[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 7, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JIM KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2024

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
Jim Kennedy as we celebrate the dedication of the Jim Kennedy Village 
Green at the Contra Costa Centre--Pleasant Hill BART Transit Village.
  Jim was born in Montana and grew up in North Dakota before moving to 
Davis, CA in the 1960s. He received his bachelor's and a master's 
degree in Economics/Environmental Economics from San Diego State 
University. Jim served as Contra Costa County's Redevelopment Director 
for 35 years where he spearheaded efforts to improve traffic congestion 
and quality of life throughout the region until his retirement in 2011.
  Jim has worked tirelessly to implement transit-oriented development 
at the Pleasant Hill BART Station Area. Jim led efforts to develop 
office spaces, high density residential spaces, and initiate 
improvements to greenspaces and trails. This effort supports many 
quality jobs and features affordable housing units and convenient 
retail shops along the 680 Corridor. The high-quality housing in 
proximity to recreation and transit also attracts workers from San 
Francisco and other job centers along the BART line. Jim played a vital 
role in overseeing this project and helping to achieve this goal.
  Jim is an active member of the community, having formerly served as 
President, Executive Director, and Board Member of the California 
Redevelopment Association. He also served on the board of the Kennedy-
King Memorial Scholarship Fund from 1987 to 2023 and currently serves 
on the Eden Housing Board of Directors (2013-Present). He is also a 
founding Co-Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill BART Leasing 
Authority.
  The Village Green--the connection between the Iron Horse Trail and 
the Town Square/Fare gates of the BART station--will be named the ``Jim 
Kennedy Village Green'' in honor of Jim's critical work. This is a 
fitting tribute to his vision and hard work.
  Please join me in recognizing Jim for his many contributions to our 
community and devoted service to Contra Costa County.

                          ____________________