Contra Costa County - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Contra Costa County is a prominent local government dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and fostering economic vitality for its businesses. The county aspires to be a world-class service organization, leveraging innovation and collaborative partnerships to ensure a safe, healthy, and prosperous environment for all. Its core values emphasize client and community focus, quality services, accountability, fiscal prudence, and organizational excellence. Key departments such as the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) and the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) align with this vision, working towards a self-sufficient, healthy, and safe community and equitable educational opportunities. The county is a significant entity in California, known for its strategic long-term planning, robust financial management, and commitment to public service and sustainable growth.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Contra Costa County's strategic focus is deeply rooted in long-term community well-being and sustainable development.

Comprehensive Planning: Guiding development and resource use through comprehensive plans like "Envision Contra Costa 2040," a review and update of the County's General Plan, providing a long-term resiliency framework.

Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability: Implementing the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and developing initiatives like the Clean Energy Roadmap for Existing Buildings and the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan.

Economic Development: Encouraging investment and job growth through initiatives like the Economic Development team's work in unincorporated communities and the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative.

Public Safety and Quality of Life: Ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining a high quality of life, alongside a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA): Integrating DEIA principles into all efforts to improve the quality of life for all County residents.

Customer Success and Digital Equity: Realigning the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) to improve operational efficiency, enhance citizen support and communication services, and ensure all citizens have access to and can effectively use digital resources through optimized digital platforms and multilingual support.

Specialization Areas

The county specializes in integrated governance that addresses both immediate needs and future challenges.

Long-term Resiliency Planning: Comprehensive land use and environmental planning through Envision Contra Costa 2040 and the Climate Action Plan Update.

Climate Change Adaptation: Initiatives focused on reducing carbon footprints and increasing resilience against environmental changes, such as the Clean Energy Roadmap and the Resilient Shoreline Plan.

Regional Economic Growth: Targeted economic development strategies, including the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative, designed to create jobs and foster investment.

Civic Technology and Digital Accessibility: Leveraging technology to improve citizen services and communication, with a focus on digital equity and robust IT infrastructure.

Target Markets

Contra Costa County primarily serves its diverse population of over 1.1 million residents across its multiple cities and unincorporated areas, as well as businesses operating within its jurisdiction. Its strategic initiatives are designed to benefit all segments of its community by enhancing public services, fostering economic opportunities, and ensuring environmental stewardship.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Contra Costa County demonstrates a robust financial position underpinned by prudent fiscal management.

The Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Recommended Budget was approximately $5.979 billion.

The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Recommended Budget increased to $7.131 billion, a 16% increase, primarily driven by a $1.007 billion increase for the Health Services Department for state pass-through payments and mandated programs.

Over half of the county's budget, $4.105 billion, is funded by State and Federal sources.

Key Financial Highlights

Strong Reserves and Credit Ratings: The county maintains strong financial reserves, excellent credit ratings, and low debt due to decades of prudent fiscal management. This position allows the county to leverage elevated interest rate environments and manage rising costs.

Major Revenue Sources (FY25-26):

Property taxes: $553.0 million (largest category)

Measure X sales tax (FY24-25): $120.2 million

Interest income (FY24-25): $60 million

Sales and use taxes (FY24-25): $21.7 million

Budget Allocation: Approximately 78% of the county's discretionary budget is allocated to eight departments, with a primary focus on public health and safety. The Health Services Department, for instance, has a general purpose revenue budget of $247.7 million (including Measure X) for ongoing operations in FY25-26, accounting for 30.1% of the discretionary funds.

Contingency Planning: The county increased its appropriations for contingencies from $20 million to $21.5 million in the FY25-26 budget to address external policy and budgetary uncertainties at federal and state levels.

3. Product Pipeline

Contra Costa County is actively pursuing a diverse array of projects and initiatives across its departments, categorized as:

Community Planning Projects

Envision Contra Costa 2040: A comprehensive review and update of the County's General Plan.

Byron Airport Development Program: Aims to modify existing policies to broaden allowed uses on airport property, promoting economic development and self-sufficiency.

Clean Energy Roadmap for Existing Buildings: Part of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 2024, focusing on converting homes and businesses to low-carbon or carbon-free appliances.

Climate Action Plan Update (CAP): A strategic initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in unincorporated areas, updated in conjunction with Envision Contra Costa 2040.

Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan: Explores strategies to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of the entire Contra Costa shoreline against rising sea levels.

Urban Limit Line Renewal: Preparation for a ballot measure in 2025 to renew the Urban Limit Line, which restricts urban development to preserve farmland and open space.

Major Planning Projects Under Consideration

Bayview Residential Project: Proposes 144 single-family homes and infrastructure on an approximately 78-acre site, including a proposed park.

Brentwood Oil and Gas: A request for a Land Use Permit to establish an approximately 60,000 square-foot gas and oil well pad.

CEMEX Clayton Quarry: A project to revise the approved reclamation plan for environmental superiority.

CenterPoint Properties Warehouse Project: Proposes three warehouse buildings totaling approximately 555,537 square feet.

Martinez Refinery Renewable Fuels Project: A permit application for the conversion of Marathon's Martinez Refinery from crude oil processing to renewable feedstocks.

Scannell Properties: Proposes two warehouse fulfillment buildings totaling approximately 325,000 square feet in North Richmond.

Tassajara Parks: Construction of 125 single-family homes with park, recreation, and open space components.

Public Works Programs & Projects

Active Transportation: Initiatives designed to promote walking and cycling.

Capital Road Improvement & Preservation Program: Significant investment in upgrading and maintaining road infrastructure.

Curb Ramp Program/ADA: Projects aimed at improving accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Vision Zero: A comprehensive program striving to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

Building Projects: Includes the Administration Building/Jail Demolition & Redevelopment and the Public Safety Building and Emergency Operations Center.

4. Technology & Innovation

The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) and the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) are central to the county's technological advancement and innovation efforts.

Technology Stack

Core Platforms & Services (DoIT):

Customer Care and IT Device Support Services: Providing essential technical assistance and device management.

Enterprise System Catalog: Managing a broad portfolio of specialized technical services, including PeopleSoft, Law & Justice, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Database Administration. This also includes defining business requirements, systems analysis, custom application development, and project management.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): A fundamental platform for spatial data management, analysis, and visualization critical for planning and operations.

Hybrid Cloud Server & Database Administration: Managing a robust and scalable server and database infrastructure across hybrid cloud environments.

Information Security: A strong emphasis on protecting county data, systems, and ensuring cyber resilience.

Telecom & Public Safety Radio Management: Essential infrastructure for county-wide communication, especially for emergency services.

County Website and Citizen Communication Platforms: Maintaining an optimized, multilingual, and accessible county website, alongside mobile applications and social media channels to facilitate digital equity and citizen engagement.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Identified as an emerging area of focus within the IT department.

Electronic Document Management: Utilization of systems like Legistar for managing board records, agendas, and meeting minutes, XMediusFAX for fax management, and Zasio for records management.

Educational Technology (CCCOE):

Tyler/Munis Financial and Human Resources Modules: Core systems for managing financial and HR operations.

Infrastructure Assistance: Providing vital infrastructure support, including Wide Area Network (WAN) and Internet Service Provider (ISP) services for educational institutions.

Technology Planning and Communication Support: Assisting with strategic technology planning and communication initiatives across school districts.

5. Leadership & Management

Contra Costa County operates under the leadership of a Board of Supervisors and key administrative officials, driving its strategic direction and operational efficiency.