Walnut Creek City Council: 7/21/2026

The City of Walnut Creek City Council held a regular meeting on July 21, 2026, which included a detailed discussion and public hearing on the proposed user fee cost recovery policy and updates to the fiscal year 2027 master fee schedule. The council reviewed a comprehensive fee study recommending adjustments to over 600 fee line items, aiming to better align fees with the cost of service while balancing affordability and community benefits. Key topics included the introduction of a 10% resident discount for applicable fees, distinctions between voluntary and non-voluntary services, and phased implementation of fee increases. The council also deliberated on whether to extend resident discounts to unincorporated Walnut Creek residents, with a preference emerging to include all Walnut Creek residents regardless of incorporation status. Additionally, the council received an elections code section 9212 report on the Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village initiative, which proposes land use and zoning changes to facilitate senior residential development near the BART station. The council voted to place the initiative on the November ballot, opting not to print the full 65-page measure in the ballot materials but to provide a summary and make the full text available online and by request. No ballot arguments opposing the measure were authorized by the council. The meeting concluded with a tribute to former mayor Sue Rainey.