On Feb. 1, 2023, Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister delivered the annual State of the City address at a luncheon hosted by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.
During her remarks, Mayor Hoffmeister reflected on how the City has rebounded from the pandemic, is in the process of rebuilding its finances, staffing and infrastructure, and is renewing its commitment to the quality of life in Concord.
“We were able to keep the city moving through a very uncertain time,” stated Hoffmeister who thanked the council for also working with non-profits.
During the presentation, Hoffmeister highlighted this years theme hit on three main focus points which include:
- Rebounding from the pandemic
- Rebuilding our staff, finances and roadways
- Renewing our commitment to quality of life.
She highlighted how the pandemic recovery included $27 million in ARPA Federal Funds to the City of Concord which included
- $7 million: city projects, infrastructure, public safety, special events
- $7 million: Support for non-profits
- $3 million: support the unhoused (more info)
- $2 million: Support for small business
- $8 million: assistance to city: covid testing, PPE, CORE social worker, small business relief, etc.
She further highlighted the City of Concord general fund revenue was sitting at $117.3 million with $104.9 million in regular revenue with $12.4 million coming from Measure V revenue.
Hoffmeister also highlighted the rebound for the business community where they saw improved economic growth which included in 2022:
- 3% increase in travel spending
- $34.3% increase in state & local tax revenue
- $30.3 million in hotel sales (11.3% increase)
- 493 rooms booked (2.5% increase
In regards to Concord staffing levels, she highlighted they have been able to add 19 positions back following a better-than-expected fiscal year 2021. Since July 1, 2022, they have hired 51 new hires and had 23 promotions.
However, they are still down from pre-recession high of 529 FTES. They are currently at 404 budgeted positions.
“We are still providing services, with a much reduced staffing,” stated Hoffmeister.
Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Project
Hoffmeister stated they did not agree with the proposed term sheet at their recent meeting and will let the exclusive agreement to expire which staff will return in a couple months to provide options of how to move forward.
“This is a big project, its not doing it fast, but its doing it right,” said Hoffmeister. “We have to take a little more time to see what works for our community and what our community can support. We are still at focused on that and will get more information on that. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. This is 25% of the size of concord, so we would be expanding our city by 25% so we need to make sure we do it right.”
She added they have plenty of development space in their existing space so its not a rush.
The presentation is also being shown on Concord TV (Astound channel 1026, Comcast channel 28, and AT&T U-verse channel 99).
