Latest News

Friday, May 22, 2026| What’s Doing in Lafayette?

News From the City Manager’s Corner

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

• Help Shape the Future of Walking and Biking Downtown: Apply to Serve on the New Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee
• Call for Artists: Lafayette Gallery Spaces
• Take the Food Scraps Survey
• Apply to Serve on the Design Review or Planning Commission
• Q&A About Lafayette School District’s Measure H Parcel Tax
• City Council Meeting on Tuesday Night
• Show Us Your Best Photos of the Lafayette Reservoir Tower to Win a Prize
• Reservoir Walking Group for Seniors
• Roadwork Projects

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

Help Shape the Future of Walking and Biking Downtown: Apply to Serve on the New Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee

The City's long-term vision for a vibrant, connected downtown includes residential growth along the Mt. Diablo Boulevard Corridor that will create new opportunities for people to live close to restaurants, shops, BART, the library, parks, and other downtown amenities. With this in mind, we have begun work on the Mt. Diablo Boulevard Corridor Multimodal Mobility Plan ("M3") to create a shared vision for moving through our vibrant downtown that will make moving through the downtown easier and more appealing to get around whether you're heading to school, meeting friends, shopping, or catching BART.

We're currently accepting applications to fill 3 at-large community member seats on the new Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee, that will provide community input on M3 and other overlapping transportation and urban design projects and studies.

The Committee will meet approximately every one to two months for an 18 to 24-month period, with meetings anticipated to begin in late summer 2026. The Committee will:

• Review concepts, alternatives, and draft recommendations
• Help identify tradeoffs, opportunities, and potential impacts across projects
• Provide balanced feedback informed by lived experience and professional insight

Learn more about how to apply on the Multi-Modal Mobility Advisory Committee page or by downloading the recruitment flyer. Applications are due June 14, 2026 to be considered during first review.

Call for Artists: Lafayette Gallery Spaces

We are currently accepting applications from artists interested in exhibiting work in our gallery spaces. This opportunity is open to visual artists working in a range of media who are interested in sharing their work with the local community. For more information and to apply, read the Call for Artists

Reminder! Take the Food Scraps Survey

RecycleSmart and the City of Lafayette want to hear from Lafayette residents about food scraps! If you haven’t already completed the online survey, please take 5 to 10 minutes to complete it before the survey closes on May 31 at www.RecycleSmart.org/Survey.

Click on the image or scan the QR code to go to www.RecycleSmart.org/Survey.

Apply to Serve on the Design Review or Planning Commission

We are currently seeking residents to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Design Review Commission and one current vacancy on the Planning Commission. Volunteers are interviewed and selected based on education, training, and experience related to the subject matter of each body. Submit applications by June 15, 2026, for first review. Positions will remain open until filled. For assistance, email cityhall@lovelafayette.org

• Design Review Commission: Responsible for matters relating to the aesthetics and physical appearance of the city. The commission advises City staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council, and acts on applications for design review, including residential and commercial development projects. The City Council can appoint individuals who are not residents of Lafayette to gain desired expertise on the Commission.
• Planning Commission: Charged with development of the General Plan, implementation and administration of the Zoning Ordinance, and review of development applications. Planning Commissioners must be residents of the City of Lafayette.

Interested? Download the Application Instructions | Application form PDF

Q&A About Lafayette School District’s Measure H Parcel Tax

Your June ballot includes the Lafayette School District’s parcel tax measure (Measure H). Below are some of the most common questions about the proposed Measure H Parcel Tax:

• Didn’t Voters Already Decide about Measure H?
  Measure H on your June 2026 ballot is a local parcel tax measure for the Lafayette School District. In 2024, voters passed a different Measure H, a temporary ½ cent sales tax for the City. Different purposes, different agencies, just the same randomly-assigned ballot letter.

• What is Lafayette School District’s Measure H?
  The 2026 Measure H is a local parcel tax measure by the Lafayette School District to replace their expiring Measure L parcel tax.

• What would the money from this Measure H be used for?
  If approved by voters, funds from Measure H would be designated for core academic programs including math, science, engineering, technology, reading, music, and arts; attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers; and maintaining manageable class sizes. The Lafayette School District operates four elementary schools and one middle school.

• Who pays the parcel tax and are there any exemptions?
  Parcel taxes are assessed on parcels of real property within the District's boundaries. Property owners are assessed directly; renters are not. Homeowners aged 65 and older are eligible for an exemption from the cost of the measure. If Measure H passes, all seniors with an existing exemption for Measure L will automatically receive an exemption for Measure H, and the district will offer an exemption filing window through July 7, 2026 for interested seniors who do not currently have a Measure L exemption.

• What happens if Measure H does not pass?
  If Measure H is not approved by voters, the Lafayette School District Governing Board will need to evaluate how to address the gap between its revenues and expenditures without the additional local funding the measure would provide, inevitably resulting in impacts to programs and staffing. 

If you have any questions about the Lafayette School District or their Measure H parcel tax, please contact superintendent@lafsd.org. 

