The Livable Communities Trust (Trust) is a Special Revenue Mitigation Fund that was established by the Board of Supervisors on November 15, 2005, following the approval of the Camino Tassajara Combined General Plan Amendment Project, also known as the Alamo Creek and Intervening Property residential projects, and was required as a condition of approval. The Trust was established to implement the County’s Smart Growth Action Plan. The residential developers pay an $8,000 per unit fee (excluding the affordable housing portions of the projects) into the Trust. The Department of Conservation and Development administers the Trust.
On December 3, 2013, the Board of Supervisors determined that revenue from the Trust should be spent equally among supervisorial districts. At complete build-out, deposits to the Trust will total $8,448,000. As of June 1, 2022, the account has collected $8,376,000 in revenue fees, and $880,125.68 accrued interest with $5,425,932.04 remaining in uncommitted funds. The approved expenditures to date are attached.
City of Orinda’s Capital Improvement Plan project 4112 (Orinda Community Park Master Plan Project) was proposed and approved on April 16, 2013. Initially, the project included improvements to the restrooms and the existing park gazebo at Orinda Community Park. However, the scope of the project grew to include several other amenities in the park that were at, or nearing, the end of their useful life, including the children’s play structures, the pathways, and picnic areas.
In mid-2016, the City of Orinda retained a landscape architecture firm for the purpose of design and development of an overall master plan for Orinda Community Park. A draft master plan was approved by the Park and Recreation Commission on December 14, 2016 and on March 6, 2018, the City Council received a presentation from the architect regarding Orinda Community Park Master Plan conceptual design. Based on public testimony received during the meeting, the City Council directed staff to work with the design consultants on revisions. The revised Plan was presented at the June 12, 2018 meeting, and the City Council approved the revised Community Park Master Plan conceptual design. Next steps include directing the architect to complete the design for a phased improvement project.
The use of funds towards the Updated Orinda Park Master Plan Project supports Smart Growth Action Plan number 4: To promote economic revitalization in urban infill communities. The Orinda Community Park plays a big role in hosting events and activities that help keep Downtown Orinda active and vital.
Without the allocation of funds, the upcoming renovation of the Orinda Community Park may be delayed due to lack of funding.
The upcoming renovation of the Orinda Community Park includes improvements to the children’s play structures, pathways, and picnic areas. Therefore, the Updated Orinda Park Master Plan Project supports the following children’s outcomes: (2) Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood and (5) Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.