What To Do About Concord's Infrastructure Deficit

CONCORD, CA — Concord faces a growing $24.7 million annual infrastructure funding gap, threatening road repairs, parks, facilities, and the sustainability of city services. The funding gap, which includes $18 million annually for roads and $6.7 million for parks and facilities, leaves Concord’s aging infrastructure at risk and has prompted the City Council and Infrastructure Committee to explore new revenue and investment strategies.

The Infrastructure and Franchise Council Committee will discuss potential revenue strategies to address Concord's unfunded infrastructure needs at a Special Meeting today at 1 p.m. This meeting is a continuation of the January 5 session, during which unresolved agenda items and funding options were discussed.

City records show that $18 million is needed each year to maintain roadways, based on the most recent assessment. An additional $6.7 million is required for parks, medians, and facilities, according to a 2022 review. These estimates do not cover the Concord's aging stormwater system, which has not been evaluated for its remaining useful life or replacement costs, according to the Jan. 5 meeting.

The issue was highlighted at a March 1 Concord City Council study session, where councilmembers discussed fiscal challenges and emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address infrastructure funding. Council directed staff to work with the Infrastructure and Franchise Council Committee to explore sustainable revenue options and develop an evaluation framework.

That includes near-term strategies to increase infrastructure investment and improve the impact of current spending. The Council also directed staff to continue exploring solutions to address the roughly $18 million annual shortfall.

City leaders say that without additional funding, the quality of city services and public spaces could be at risk for years to come.

Details from past meetings and recommendations are available online.