Meetings & Events 

City Council Meeting Tuesday Night

The City Council Meeting on Tuesday (May 26) starts at 6:15pm with a closed session. The open session starts at 7pm and includes:

• Introduction of new Assistant Recreation Coordinator, Fiona Mallon
• Recognition of graduating senior members of the Youth Commission
• Presentation on Design Review Commission and Planning Commission Annual Update and Workplan
• Core Area Landscaping and Lighting District Annual Confirmation 

Other Top Meetings This Week

• Crime Prevention Commission – Tuesday, May 26 at 6pm
• Design Review Commission – cancelled
• Senior Services Commission – Thursday, May 28 at 2:30pm

Share a recent photo, selfie, sketch, painting or other artwork of the tower at the Lafayette Reservoir and post it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #lafayetterestower. We’ll randomly select 5 tagged images to win a prize! More details on our website.

Speaking of the Reservoir, did you know there’s a walking group that offers camaraderie, fresh air and enjoyable exercise for seniors? Choose the distance you want to go by joining the group that walks the entire circuit, or the group that goes a shorter distance which avoids the large hills, but still yields sufficient moderate exercise. Increase your balance and fitness – both physical and mental – and leave each week uplifted and radiant with that overall feeling of well-being! The group meets every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at the Res at 8:50am at the center bench on the dam.

To add your name to the email notification list: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or 925-284-5050.  Remember to bring quarters or a credit card for parking meters. Annual senior (62+) passes may be purchased at the Visitor Center at the reservoir. You may join this group at any time.  

Roadwork Projects

Utility Work on Topper Lane & School Street

As part of the City's Connecting Lafayette: Downtown Pathways and Schools Safety Project, PG&E has started work to relocate utility poles along School Street and Topper Lane. Everyone walking, biking or driving in the construction area should pay extra attention and obey signs/instructions from workers. PG&E's work is expected to take 2 to 3 weeks.

City Road Restriping Project

This project is underway. For more details, read the Engineer’s Weekly Update on the Re-Striping project webpage.

City BART Bike Station/Pathway Project

This project is underway. For more information, visit the project webpage.

Overnight Road Closures Downtown for EBMUD Pipeline Replacement

EBMUD will continue to install the new water main on Moraga Road between Mt. Diablo Blvd and Moraga Blvd. during the night shift. Drivers should expect delays of up to 10 minutes. For project details and updates, visit EBMUD’s project webpage.

PG&E Gas Line Replacement on Brook Street

PG&E is replacing the gas main on Brook Street between Dewing Ave. and Moraga Road. They will be working weekdays through early August. Expect temporary delays, detours, or closures.

Over the course of the project, construction will take place along Brook St./East St./Moraga Rd./Bell St./Oak St. Their crews will install new gas mains, transfer service lines to homes, and restore sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, and perform a full roadway repaving (slurry seal). Questions about this work? Call PG&E Outreach Specialist Maribel Palomino at 925-204-4786.

Community News & Events

Memorial Day Vigil on Monday

A Memorial Day Vigil will be held Monday, May 25, 2026 at 5:30 at the Lafayette Hillside Memorial, across from the Lafayette BART Station.  It is open to all.  There will be music, poetry and remarks by area representatives.  Please park in the Lafayette BART parking lot across the street and use the crosswalk.  

East Bay Parks Wildfire Resilience Webinar

East Bay Parks will be holding a webinar on Wednesday, May 27 at noon, covering their work reducing wildfire risk and their capabilities to respond to a major event.  This is a highly valuable opportunity to learn about the work they do in Briones and all their parks in the East Bay. Read more about the webinar.

Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals Meetup on May 28

Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals (YoPros) is a network of early and emerging professionals, as well as those changing careers or starting a new business. YoPros provides a welcoming environment to build meaningful relationships, grow professionally, and engage with Lafayette’s business community. Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals will meet on Thursday, May 28 from 9 to 10am at Lafayette Public House, located at 50 Lafayette Circle. Participants can purchase their own food and beverages. Registration required online at https://lafayettechamber.org/yopros.  Guests are welcome to attend their first meeting for free and then may join the Lafayette Chamber or pay a $20 guest fee per event.

Attend the Move Bay Area East Bay Summit at the Library Next Friday, May 29

Join community leaders, transportation advocates, business leaders, and local partners on May 29, 2026 at the Move Bay Area East: Connecting the Bay from 8:30am to 3pm at the Don Tatzin Community Hall.

Pre-Registration required. Breakfast and lunch included. This event is intended for transit riders, transportation professionals, planners, advocates, local officials, community organizations, students, and anyone invested in improving transportation in the East Bay. You will:

• Learn from speakers' successes and challenges
• Take part in lively discussion activities
• Network with others passionate about transportation
• Help shape the future of transportation in the Bay Area

Siesta Valley Bowl Season Kick Off Event

The Siesta Valley Bowl (formerly the Cal Shakes and Bruns Amphitheater) is re-opening under the stewardship of the Siesta Valley Foundation, starting on May 30 with a performance featuring Talking Heads tribute band, Burning Down the House. Purchase tickets.

