News Release: City of Walnut Creek recruiting for a variety of advisory commissions

NEWS RELEASE: Recruitment Underway for Walnut Creek Commissions

Applications available now for a wide variety of panels

Will this be the year that you serve your community? There are a number of opportunities available to serve on commissions in Walnut Creek. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. January 26 for vacancies on the following City commissions:

• Arts Commission (2 seats vacant)
• Design Review (one vacancy, must be a registered architect to apply)
• Park, Recreation and Open Space (one vacancy, must be a City resident)
• Planning Commission (one vacancy, must be a City resident)
• Transportation Commission (one vacancy, must be a City resident)

On February 1, the City Council will select applicants to invite for interviews that will take place on February 15. Appointments are expected to be made at the conclusion of the interviews. Apply online and get more information on the City’s website: www.walnut-creek.org

Advisory commissions serve and important role in the City of Walnut Creek, and give residents a first-hand perspective and involvement in shaping the City’s future. A complete listing of the Commission’s duties can be found in Sections 2-1.101 through 2-1.604 of the Walnut Creek Municipal Code.  (https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/WalnutCreek/)

There is also an opening for a Walnut Creek alternate representative on the Contra Costa Library Commission, which provides a link between the community and the County’s library system. It also provides a forum for the public to express views regarding the goals and operations of the Library, assist in providing library services based on assessed public needs, and to make recommendations to improve the Library.

Additionally, there is an opening for a Walnut Creek resident on the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority Advisory Committee, which reviews, analyzes and advices the County Connection Board on issues relating to bus and paratransit service. The Committee also considers and makes recommendation on finance and planning issues. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will make the final approval decision for the chosen candidate.

Here is a rundown on the main duties of each City Commission with a current opening: 

• Arts Commission: advises the City Council on facilities, programs and policies that enhance the artistic, aesthetic, and cultural quality of life in the City and contribute to the economic vitality of the City. The Arts Commission guides implementation of the public art program and Public Art Master Plan.

 

• Design Review Commission: develops and enforces design standards, policies, and practices that promote aesthetics, encourage economic vitality, and enhance the design of the City’s built environment.

 

• Park, Recreation and Open Space (PROS): advises the City Council on the general direction and emphasis of park, recreation, creek, trail and open space needs, facilities and programs.

 

• Planning Commission: reviews projects for compliance with the City’s land use and zoning regulations, and has approval authority for subdivision maps, use permits and variances. Another key role for Commissioners involves the City’s General Plan and various Specific Plans; the Planning Commission prepares and recommends adoption of those plans to the City Council. The innovative projects and developments taking shape around Walnut Creek first go through the public hearing process at the Planning Commission.

 

• Transportation Commission: advises on all issues affecting parking and transportation in Walnut Creek.

 

To all of our residents who currently serve on City advisory bodies, we thank you!