The City of Walnut Creek has been honored with the Beacon Spotlight Award from the Institute for Local Government.
The Institute’s Beacon Program provides recognition and support for cities, counties and special districts working to build more vibrant and sustainable communities. The program focuses on voluntary action by local agencies throughout California to address climate change, promote energy innovation, and create more sustainable communities.
Walnut Creek received platinum recognition for Sustainability Best Practices. “The City Council has designated sustainability as one of its five strategic priorities over the past several years,” said Mayor Cindy Darling. “It’s gratifying to see that the City’s work in this area is recognized beyond the boundaries of Walnut Creek.”
The City demonstrated 66 best practices along eleven sustainability categories, in part because of the City’s longstanding commitment in this arena. Equally important has been the new programs and projects launched since the City’s adoption of a Sustainability Action Plan in 2023.
“This award highlights all of the different ways that the City works to make Walnut Creek a more sustainable community,” said Sustainability Manager Candice Rankin Mumby. “This award builds upon the last time we were recognized in 2018, and City staff will continue to work towards our goals outlined in the latest Plan. We are proud to be recognized among the sustainability leaders in the state.”
Some of the best practices include the decision to design the new Heather Farm Community Center to LEED equivalent standards, broad community outreach on sustainability, and updating our building energy efficiency systems.
The City was recognized for this achievement at the California League of Cities conference earlier in the fall.
