Walnut Creek Council Member Cindy Silva Elected League of California Cities First Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kayla Woods

Cell: (530) 844-1744, kwoods@calcities.org

Sacramento — The League of California Cities Board of Directors elected Walnut Creek Council Member Cindy Silva to serve as its 2020-21 first vice president. Council Member Silva was installed on Oct. 9 as part of the League’s virtual Annual Conference & Expo.  

“For more than a decade, I have been part of the League’s efforts to advocate for our cities on behalf of our California residents. Without a doubt, my city and, in turn, our community have been the beneficiaries of the League’s advocacy, educational resources, and professional development opportunities,” said Silva. “I am honored to serve as first vice president of the League this coming year, and I look forward to working alongside local leaders from across the state on the many issues facing our communities.” 

Silva was first elected to the Walnut Creek City Council in 2006, subsequently re-elected in 2010, re-appointed in 2014, and re-elected in 2018. She has served as mayor three times in 2010-11, 2012-13, and 2018-19.

As mayor, Silva founded and still co-chairs Walnut Creek Community Service Day in 2011, spearheaded a Community Blue Ribbon Task Force on Fiscal Health, and organized the city’s Second Saturday Spotlight in 2013 and 2019. In her council member role, Silva has served on numerous council committees: Finance; Public Education; Housing and Community Development; Public Safety; Youth and Family Services; and several ad hoc committees.

Regionally, Silva represents Walnut Creek on the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority (Recycle Smart) and is a Finance Committee member of the East Bay Regional Communications System Authority. From 2008-10, Silva was Walnut Creek’s representative to the regional transportation planning committee of Central Contra Costa.

Silva is an active member of the League of California Cities. She has been a League board member since 2015 and served as the East Bay Division president in 2013.

“Cindy has been an invaluable and knowledgeable member of the League for many years,” said League of California Cities Executive Director Carolyn Coleman. “Cindy’s expertise on issues regarding housing and transit oriented development will be vital as we advocate for cities in the coming year.”

Silva served on a number of League Policy Committees including: Housing, Community and Economic Development (2010-present, 2016 chair); Governance, Transparency and Labor Relations; and Community Services. Silva also served on a statewide Homelessness Task Force in 2016 and on a housing working group in 2017. In 2012-13, she was one of 16 city representatives on the League’s Strategic Initiatives Task Force. 

During its meeting this week, the League Board of Directors also elected El Centro Council Member Cheryl Viegas Walker to serve as president and Artesia Mayor Ali Sajjad Taj as second vice president. Yountville Mayor John F. Dunbar, who served as the 2019-20 president, became immediate past president.

Founded in 1898, the League of California Cities is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities. The League’s mission is to restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.