At its December 9 meeting, the Brentwood City Council will discuss a potential Winter Market for 2026.
The item originally was up for discussion last month, but due to meeting length, it was moved to December. The council is looking at ways to drive economic development to Brentwood during the winter as the ice rink left for the City of Oakley.
If the council opts to move forward, it would be to request and prepare a report and recommendation for the allocation of current and future economic development grant funds to support the creation and operation of a Winter Market in 2026.
According to the staff report, the event would serve as an opportunity to promote local economic activity, attract visitors to the downtown area, and foster community engagement during the holiday Season. The fiscal impact is yet to be determined and would be based on available and projected economic development grant funds. The request was made to the Interim City Manager by Mayor Meyer and Council Member Mendoza on October 25, 2025.
Proposed Features:
- Uniform Market Sheds: Purchase and installation of uniform, high-quality sheds or kiosks for participating vendors to ensure a cohesive and professional appearance.
- Expanded “Santa Spot”: Double the size of the vendor kiosk for Santa area to accommodate higher attendance and improve accessibility for families.
- Community Stage: Stage area for local groups to perform music, dance, and public readings, highlighting local talent and diversity.
- Planning Committee: Mayor Meyer and Council Member Mendoza request to serve on the Winter Market Planning Committee, working in collaboration with City staff, (Park & Rec and Economic Development), and community partners to guide event planning and implementation.
Requested Action:
That the City Council direct staff to:
- Develop a proposal for funding, planning, and implementing a Winter Market during November and December 2026 using current and future Economic Development Grant funds.
- Establish a Winter Market Planning Committee including the Mayor, Council Member Mendoza, and designated City staff.
- Include local businesses and business organizations in the process of recruiting and selecting market vendors.
- Develop a marketing and outreach plan designed to drive regional tourism from the Bay Area.
- Return to the Council with a proposed budget, timeline, and partnership plan for approval.
Other Items on the agenda
Affordable Housing Program (future agenda item request)
The City Council consider and discuss Vice Mayor Pierson and Council Member Mendoza’s request that the City Council review the goals of the Affordable Housing Program, the process of buyer notification and selection, and a potential update of the Municipal Code specific to our affordable housing program.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Cost Update and SB 1383 Compliance Alternatives Discussion
If after receiving this report, the City Council wishes to continue moving forward with the installation of the biosolids pyrolysis system portion of the Project, approximately $28.6M in additional funding would be required, and staff would return with more details related to how such funding would be secured, with the likely option being a bond. The additional funding, or loan repayments, would be split approximately 52% Wastewater Enterprise funds and 48% Wastewater Development Impact Fees.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently at 82% of its permitted capacity. Expanding the WWTP capacity from 5 million gallons per day (mgd) to 6.4 mgd provides sufficient capacity to accommodate a population of 92,336, which represents full build-out of the City as contemplated in the General Plan. – see staff report
2026 Proclamation List
In an effort to schedule the proclamations so that days, months, and weeks receive the appropriate recognition, staff has provided the attached schedule for the City Council to review and provide feedback, if any, to staff. Staff recommends that the proclamations be placed on the meeting prior to the day, week, or month they represent. – see list
If You Go
Brentwood City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
150 City Park Way, Brentwood, CA 94513
Full Agenda — click here
