1 | County supes put sales tax on June ballot; budget hearings scheduled
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has placed a five-year, 5/8-cent general purpose sales tax measure on the June ballot to help bolster a budget that it says is balanced but stretched due to changing economic conditions.
If approved by voters and authorized by the state, the measure is projected to generate about $150 million annually to help stabilize county services, said County Administrator Monica Nino in a press release. The supervisors are holding public hearings on the proposed $7 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 on Monday and Tuesday.
The plan is to use one-time department funds to help balance the spending plan in light of reduced federal funds for safety net programs and tighter eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal and CalFresh programs, changes that are particularly a strain on the county’s Health Services and Employment and Human Services departments.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors budget hearings, April 27 and April 28, 9 a.m., board chambers, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez
2 | City seeks Richmonders to fill seats on downtown task force
City officials are seeking Richmond residents to fill four new seats on the Macdonald Avenue Corridor Task Force. The committee was formed in September 2025 to provide input on plans to revitalize the city’s aging downtown area along Macdonald Avenue, including enhancing safety, improving cleanliness, attracting new businesses and expanding community amenities. The task force is scheduled to meet through 2026.
3 | Community survey on environmental priorities
The Contra Costa Clean Water Program has launched a countywide survey of residents’ knowledge and priorities on local environmental issues. The nonprofit will collect data over the next six months to assess awareness of climate change, stormwater system infrastructure, and other related issues. The survey is offered in English and Spanish and takes about five minutes to complete.
