Contra Costa County is a large and diverse region in the northeastern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, with farms and orchards, historic communities, high-density transit-oriented neighborhoods, suburban subdivisions, and extensive open space. PlaceWorks led a General Plan Update centered around strengthening the dozens of unincorporated communities throughout the county through extensive community-scale engagement and community-specific policy guidance. The outcome – Envision Contra Costa 2045 General Plan – establishes a 20-year vision for these unincorporated communities and the County’s natural environment, built on four fundamental themes: environmental justice, economic development, sustainability, and community health.

In parallel with the General Plan, PlaceWorks also led the preparation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Update (CAAP). The CAAP is the County’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 and adapt to changing climate conditions through strategies that address energy and the built environment, solid waste, water use, clean transportation, resilience to climate hazards, climate equity, and leadership.  These integrated plans confront historical patterns of inequity and discrimination to advance health, prosperity, and resilience across the county, while carrying forward enduring themes of compact growth, agricultural preservation, and economic vitality that remain strongly supported by Contra Costa County residents. PlaceWorks also prepared a programmatic EIR covering the updated General Plan and CAAP. The process included over 80 public meetings throughout the county, as well as online engagement tools to reach far-flung residents.

PlaceWorks continues to work with the County on a comprehensive Zoning Code Update to modernize the Code, improve accessibility, and implement the new General Plan. The updated Zoning Code will reflect present-day issues through a focus on density, transitional uses, and streamlined approval with simplified districts.