As we look forward to 2026, our sustainability team would love to know what you enjoy reading in the newsletter and what you would like to see more of. Share your feedback through this short survey, open until January 1, 2026. The community input that we receive will help us to shape our content moving forwards.
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New readers can sign up for the ECO newsletter on the City’s website.
Cleaner Cars and Greener Homes
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in California with a large portion of EV purchasing happening in the Bay Area. According to a report from the California Energy Commission, 31% of new vehicle sales in Contra Costa County are light-duty zero emission vehicles. Fortunately, MCE has an EV Instant Rebate to support residents’ transition to EVs. Eligible MCE customers may receive:
$3,500 instant rebate when purchasing or leasing a new EV or plug-in hybrid
$2,000 instant rebate when purchasing or leasing a pre-owned EV or plug-in hybrid
In addition, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has relaunched the Clean Cars for All program, offering eligible residents grants for up to $12,000 to retire their 2007 or older gas- or diesel-powered vehicles for cleaner alternatives. Participants can also receive up to $5,000 towards adaptive equipment to support accessibility needs.
Beyond cleaner transportation, homeowners in California can still take advantage of federal tax credits for energy efficient upgrades, but only until December 31, 2025. Homeowners can claim a federal tax credit that covers up to 30% of the cost of energy-efficient home improvements, including heat pumps, insulation, water heaters, EV chargers, and more. Additionally, the Residential Clean Energy Credit offers a 30% tax credit for expenditures on clean energy systems such as rooftop solar panels. To see the full list of qualifying upgrades and more details, visit energystar.gov.
CCTA is improving access to the WalnutCreek BART Station, and they need your help!
Do you use the WalnutCreek BART Station or travel through the area?
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is planning exciting improvements that will enhance the station as one of three shared mobility hubs along I-680.
Shared mobility hubs bring together travel options like biking, walking, transit, carpooling, and ride-hailing in one convenient place, often with amenities like package delivery, charging, and Wi-Fi. The WalnutCreek BART station is already a major regional connection point, and CCTA is planning upgrades to make it even more accessible, welcoming, and connected.
Key priorities for the WalnutCreek Shared Mobility Hub include:
Safer and more convenient walking and biking access
Easier connections to/from the station
Clear, easy-to-read signs and maps, and live arrival times
More welcoming and comfortable public spaces
Support for sustainable travel
This hub will be designed to meet the needs of all WalnutCreek residents and visitors, so your input is essential! Take this brief survey to share your thoughts: WalnutCreek Bart Shared Mobility Hub Survey. The survey will run until December 7, 2025. Thank you for helping to build a better-connected future for WalnutCreek, Contra Costa County, and beyond!
About the Shared Mobility Hubs Project
The Shared Mobility Hubs (SMHs) Project is one of six groundbreaking initiatives under the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s (CCTA) INNOVATE 680 program. This program is implementing a suite of projects to address corridor-wide congestion, travel delays, and long-standing operational challenges along Interstate 680 (I-680).
The holiday season is a great time to explore community events and support local initiatives. The WalnutCreek Center for Community Arts is having a Handcrafted Holiday sale on December 6th and 7th from 10am to 4pm. The sale features local art pieces from over 60 student and teaching artists. A portion of the proceeds from this sale will go towards the Center for Community Arts, the Clay Arts Guild and the Community Arts Foundation. Additionally, The WalnutCreek Holiday Faire is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM at Shadelands Ranch through December 14th. Featuring a wide array of handcrafted items and seasonal décor, the fair is a great opportunity to support local artisans and small businesses.
The WalnutCreek Sunday Farmers Market is another great location to shop locally this season. Located at 1799 Locust Street, the farmer’s market features California grown produce, honey, olive oil, flowers, live music, and much more! The market offers a little something for everyone, making it an ideal spot to source ingredients for a delicious family feast. In the spirit of giving, visitors can support families in need by bringing non-perishable food donations to the market’s information booth from December 7th to the 28th.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
The City of Walnut Creek is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the health and well-being of Walnut Creek community members. The City’s Sustainability Action Plan, adopted by Council in 2023, expresses the City’s commitment to reduce emissions through the adoption of a ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
At the public City Council meetings in November of 2025, City Council adopted a ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers with an implementation date of April 1, 2025.
Sustainable Walnut Creek is proud to become an Associate Member of Walnut Creek Downtown. What a beautiful event at Walnut Creek Yacht Club tonight celebrating Kathy Hemmenway E.D. of #WalnutCreekDowntown for 15 years of service with this great organization.
DEMAND CHANGE!
“We expect more than words on paper and promises. We expect action.” These are the words 16-year-old Getrude Clements spoke as she took the stage and the United Nations General Assembly last year and called on world leaders to take urgent action on climate change.
Exactly one year later, Getrude is joined by thousands of children from all over the world, all demanding the same thing. From the shores of Lake Chad, to flood damaged areas in Pakistan, to a school in Fiji, and the streets of Delhi – children everywhere are flipping bottles as a symbol to show they want action to FLIP climate change.
That’s why UNICEF launched #FlipClimateChange on World Water Day, calling on the people around the world to show they want to see action on climate change. The response was overwhelming, with people from so many different places sharing this symbolic gesture for change. Today, on Earth Day, we’re taking this message to the streets, and showing a video in Time Square, New York, to show that people want to see action.
You can continue the challenge to flip climate change, by speaking up and demanding action.
Read the complete article at UNICEF: Click Here ByPhilippa Lysaght, originally published on April Picture Credit:UNICEF/Philippines14 year old Lian Regine was one of many children in the Philippines who participated in Flip Climate Change.
CCTA is improving access to the 
