On February 6, Mayor Carlyn Obringer speaks with former KPIX reporter, Ann Notarangelo, at the 40th State of the City luncheon at Concord Hilton. You can watch the entire interview at this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ZI9vFeybY
Mayor Obringer discusses the status of Concord roadwork, synchronizing traffic lights, Concord Pavilion’s 50th Year Anniversary, Concord Naval Weapons Development, Housing, businesses and more.
The link is also available at the City of Concord’s official website.
UPDATED MARCH 3, 2025: On February 6, I sat down with award-winning journalist Ann Notarangelo to discuss the State of the City of Concord at the 40th annual Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.
Here is a summary of our conversation.
Over the last several years, highlights for me have included:
Making progress on fixing the roads by spending $114 million over a five-year period to rebuild and repave all arterials and some neighborhood streets.
Finding a development partner trusted by the Concord Community, to redevelop the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.
Getting 1,000 units of new housing in the development pipeline, 500 of which are affordable to people making between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income.
Distributing $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, in the form of small business grants, to help keep Concord small businesses afloat.
Launching the award-winning Creative Concord Program as an economic development tool which brought regional performers and 18 new murals to our city.
Improving the cleanliness and safety of Downtown Concord via a pilot program that included a security guard, day porter, and an on-demand pressure-washing program.
Developing a community-informed Homeless Strategic Plan which is now being implemented.
What is being done to support businesses big and small?
Providing free Small Business Development Center consultations: https://www.eastbaysbdc.org/in-person-advising-concord/
Launching the Shop Concord gift card program around the holidays annually to encourage support for small Concord businesses.
Me as Mayor, and the economic development team, highlighting small businesses on social media.
Me, as Mayor, and economic development staff, conducting goodwill visits with large employers to hear directly what we can do to support their sustainability and growth.
Things to look forward to this year?
Activities around town to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Concord Pavilion.
“The most wonderful time of the year” — the award-winning Music & Market series in Concord’s “living room,” Todos Santos Plaza, from June through September.
Expanding my “September of Service” park beautification or tree planning event in each City Council district during the month of September.
Raising funds to help preserve the historic Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe via a bowling event on October 4, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Clayton Valley Bowl.
Monthly “Beer with the Mayor” and “Coffee with the Mayor” events as ways to connect with the community in an informal setting while highlighting a local Concord business/community space.
Most of all, I look forward to continuing to work with Concord residents, local workers, and business owners to make our city an even better place to live, work, raise a family, do business, and retire!
The entire State of the City can be viewed at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ZI9vFeybY