Brentwood (94513) Climate Action & Advocacy

Brentwood’s Agriculture Needs Climate Advocacy

The city of Brentwood sits on a flat-to-gently-sloping plain of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, in the rain-shadow of Mt. Diablo. This unique geography leaves Brentwood vulnerable to worsening droughts, putting its thriving agritourism economy at risk and making Brentwood climate action and advocacy vital to a sustainable future.

Brentwood’s history is rooted in agriculture, dating to the 1870s. The city continues this legacy and is known across the Bay for its U-Pick farms that produce delicious cherries, corn, and peaches. In 2024, Brentwood was designated part of the Contra Costa American Viticultural Area (AVA), recognizing its viticultural history and growing wineries. The city of Brentwood recently announced plans to build Harvest Center, an agricultural innovation and education center. The new structure, which may include a restaurant and retail space, will be designed to recognize the ongoing contributions that agriculture makes to the city.

Brentwood farmers struggle with frequent droughts, driven by rising temperatures linked to climate change. This affects crop productivity and the economic health of area farms. To protect the city’s rich agriculture, beloved U-Pick attractions, and growing number of residents, climate action in Brentwood is essential to the city’s economic well-being.

Brentwood Bans Oil & Gas Drilling in City Limits

In February 2024, the Brentwood City Council passed a permanent ordinance prohibiting oil and gas drilling within the city limits. The law specifically targets districts like Garin Ranch and Sciortino Ranch, neighborhood areas bordering undeveloped land often targeted by oil and gas developers. The ordinance is enforceable within 3,200 feet of sensitive areas near housing, parks, and schools.

While the community celebrates this citywide ban, parts of Brentwood remain at risk from county-approved drilling projects.

The city ordinance alone cannot stop pollution drifting over Brentwood from unincorporated areas.

To defend our families, agriculture, and air, we must demand that county plans close these loopholes and take real action.

For specific climate actions you can take to help protect Brentwood, see Protect Brentwood from Drilling: Close County Plan Loopholes.

While the community celebrates this citywide ban, parts of Brentwood remain at risk from county-approved drilling projects.

The city ordinance alone cannot stop pollution drifting over Brentwood from unincorporated areas.

To defend our families, agriculture, and air, we must demand that county plans close these loopholes and take real action.

For specific climate actions you can take to help protect Brentwood, see Protect Brentwood from Drilling: Close County Plan Loopholes.

Preserving Nature Amid Growing Urbanization

Since the 1990s, Brentwood has experienced enormous population growth and suburban sprawl. Multiple residential developments and the displacement of natural habitats continue to strain city and wildlife resources.

To help protect open space, the city responded with programs like the Transfer of Agricultural Credits (TAC) and, in 2022, approved Measure Q. This voter-protected overlay preserves certain open spaces, parks, and agricultural areas.

The city has been active in conservation, adopting a Conservation & Open Space element in its General Plan, and partnering with East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy, CA Farmland Trust, and Sustainable Contra Costa.

Amid efforts in land use and conservation, visible city programs like Brentwood Purple Plumbing Water Reuse show tangible progress. These initiatives are critical as the city faces growing climate-related threats.

Continued climate heating, however, is likely to intensify Brentwood’s challenge of balancing growing urbanization with a declining natural environment and resources.

Brentwood’s Climate-Change Challenges

Brentwood’s trend towards more extreme-heat days and hot, dry summers puts the area at high risk of increased wildfires and poor air quality.

We must act decisively to protect our city from these threats and demand solutions that ensure a safe, healthy future.

The city has yet to develop a Climate Action Plan, as other Contra Costa Cities have, although it lists it as an action item under the Conservation of Land & Open Space section of its General Plan.

Brentwood’s General Plan does not currently specify measurable steps to cut local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

While we applaud the city’s conservation efforts, we encourage the city to set a date to discuss developing and implementing specific “how to get there” plans and measurable initiatives to reduce Brentwood’s greenhouse gas emissions by a targeted amount and date.

One possible starting action: Develop and implement a robust citywide education, outreach, and engagement campaign to transition residences away from gas-fueled heating and cooling systems, and replace those with heat pumps/HVACs and/or electric water heaters by a specified target date.

Integration of these newer systems into the sprawling number of residences in Brentwood would be a valuable step towards improving Brentwood’s air quality.

With these challenges outlined, consider how you can contribute to local climate action.

Ready to Take Action in Brentwood?

Become a Brentwood Climate City Liaison

Clearly show your support for Brentwood’s climate-forward council members by urging them to develop detailed plans and allocate specific funds to reduce Brentwood’s greenhouse gas emissions. Encourage the transition to alternative energy sources to improve air quality. Join our Brentwood City Liaison team to advocate for action and measurable progress on climate initiatives.

Contact Brentwood's Decision Makers

Get involved by attending City Council or Planning Commission meetings to voice your concerns, writing to your elected officials, or joining local environmental groups. By participating in these ways, you ensure officials hear your stance and can directly impact Brentwood’s climate future.

City Council

The mayor and four council members compose the Brentwood City Council. All are elected in even-numbered years for four-year terms.

Follow the links to learn about each of our elected officials. (🍃 = 350CCA endorsed)

Mayor Susannah Meyer (Disability Rights Advocate)
Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson, District 2, (pro-DEI)
Council Member Faye Maloney, District 1 (pro-Agriculture protection)
Council Member Jovita Mendoza, District 3 (City Climate Lead) 🍃
Council Member Tony Oerlemans, District 4

Attend a Meeting

Brentwood City Council Meetings

Brentwood City Council typically meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, except July, when City Council’s regular meeting is held on the 4th Tuesday only. Residents may attend via Zoom or in person.

Location:
Council Chambers
Brentwood City Hall
150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
925.516.5400

Brentwood City Council Meetings

Location:
Council Chambers
Brentwood City Hall
150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
925.516.5400

Planning Commission Meetings

Appointed by the City Council, the 5-member Planning Commission meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 pm in the council chambers.

Location:
Council Chambers
Brentwood City Hall
150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
925.516.5400

Agendas and Minutes

See all upcoming City of Brentwood meetings, including agendas and minutes, here.

Latest Climate Actions in the City

Protect Brentwood from Drilling: Close County Plan Loopholes Oil well at sunset; Image credit: Jan Zakelj on Pexels

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