra Costa County Coronavirus Call Center at (844) 729-8410 daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apply Now for Local Small Business Loan
The application for Concord's Small Business Grant Program is now open and will close on Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m. Eligible businesses that are experiencing adverse financial impacts due to COVID-19 can apply for a one-time grant of $5,000. This program is funded by the federal CARES Act.

Learn more about the grant program and find the application on our ConcordFirst website.
Farmers' Market Returns to Todos Santos Plaza
The Concord Farmers' Market is proud to return to Todos Santos Plaza, beginning August 18. You can find farm-fresh produce, dozens of other culinary delights, flowers, soaps and more out at the Plaza every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Virtual Permit Center Makes it Easier to Do Business Online
On August 5, the City launched a comprehensive, online development permitting service.

Applicants can now apply for building, engineering and planning permits online through Concord's Virtual Permit Center, enabling them to instantly receive permits at the time of application for simple permits such as water heater replacements and reroofs. It also allows customers to apply, pay for, upload and download permit documents and check the status of their permits -- 24/7 and all online!

Check out the Virtual Permit Center now
and get information on submittal requirements and instructions through our permitting web page.
Tune in to Concord Live
Every Thursday at 6 p.m., the City of Concord features a special guest who provides live entertainment for our community via Facebook. It could be a virtual cooking class, an art project, a high-energy workout, or some other fun activity designed to keep us all connected and engaged. All of the past videos live on our site, so you can go back and check them out any time.

Check out Concord Live! on our Facebook page.

Aug. 13: Dessert Decorating with Alpine Bakery (video)
We're Hiring
The City of Concord has a number of essential staff roles that we are looking to fill. Know someone who might be interested? Please help us get the word out about these important public service jobs:

  • Childcare Recreation Specialist II (part time)
  • Deputy City Clerk
  • Executive Secretary (Confidential)
  • Permit Center Technician
  • Principal Planner
  • ...and more!
Stay Informed
Stay up-to-date on news and information related to the local and state response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Information for businesses, frequently asked questions about City services, as well as City resources are available through our website.
City of Concord | www.cityofconcord.org