Danville Councilmember Karen Stepper has announced that she will not seek re-election at the end of her current term, concluding 24 years of service on the Danville Town Council. The longtime Danville resident has served the public since 1979 in various roles, and her current Council term concludes in December 2026.
From her first election to the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Board in 1979, Stepper has focused on infrastructure projects, historic preservation, and community service. After being elected to the Town Council in 2002, she served as Mayor five times — in 2006, 2011, 2016, 2020, and 2024.
“It has truly been life-changing to meet so many people who love Danville as much as I do,” Stepper said in her announcement April 20. “I have always said that a great day in Danville is one where I meet someone new, welcome a visitor from another city or state, or have the chance to share all the things that make our Town so special — museums, community events, parks, local shops and restaurants, the Veterans Memorial Building, our sports fields, and of course, the Fourth of July Parade.”
Stepper has held numerous regional leadership roles, including the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Southwest Area Transportation Committee, and Traffix. She also served as Chair of the Contra Costa Mayor’s Conference, Past President of the San Ramon Valley Historical Society, as well as Museum SRV. Her civic involvement also includes the East Bay Radio Emergency Communications Board, and Past President of the San Ramon Valley Exchange National Service Club Board.
Many local initiatives and community projects came to fruition during Stepper’s service on the Council, including the Campaign Chair to rebuild the Veterans Memorial Building, the development of new Town offices, and improvements to local parks and playgrounds. She was a longtime coach and served as President of Mustang Soccer League and was recognized with the Steppers’ Plaque for Lifetime Commitment by Mustang Soccer.
Stepper and her husband, Tony, both coached in the league, and before joining the Town Council, Stepper served nine years on the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Board. A retired certified public accountant, she and Tony have lived in Danville since 1974 and raised their two children here.
“Serving this Town has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the friendships, support, and shared commitment to this community that I have experienced along the way,” Stepper said.
