Endorsed by Committee on December 17, 2025
Greenbelt Alliance is excited to endorse the Sierra Gardens development in Walnut Creek, an infill project that will create over 80 affordable homes near downtown Walnut Creek. Developed by Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA), this project is an exciting addition to the neighborhood by expanding housing access to a wider range of people.
Sierra Gardens aligns with Greenbelt Alliance’s climate SMART—Sustainable, Mixed, Affordable, Resilient, Transit-Oriented—development criteria in several ways.
Affordability & Accessibility
Sierra Gardens significantly increases the affordability and density of housing in Walnut Creek. With nearly all 86 units designated as affordable for households earning 30-60% of the Area Media Income (AMI), we are hopeful that the project will make living near the downtown area more accessible to low income households. Greenbelt Alliance appreciates SAHA’s thoughtful approach to this project while also financially supporting current residents as they move to new homes.
While not mixed-use in and of itself, Sierra Gardens is within a 10-minute walk of many shops and amenities and provides community access to a downstairs events space. The project is also a short distance from County Connection bus line 4, which connects future residents directly to Walnut Creek BART. With nearly 90 bike parking stalls, riding to downtown or the BART station will be convenient.
Sustainability & Resilience
Sierra Gardens has many sustainability highlights, including full electrification using solar PV panels, sun-shading to address extreme heat concerns, and native and water-efficient landscaping. The project’s biophilic design and its goal of LEED certification are additional sticking points for this project. It is also worth noting that the project is resilient to both wildfire and flood risks. Sierra Gardens is neither in a flood risk area nor faces wildfire risk due to its central location in the city.
According to GreenTRIP—a free online tool created by Transform that models traffic and greenhouse gas impacts of residential projects in California—the Sierra Gardens project development will result in:
- 1,395 fewer miles driven every day compared to the Contra Costa County average.
- 50% fewer GHG impacts every day compared to the Contra Costa County average.
- 21% less parking use every day compared to the Contra Costa County average.
We believe that Sierra Gardens is a worthwhile investment for the city and believe that its construction will create more affordable and sustainable Walnut Creek. Greenbelt Alliance hopes the project will inspire cities in Contra Costa County and around the Bay Area to be audacious and redouble their efforts to grow in more sustainable ways.
