Contra Costa County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Contra Costa County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Head Start Program Continuation and Grant Funding
The county's Head Start program continues to navigate federal regulatory shifts while expanding child development services and accepting a supplemental nutrition grant.
Basic Health Care Program Expansion
The county is expanding its Basic Health Care program to provide a safety net for thousands of residents expected to lose Medi-Cal coverage due to upcoming federal and state policy changes. The program bridges coverage gaps for low-income residents who do not qualify for other insurance.
View Preservation, Setbacks, and Geotechnical Safety in Kensington
Neighbors on Willamette Avenue fought the Rangr-designed home over blocked Golden Gate Bridge views, lost kitchen and study sunlight, a narrow street, and a state-designated earthquake-induced landslide zone. The commission approved the project but kept a condition requiring a county-peer-reviewed supplemental geotechnical report before any permits.
Holistic Intervention Partnership (HIP) Funding and Services
The Board extended contract support for Support4Recovery's Spanish-language sober living program and directed health officials to utilize opioid settlement funds to prevent the program from hitting a fiscal cliff.
Contra Costa Health Long-Term Fiscal Outlook and Deficit
The county is facing severe financial operating losses in its commercial health plan, prompting significant premium rate increases that will impact county employees and retirees. Officials balance the necessity of maintaining state regulatory compliance against the heavy cost burdens placed on workers.
Truth Act Forum and Immigration Enforcement Communications
The county debated whether to adopt a policy or ordinance to limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities under Senate Bill 580. Community members strongly urged the board to pass a binding ordinance with contractor compliance, while the board ultimately approved a comprehensive non-cooperation policy incorporating state guidelines.