Celebrating 10 Years of the Lamorinda Appellation

The annual Lamorinda AVA Celebration will be held on Sunday, May 31 from noon to 6pm at the new Local Vines tasting room in Lafayette (3393 Mt Diablo Blvd). Come celebrate a decade of exceptional winemaking from the hills right in your neighborhood. Meet the people who grew the grapes and made the wine. The event will feature eight local wineries and a cidery, with food available for purchase from Cousins Maine Lobster. Purchase tickets. 

Rock the Plaza! Free Concerts in Downtown Lafayette

Join the Lafayette Chamber in Lafayette Plaza for free live music in June! Bring a blanket or chairs and get take-out or bring a picnic.

• June 5: Jimbo Scott and Yesterday’s Biscuits
• June 12: The Kyle Athayde Dance Party
• June 26: Lamorinda Idol Finalists

Bands perform 6 to 8 pm. Lafayette Plaza is located at 3530 Plaza Way (at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Moraga Road.) Bring your own chairs/blanket/jackets and air guitars. View the Lafayette Chamber’s Dining Guide for takeout suggestions. Please note, there will not be a concert on Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth holiday). Learn more at lafayettechamber.org/rock.

Looking for more upcoming happenings around town?

Visit the Chamber’s Community Events Calendar online.

Miscellaneous

Election Day is Tuesday, June 2: The County Elections Office is your one-stop-shop for information about candidates, measures and ways you can cast your ballot.

Contra Costa Clean Water Program is seeking resident input on local priorities: Take the 5-minute Community Survey to join the conversation and share your thoughts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCSurvey26

RFP Responses Due May 29 for ADU Prototype Plans: Proposals are due by 3pm on May 29 to help us create Prototype Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plans. More details at www.lovelafayette.org/rfp.

Cut Weeds Now to Reduce Fire Risk: Have you cut your weeds and trimmed your trees? The deadline to get that work done is fast approaching! Lafayette property owners need to cut weeds below 3” and remove dead vegetation by June 1. If you have questions about Contra Costa Fire’s Weed Abatement deadline, check out the FAQs or send an email.

How To Spot Small Business Coaching Scams: The Bureau of Consumer Protection, in the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has useful information on how to spot and avoid business coaching scams that target small business owners. On their website, the FTC has a Business Guidance section with information on protecting your small business.

Reduced ADU Development Impact Fees: The City has temporarily reduced the development impact fees charged for new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by 50% through 2026. And, if you finish construction by September 30, 2026, you may be eligible for a rebate through the ADU Accelerator Program. Learn more about all the current incentives.

Know Your Rights Regarding ICE: Access resources compiled by the County’s Employment & Human Services Department and Stand Together Contra Costa. Stand Together Contra Costa’s Rapid Response hotline is 925-900-5151.

Curious about Development Around Town? Information on major planning projects can be found on the Major Development Projects webpage.  You can navigate the map or scroll through the list of projects in the sidebar. Projects are only listed here after submission of a complete application and the project is heading into the review process. If you are interested in large and small project applications submitted to the Planning Department, visit the Planning Applications Received webpage, which is updated monthly.

Sign up to receive City notifications: Sign up for meeting agendas and Lafayette’s publications at bit.ly/LafayetteNotifications. Also, find out how to follow us on social media at https://www.lovelafayette.org/connect

Contact Us: To contact a City Department or Staff member, refer to our online Staff Directory. For information on contacting an individual City Council member, see the City Council webpage. You may also email the entire City Council at cityhall@lovelafayette.org. Comments regarding a City Council agenda item should be sent to cityhall@lovelafayette.org  by noon on the day of the public meeting.  Comments received by noon on the day of the meeting will be included as part of the agenda packet, while those received after the deadline will be distributed to the Council on the following business day.

Cultural Observations and Celebrations

Celebrate our diversity by learning more about these cultural observations and celebrations! The City Council has proclaimed May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. May is also Haitian Heritage Month | Better Hearing and Speech Month | Foster Care Awareness Month.

May 21            World Day for Cultural Diversity

May 21 to 23   Shavuot (Jewish)

May 25            Africa Day

May 25            Memorial Day City Administrative Offices will be closed.

May 26 to 27   Eid al-Adha (Islamic)

Photo for the Week

Everyone is invited to the annual Memorial Day Vigil at the Lafayette Hillside Memorial on Monday at 5:30pm. Also, look for the historic beacon atop Mount Diablo to be lit around 8:20pm that night.

__________________ 

The Weekly Roundup is prepared for the Lafayette Community, City Council and Staff. If you have thoughts about this week’s Roundup, a contribution for a future edition or a photo to be considered for the “Photo of the Week”, please email the City of Lafayette's Communications Analyst/Public Information Officer, Suzanne Iarla.

Learn more about Lafayette’s other digital publications and social media sites here.