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Friday, February 27, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

Typo edited 4:30pm 2/27/26

News From the City Manager’s Corner

This week’s updates from City Manager, Niroop Srivatsa highlight:

• City Council Sets Top Priorities
• Next Steps for Downtown Parking Management Study
• Learn Insights about the Lafayette Police Department
• Public Art Committee Update
• Spring Break Camps for Little Artists and Athletes!
• Now Hiring: After School Program Leaders and Camp Counselors

If you have feedback for us about these topics, send an email to lafayettelistens@lovelafayette.org.

City Council Sets Top Priorities for the Year Ahead

Last Friday, the City Council charted a clear course for the year ahead, setting priorities that reflect our community’s values and aspirations:

• Wildfire preparedness will remain a top priority to ensure that our community is ready to respond effectively in an emergency.
• Advancing the Mt. Diablo Blvd. corridor plan and related downtown improvements will continue as a second key focus.
• As part of the City’s ongoing fiscal sustainability efforts, the Council will prioritize long-term planning and financing for our recreational needs, with particular attention to determining the future of our aging recreation center and addressing the shortage of athletic fields. 

Each year, the City Council holds a special meeting that we sometimes refer to as their goal-setting workshop to establish their main priorities for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1–June 30). These priorities are then incorporated into staff’s workplans and the upcoming budget. All three of these priorities will also rely on community engagement so stay tuned for ways you can get involved!

I’m genuinely excited about the work ahead and proud of our staff’s commitment to turning these priorities into meaningful action — steps that will make Lafayette an even better place to live, work, and visit.

Next Steps for Downtown Parking Management Study

The City of Lafayette’s Downtown Parking Management Study will be discussed at the Transportation & Circulation Commission meeting on Monday, March 2, starting at 7pm. The Commission will review the study findings and recommended phased implementation approach and provide feedback to help guide next steps before the item advances to the City Council.

This study, funded by a Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) grant, evaluates existing parking conditions, future demand associated with new housing and evolving travel patterns, and strategies to better manage the supply of parking in our downtown. The study focuses on improving clarity, consistency, and coordination across public and privately accessible parking, while supporting local businesses, employees, residents, and visitors. On Monday night, the Commission will review the study’s findings and recommended phased implementation approach and provide feedback to help guide next steps before the item advances to the City Council. Community members are encouraged to attend or follow the discussion.

We welcome your interest and encourage you to attend or watch the Transportation & Circulation Commission meeting. If you have questions about the Study, please contact Transportation Program Manager Patrick Golier.

Curious About the Lafayette Police Department? Participate in the Next Citizens’ Police Academy

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a police officer in Lafayette? The Citizens’ Police Academy is your chance to find out how the department operates through interactive lectures, hands-on experiences, tours, and more. The academy will be held Tuesday evenings, 6 to 8pm starting on March 24 and space is limited so submit your application soon! You must be at least 21, live or work in Lafayette, and pass a background check in order to participate. Questions? Contact Police Department Administrative Analyst, Cathy Surges-Moscato. 

Public Art Committee Update

Chair Janice Peacock gave an update on the Public Art Committee’s annual update on Goals and Accomplishments. The PAC curates rotating exhibitions, serves as a steward of the City’s public art collection and advises the City Council on public art acquisitions/gifts and their maintenance, as well as collaborates with private development projects to meet public art requirements.

In 2025, PAC installed 15 exhibitions - representing a 50 percent increase over the prior year! The committee showcased the work of 43 local visual artists and 7 poets as well as hosted three artist receptions and participated in three public art programs last Spring.

For more details about their accomplishments, watch a recording of the presentation on our YouTube Channel. (Apologies to Chair Peacock and the audience on the technical difficulties sharing the slides at the beginning of the presentation!)

Spring Break Camps for Little Artists and Athletes!

Looking for something fun for your school-aged kid to do over spring break? We’ve got you covered, with camps focused on: art exploration | fashion sewing | soccer | soccer + art | Spring Olympics. View classes and register now.

Now Hiring: After School Program Leaders and Camp Counselors

We’ve got great job opportunities for high school and college students passionate about working with kids, having fun, and making a difference!

• Join the After School Awesome team to assists in organizing and conducting recreation activities for Lafayette Recreation's After School Awesome program (for elementary age children).

• Looking for a summer job? Apply now to become a Camp Awesome counselor.

Meetings & Events 

The Planning Commission meeting on Monday night starts at 7pm and includes two public hearings:

• Application by OUTDO Lafayette, LLC to construct a mixed-use residential development comprising 30 condominium units and ground-floor commercial space at 3458 Mount Diablo Blvd. The project includes three below-market-rate units.

  Because the applicant has requested density bonus, waivers, and concessions, the final action on the project will be taken by the Lafayette City Council following advisory review by the Design Review Commission and Planning Commission.

• Application by Collins (Owner) to construct a 6,160 sq. ft. two story home on a vacant parcel on Happy Valley Road in the Hillside Overlay District.

See the full agenda for the staff reports as well as information about how to participate in or watch the meeting. Information is also available at www.lovelafayette.org/calendar.

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Emergency Preparedness Commission – March 2 at 10am
• Transportation & Circulation Commission – March 2 at 7pm (noted above)
• City Schools Subcommittee – March 4 at 3:30pm
• Public Art Committee – March 4 at 4pm
• Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission - Trails Subcommittee – March 4 at 7pm

Updates on City-led Capital Improvement Projects

Start of BART Bike Station/Pathway Project Delayed

Construction has not yet started on the BART Bike Station/Pathway Project. Our contractor is working on providing the necessary site security and pedestrian detour plans to BART for their review to ensure that access to the BART station is available at all times during construction.  Once these plans have been approved the contractor will begin working on the project. Read more about the project and sign-up for weekly construction updates sent directly to your email inbox on the project webpage.

March Preview from the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation 

Be the first to know about all library programs by subscribing to their weekly program newsletter. Here’s a preview of some events at the library this month:

• Raising Kids in an AI World on March 5

  How can families help kids navigate the digital world safely and with confidence? Join this informative session with experts from Common Sense Media. You’ll leave with practical steps and conversation starters to support safe and healthy digital habits. Registration is required for this free event.

• Special screening of The Librarians on March 17

  Join award-winning filmmaker Kim A. Snyder for a special screening and discussion of her latest film, The Librarians. RSVP for this event.

• Nerd Alert Packs- Itty Bitty Labubus on March 21

  Let your geek flag fly! Pick up a pack to transform a tiny rabbit cupcake topper into a micro-sized 1.5 inch Labubu. Make it classic or creepy, it's up to you. One bag per maker, for ages 10+ only.

• Sweet Thursday - Bridget's Gambit on March 26

  Join Friends of the Lafayette Library in welcoming Craig C. Harwood to discuss his latest book, Bridget’s Gambit. Learn more and register at tinyurl.com/sweetT-Mar202

• Night at the Library Tickets on Sale Now!

Join the Foundation in April for a night of fun! Purchase tickets for Night at the Library: A Curious Event- learn more on our website at www.LLLCF.org/NATL2026