Lafayette · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lafayette public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Recycling changes and garbage route shifts
Starting November 1, about 30% of Lafayette's recycling routes change, meaning thousands of households will get a new pickup day. Also, only plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5 will be accepted under the new contract.
State legislative landscape and ballot measures
The lobbyist flagged wildfire/insurance bills that passed, more e-bike rules coming, and ballot propositions (especially Prop 43's two-thirds tax threshold and Prop 40/41/42) that could reshape local budgets. If the state's budget wobbles, Lafayette's does too.
Driverless shuttle on Mt. Diablo Boulevard
Councilmember Wotherspoon floated adding an autonomous circulator shuttle to the city's transportation wish list — a driverless vehicle shuttling shoppers and visitors up and down Mt. Diablo so people stop circling parking lots. The council loved the idea, added it to the county project list as a placeholder, and wants to pitch Lafayette as a pilot site to vendors.
Federal E-Rate funding at risk
The FCC is considering changes that could gut the E-Rate program, which reimburses the County Library for internet and equipment — over $2 million over the next five years. Losing it could mean 64,000 fewer new books; comments to the FCC are due October 13.
K-9 program restored
Lafayette police have a canine again after more than four years. Elwood, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois named for a fallen Pittsburg officer, will do patrol work, school and event safety sweeps, and explosive detection after upcoming training — and saves the city money it used to pay other agencies for those services.
Measure W school parcel tax endorsement
The Council unanimously backed the Acalanes Union High School District's Measure W parcel tax on the November ballot — a funding ask for the high schools that many Lafayette families rely on.
Refunding the library bonds
Refinancing 2014-15 redevelopment bonds would save about $1.9 million over 12 years, though Lafayette's share is only about $10,500 a year. The deal is frozen if savings dip below 5%.
Pre-approved ADU prototype designs
Thanks to a state grant, Lafayette is partnering with Moraga to offer permit-ready ADU plans so homeowners can skip architect fees when adding a second unit.
Downtown mural program and the General Lafayette controversy
The Council replaced the December-only holiday display policy with a year-round policy allowing two cultural displays at a time, reviewed by the City Manager rather than the Council.
California Tort Reform and Rising City Insurance Costs
State talks are focused on childhood sexual assault claims, and Lafayette worries cities' rising insurance costs are being ignored. The council joined a coalition letter and will push for a fix next legislative session rather than adopt a formal platform now.
Domestic and Teen Dating Violence Awareness
Two Girl Scouts asked the council to display awareness posters in October, promote teen dating violence awareness in February, and partner with organizations like STAND to better support survivors.
Moraga Way safety and connectivity study
Moraga is launching a federally funded planning study to make Moraga Way safer and better connected — no design or construction yet, but community meetings are coming and residents can sign up for updates.
Transit funding priority under SB 63
A County Connection transit worker asked the council to push CCTA to prioritize transit in its spending plan if SB 63 passes, so return-to-source funds keep buses running.
AB 1751: ministerial townhome approvals and density loss
The council opposed this bill requiring ministerial approval of qualifying townhome projects. Members worried developers could swap approved multi-family projects for lower-density townhomes, leaving Lafayette with fewer units than planned — something that has already happened here.
Khristo hillside home and contested driveway on Carlyle Terrace
A family wants to build a 4,330-square-foot home on a landlocked wooded lot reached by a narrow dirt road over neighbors' property. Burton Vista Court residents flagged retaining wall engineering, tree loss, and heavy-truck safety; the Commission approved Phase 1 siting anyway and left driveway details to Phase 2.
Temple Isaiah campus expansion at 945 Risa Road
The three Lamorinda cities jointly hired out pre-approved ADU plans to make additions cheaper and faster, and Temple Isaiah has applied for a new 16,000-square-foot two-story building — first public hearing July 6.
2025 Police Department Performance
Crime is down, traffic enforcement is up, and Lafayette has gone four straight years without a traffic fatality. The department is shifting from education to enforcement on e-bikes and e-scooters.
Downtown landscaping/lighting district underfunded since 1994
The council moved forward the annual assessments for the city's two lighting/landscaping districts — routine but it's what keeps streetlights and landscaping funded next fiscal year.
Memorial Day Recognition and Veterans Support
In the nation's 250th year, the city honored five fallen local service members and two WWII veterans, with Gold Star mothers sharing tributes. Veterans group leaders described the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center's community role.
Aqueduct Path EBMUD Roadblock
A major regional trail project hit a snag: EBMUD won't allow grading, bridges, or retaining walls on its right-of-way, so the Dolores-to-BART segment design is on hold. The Council was urged to intervene politically.
Downtown Burglaries and Business Security
Vice Mayor McCormick reported recent break-ins at Cresco Rents and Wear Design Jewelry. The Crime Prevention Commission, Chamber, and police are organizing a downtown business walk-through and security assessments.
MCE Clean Energy Program Update
MCE reported 90% participation in Lafayette, a 14% generation rate cut, EV rebates up to $4,000, and roughly 8,000 metric tons of CO2 avoided since 2016. A resident challenged MCE's renewable percentages versus PG&E.
Lamorinda Spirit Van 20th anniversary and senior mobility
The senior shuttle program turns 20 in June, just won grants for two new vans, and remains a lifeline for residents who no longer drive. Council leaders say the program will need to expand as Lafayette ages.
Sale of city-owned property at 986-990 Moraga Road
The council approved the purchase and sale agreement for the city-owned Campana property, with proceeds going back to Fund 75.
Town Center Pathway and BART Station Improvement Project
Construction starts February 23 on a years-in-the-making project adding a bike station for 80 bicycles, a pedestrian plaza and an ADA-compliant path connecting the BART station to downtown — with some parking and access inconvenience in the months ahead.