Danville and Lafayette: Vibrant & Engaged Communities in the East Bay

Host Jared Asch interviews Danville Councilman Mark Belotz and Lafayette Councilman John McCormick, second-year elected officials from Central Contra Costa County, about what contributes to their towns’ success, including strong schools, vibrant walkable downtowns, and effective city management. McCormick, a retired tech worker and downtown business owner, describes entering council after Chamber leadership during COVID; Belotz recounts years attending meetings and serving on boards before running. They discuss the importance of continuity in town/city managers, reliance on sales tax over property tax, and concerns that online sales tax is allocated through counties and Sacramento rather than by ZIP code. Danville reports balanced budgets and no unfunded liabilities; Lafayette passed Measure H to address shortfalls while also having no unfunded liabilities. Both explain the benefits of contracting policing with the Contra Costa Sheriff and describe the steep time commitment of council service. They address state-mandated housing development, emphasizing shaping projects to fit community character, and share goals of preserving safety, downtown vitality, and community engagement.