COCOTAX INVITATION TO ATTEND A BOARD/MEMBERS BREAKFAST MEETING FRIDAY February 28, 2025 at 7:45am

The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a BREAKFAST Board /Members Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday January 24, 2025 at 7:45 am. Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay ONLINE, or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door-$25 for members, $30 for guests.

INTRODUCING OUR SPEAKER: Newell Arnerich, CHAIR OF THE CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (CCTA) and Vice Mayor of DANVILLE

Newell Arnerich serves as the Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), where he leads strategic initiatives to enhance regional mobility and transportation innovation. Under his leadership, CCTA collaborates with key stakeholders—including automobile manufacturers, technology firms, research institutions, and public agencies—at GoMentum Station, a premier testing ground for Connected Vehicle (CV) applications and Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technologies. This initiative, located at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station, accelerates research, testing, validation, and commercialization of next-generation transportation solutions. 

During his presentation at our meeting, Newell will discuss CCTA’s activities and challenges with a focus on driverless vehicle projects. CCTA is running three autonomous vehicle projects: in San Ramon, at Rossmoor, and at the County hospital in Martinez.

In his role, Newell oversees three active autonomous vehicle pilot projects in San Ramon, Rossmoor, and at the Contra Costa County hospital in Martinez, demonstrating CCTA’s commitment to integrating driverless technology into real-world environments.

Beyond transportation, Newell is a director and advisor for several high-tech startup incubators and innovation centers, including The Launching Pad, VLP, i-Gate, and VillageUp. He also serves on the boards of multiple public and private companies in the U.S. and Asia, leveraging his strategic expertise to drive growth and facilitate mergers and acquisitions.

Since 1995, Newell has served on the Danville Town Council, holding the position of Mayor for seven terms. His “pay-as-you-go” fiscal policies have ensured Danville’s long-term financial stability. He actively contributes to regional and statewide policy through leadership roles in organizations such as:

    •    East Bay Economic Development Alliance for Business

    •    Statewide Commission on Transportation, Communication & Public Works Policy

    •    Statewide Commission on Housing, Community & Economic Development

Newell earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture and Urban Design from UC Berkeley. He is also the President and CEO of an award-winning architectural firm, leading its success for over 47 years.