With a current population of 24,285, Lafayette is nestled among rolling green wooded hills in the San Francisco Bay area. Located in beautiful Contra Costa County, Lafayette is just 20 miles east of San Francisco and 8 miles from Berkeley. Lafayette was incorporated in order to preserve and enhance its semi-rural character and is noted for its high quality of life, warm, small-town feel, and stimulating urban culture. The city enjoys top rated schools, a low crime rate, clean air and endless recreational opportunities. In this community you will find a vast network of hiking trails and open space areas, a beautiful reservoir, a vast array of cultural offerings and a quaint downtown known for its “Restaurant Row”. All of which can be enjoyed in the beautiful Mediterranean climate.Lafayette is unique and proud of it. The city was incorporated in 1968 to provide limited services with a small staff and ensure financial stability through conservative fiscal policies. The “Four P’s”: police, public works, planning and parks are firmly planted in the DNA of the organization as its highest priorities. The city contracts for the majority of services so that it receives the best combination of price, quality and flexibility. The city’s conservative fiscal policies have placed it in the enviable position of having no unfunded obligations, a large financial reserve and a bond rating of AAA. The city embraces the community with many volunteers and city commissions that partner with city staff to achieve community goals.