In September of 2017, the Orinda City Council voted to receive funds from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and provide matching funds to create a downtown streetscape master plan. In June of 2018, the Council completed the RFP process and selected Eisen | Letunic to assist City staff with preparing the plan. The Eisen | Letunic team also includes WRT, Fehr and Peers and BKF. The main objectives of the plan, which has been branded as Connect Orinda, are as follows:

• Connect the two sides of downtown for all users
• Support future pedestrian access along San Pablo Creek
• Preserve Orinda's unique sense of place
• Produce grant-eligible projects that can be funded
• Beautify downtown Orinda
• Build consensus for the final plan through robust community engagement

Eisen | Letunic will be working with staff to prepare a project briefing booklet this summer. The briefing booklet will inform community members about issues, opportunities, and constraints. It will be accompanied by a survey that people can fill out to provide early feedback in shaping the plan. Staff will be travelling around town to provide updates to community members and hand out invitations to the project launch party, which will take place this fall.

The plan is expected to be drafted by September of 2019. Demonstration projects and pilot projects will be considered for implementation while the plan is being developed.