September Update from the Walnut Creek City Manager

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September 1, 2026

A message from the City Manager

September brings two opportunities to help shape Walnut Creek’s future. The Community Workshop on September 24 will be an interactive forum on the General Plan Update. Additionally, the City is seeking your input on the City Council’s priorities for 2027 and 2028. You can learn more about both opportunities below. September is also National Preparedness Month, a good reminder to make an emergency plan, prepare supplies, and sign up for local alerts before an emergency occurs. Visit the City's website for resources to help you and your household prepare. As you may have seen in the latest issue of The Nutshell, Election Day is November 3. Walnut Creek voters will elect two City Councilmembers and a City Treasurer and consider two local ballot measures: Measure T regarding the City Treasurer position and Measure U regarding a proposed senior housing site. Vote-by-mail ballots and official ballot drop boxes will be available beginning October 5. Questions about this update or anything else? Email me at CMUpdates@walnutcreekca.gov.

City Council Update 

From left to right: Councilmember Craig DeVinney, Councilmember Cindy Darling, Mayor Kevin Wilk, Mayor Pro Tem Matt Francois, and Councilmember Cindy Silva

At the August 18 meeting, the City Council recognized the Diablo Vista Chorus for becoming Regional Champions and the first chorus in the Pacific Shores Region to surpass a score of 700. The chorus, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, will compete internationally in Seattle in 2027.

The Council also received a presentation on the City’s draft Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan, which outlines a phased approach to transitioning the City’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles and developing the necessary charging infrastructure. Staff will also evaluate a potential fee for public charging stations designed to recover approximately 80% to 90% of the cost of providing the service.

At tonight's meeting, the City Council will receive an update on the progress of City Council's 2025 and 2026 priorities, discuss policy considerations for short-term rentals, and consider a change to compensation for City Councilmembers.

You are welcome to attend meetings in person, participate remotely via Zoom or telephone, or watch via Walnut Creek TV, YouTube Live, or on demand through Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV.

Ygnacio Valley Library Closing for Major Improvements

The Ygnacio Valley Library will temporarily close beginning Wednesday, September 9, through approximately May 2027, while Contra Costa County completes major facility improvements.

The project will include:

• A new all-electric, energy-efficient heating and cooling system
• Roof replacement
• Electrical infrastructure improvements
• Energy-efficient lighting upgrades

Tuesday, September 8, is the final day to pick up existing holds at the Ygnacio Valley branch. Beginning September 9, uncollected holds will be moved to the Walnut Creek Library at 1644 N. Broadway.

The Ygnacio Valley Library’s book drop and parking lot will also be closed during construction. Materials may be borrowed or returned at any open Contra Costa County Library location, including the Walnut Creek, Clayton, Concord, and Pleasant Hill branches.

Hours of operation for the Downtown Walnut Creek Library, (1644 N. Broadway) are as follows:

We Want to Hear from You

Two important community-engagement efforts are underway, giving residents an opportunity to help shape both Walnut Creek’s long-term future and the City Council’s near-term priorities.

Help Shape Walnut Creek 2050

Walnut Creek is updating its General Plan, which is the long-range roadmap that will guide decisions about housing, transportation, parks, public services, sustainability, and other community priorities through 2050.

Residents are invited to meet the project team, learn more, and share their ideas at several upcoming events:

• Downtown Farmers Market: Sunday, September 13, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Shadelands Farmers Market: Saturday, September 19, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Community Workshop: Thursday, September 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive

The community workshop will include food and refreshments, raffle prizes, and activities for children.

Inform Future City Council Priorities

In early 2027, the City Council will establish its priorities for 2027 and 2028. These priorities help focus City resources and guide major initiatives over the next two years.

What issues, opportunities, or projects should the Council consider? You are invited to share ideas through a brief online survey. Community feedback will help inform the Council’s upcoming discussions and planning process.

Spotlight on the Lesher Center for the Arts

There’s plenty to experience at the Lesher Center this fall, from Center REP’s season-opening production of The Glass Menagerie to new and evolving exhibitions at Bedford Gallery. Catch CALeidoscope: Evolving Reflections of California before it closes September 13, then explore High Pile: Concepts in Tufting beginning September 26.

Connect with Community This September

Fall is arriving with plenty of ways to connect, learn, and celebrate in Walnut Creek:

Labor Day ParKoncert: September 7, 6:00–7:00 p.m., Civic Park

Coffee with a Cop: September 8, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Nordstrom at Broadway Plaza

Movies Under the Stars: September 12 at sundown, Civic Park

Public Art Walking Tour: September 19, 10:00–11:00 a.m., beginning at the Lesher Center for the Arts

Community Workshop: Thursday, September 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive

Walnut Creek Oktoberfest: September 25, 5:00–10:00 p.m., and September 26, noon–9:00 p.m., Civic Park East