A special joint meeting of the Walnut Creek Planning and Design Review Commissions focused on significant changes to the planning review process under Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill 131. The meeting, held on September 25, 2025, aimed to educate commissioners and the public on how these new laws impact the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Chair Anderson opened the meeting by confirming a quorum, despite the absence of Commissioner Moran. The agenda included a presentation by the city attorney's office, led by Claire Lai, which provided an overview of the new CEQA exemptions introduced by the recent legislation. This presentation was designed to equip commissioners with the necessary knowledge to navigate the changes effectively.

Commissioners expressed a keen interest in understanding the implications of AB 130 and SB 131, highlighting the importance of staying informed about legislative updates that affect local planning processes. The meeting also acknowledged the contributions of long-time Design Review Commissioner Joseph Gorney, who attended to learn more about CEQA.

Following the presentation, public communications were scheduled to allow community members to voice their thoughts on the topic. This meeting marks a proactive step by Walnut Creek officials to ensure that both commissioners and the public are well-informed about critical changes in planning regulations, setting the stage for future projects and developments in the city.