Concord to Launch Homeless Strategic Plan this Spring

Addressing homelessness in Concord remains a top priority for the City Council, which has set aside $5.4 million to fund priorities established in its forthcoming Homeless Strategic Plan.  

At its Feb. 14 meeting, Council voted to approve a contract with a consultant that will collaborate with City staff and the community to develop the strategic plan, with work beginning in March.  

Council also established and selected nine individuals to participate in a working group that will provide guidance throughout the development of the plan. 

The strategic plan is intended to establish a framework to help guide the City in its response to addressing homelessness and its impacts, and it will incorporate the following elements:  

• A broad community engagement plan to include diverse stakeholder groups of residents, businesses, individuals with lived experience, service providers, faith-based groups, etc. 
• A working group, appointed by Council, to work directly with staff and the consulting team to guide the development of the Plan. 
• A background report which identifies a system map of relevant community services, current regional and local strategies, challenges, and costs. 
• An assessment of unmet needs, system gaps, and system performance. 
• An overview of federal, state, and regional/county data, and opportunities for funding or partnership. 
• The development of a vision, goals, and objectives with measurable performance targets and implementation recommendations. 

The final plan will offer a comprehensive collection of strategies that the City can prioritize and implement to align with regional and state initiatives for collective impact on homelessness.  

The first phase will include a series of discussions with stakeholders and the development of a background report that identifies existing services and system gaps. Throughout the process, the City will be seeking community input via surveys and public meetings. More information on this will be forthcoming. 

To stay up to date on this project, please check for updates on the City's dedicated Homeless Strategic Plan web page and subscribe to our Homeless Response e-mail list.

To learn more about what the City is doing to address homelessness, read our Dec. 2022 article and visit our Homeless Services web page.

CORE Success in Concord

Concord's full-time Coordinated Outreach, Referral and Engagement (CORE) team - contracted through Contra Costa County - continues to make a positive impact in the community.

In January, CORE made six rapid rehousing referrals and was able to assist 15 individuals in finding stable exits from the streets.

In one case, a 56-year-old man had been utilizing various homeless services since 2012. The man is now in permanent housing, thanks to the CORE team, which helped him obtain vital documents, facilitated moving cost assistance, and helped him obtain furniture.

In another case, a 64-year-old woman had been homeless since 2005. She had experienced many life tragedies including domestic violence, drug addiction, and the loss of two sons. CORE facilitated her entry into Concord's rapid rehousing program run by Hope Solutions, and is now on the Shelter Plus Care waitlist.

To learn more about how Concord is investing in services to assist the unsheltered, please visit the Homeless Services web page.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Available for Public Review, Comment

The City of Concord’s Office of Emergency Services and Community Development Department invite members of the community to review and comment on the public draft of the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023 Update.

In July of 2022, the City embarked on a planning process to prepare for and lessen the impacts of specified natural hazards by updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

The two-week public review period of the Draft Plan began on Monday, February 13, 2023 and ends on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

The Draft Plan is located online at www.cityofconcord.org/hazardmitigation. 

Members of the public may submit written comments on the draft plan via Survey Monkey.

FEMA Individual Assistance Available for Storm Damage

For Concord residents who sustained damage to their residence and/or business property from the December 31, 2022--January 20, 2023 series of winter storms, you can now seek assistance through FEMA. You must apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800- 621-3362. Please note: Applying does not guarantee that assistance will be awarded. 

This is a FEMA-led process, so you must submit your application and queries directly to FEMA. A local Disaster Recovery Center will be established soon, where you can meet with someone in person to ask questions or get information (more information to follow). 

If you have already submitted storm damage information to the County, please know that this information was used solely to help the County secure federal assistance. The information provided did not constitute submission of a claim. You must still apply for Individual Assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Note: If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company first before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA assistance cannot aid with losses already covered by insurance.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Seeks Two Members

The City Council recently announced a recruitment for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to fill two vacancies for a term ending February 28, 2027. The deadline for applications by the City Clerk is March 14 at 5 p.m.

The role of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is to review transportation capital projects including roadway, pedestrian and bicycle improvements and provide input to staff on Complete Streets features and for conformity with the City’s Bicycle, Pedestrian and Safe Routes to Transit Plan; review related grant applications; annually review the City’s progress on Plan implementation; and, review and provide input on programs or policies related to implementation of the Safe Routes to Transit Plan.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is comprised of five members serving four-year terms. Members must be Concord residents and be enthusiastic about Complete Streets, cycling and other alternative modes of transportation. 

Learn more and apply today!

Summer Camp Expo Coming March 4

Start planning your perfect summer experience by visiting the annual Concord Recreation Services Summer Camp Expo on Saturday, March 4 in Todos Santos Plaza.

Featuring a variety of our summer camp offerings, the Summer Camp Expo is an exciting opportunity to meet staff, learn more about our camp opportunities, and participate in fun activities including face painting, lawn games, giveaways, crafts, and more! The annual Summer Camp Expo is sure to get you in the mood for the summer season.

Know of anyone who would be a perfect fit for our summer staff team? On-the-spot job interviews will be offered for seasonal and year-round positions including summer camp counselors, swim instructors, and lifeguards! 

Concord's Got Talent!

The first ever "Concord's Got Talent" 50 & Better talent show is set for Saturday, May 20 at 5 p.m. The show provides the 50 & Better community and their families with the opportunity to display their talents!

We are seeking musicians, singers, dancers, actors, comedians, and more! To audition, please call 925-671-3320 to reserve an audition time.  

In order to participate as an act in the show... 

• At least one member of your act must be 50 years or older.
• Acts cannot exceed five minutes. 
• Performers should plan to attend the final dress rehearsal on Monday, May 15 at 5 p.m. 

The event will be presented by the Concord Senior Center, located at 2727 Parkside Circle, and all proceeds will go toward recreation scholarships for Concord Senior Citizens. Tickets will go on sale on April 5, and are only $5. 

You can also sponsor the event! For more information on how to become a sponsor, please call 925-671-3171. 

The City of Concord's upcoming public meetings include:

• Wednesday, Feb. 22: Zoning Administrator - CANCELLED
• Thursday, Feb. 23: Design Review Board
• Monday, Feb. 27: Planning Commission
• Tuesday, Feb. 28: City Council
• Wednesday, Mar. 1: Planning Commission
• Wednesday, Mar. 8: Zoning Administrator

See the full calendar.

To receive email or text notifications when the meeting agendas are posted, please subscribe to alerts using the "Notify Me" tool on the City's website.

City Council and Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Concord TV (Astound/Wave 29 and 1026, Comcast 28, U-verse 99) and streamed through the City's website as well as rebroadcast at later times.