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Who runs Martinez

Brianne Zorn

Mayor · Until Dec 2026 · Elected November 2022; Councilmember November 2020 – December 2022

This seat is on the ballot Tue Nov 3. The new council is seated Wed Dec 9.

EmailCall the council office

What they campaigned on, and how it is going

> THE MARTINEZ WIRE ▌COUNCIL SCORECARD · SEP 2026D64 / 100
Grade D · score 64/100

Mayor Zorn's grade is held down by 3 of 10 promises with no step in the minutes (retail and commerce, marina restaurant and kayaks, downtown walkways from parking).

Confidence high

Left: what they campaigned on. Right: the council's steps on each, from the start of their term to today. The number is how far each has come, out of 100.

How the grading works

The short version

We list what they promised as a candidate, then check every council decision since they took office. A promise scores higher the further it got with their yes vote: a law in force or finished work counts most, a study or plan counts less, nothing counts zero. Promises they repeated count a little more, and the grade is the average.

The formulaS = P×A + L + I − CGrade = Σ(w·S) ÷ Σw

S = P × A + L + I − Ceach promise · 0 to 100

Grade = Σ(w·S) ÷ ΣwA 90 · B 80 · C 70 · D 60 · F below 60

P
Progress done 100 · committed 80 · early 50 · raised 20
A
Alignment their yes votes ÷ the votes they cast
L
Lead +10 when they moved or seconded it
I
Initiative +10 when they raised it at council
C
Counter −25 for a standing yes vote against it
w
Emphasis 1, plus 0.5 for each further place they said it, at most 2
Mayor Zorn's record10 promises450 decisions
PromisewPALICS
Bike routes and transit2801.0000080
Waterfront plan21001.00000100
Retail and commerce200.000000
City Hall transparency21001.00000100
City staff support21001.00000100
Wayfinding signs for shoppers1501.0000050
Downtown walkways from parking100.000000
Regional transportation plans1801.0000080
Marina restaurant and kayaks1.500.000000
Where new housing goes11001.00+1000100
Σ(w·S) ÷ Σw990 ÷ 15.564

450 decisions read · 45 months · 35 steps · 0 against · 0 contested · 0 raised · confidence high

How it is checked4 rules
  • Every decision of the term is read against every member's promises, without knowing whose they are.
  • Each step is read twice, separately; it counts only when both readings agree, at the lower level.
  • A recording counts only when its own caption names the speaker.
  • Which decisions move a promise, and how far, is our reading, one standard for every member.
Sources42 records
  1. Campaign promiseNov 2022Official candidate statement
  2. Campaign forumOct 13, 2022Thousand Friends of Martinez Candidate Night - Brianne Zorn
  3. Campaign forumOct 14, 2022Martinez Mayoral Candidate Forum
  4. Campaign videoJan 12, 2023The Last Mile | Brianne Zorn for Mayor
  5. Campaign videoJan 12, 2023Waterfront Restoration | Brianne Zorn for Mayor
  6. Campaign videoJan 12, 2023Economic Development | Brianne Zorn for Mayor
  7. Campaign videoJan 12, 2023City Hall | Brianne Zorn for Mayor
  8. Action takenJun 24, 2026Minutes
  9. Action takenJun 3, 2026Minutes
  10. Action takenApr 15, 2026Minutes
  11. Action takenDec 17, 2025Minutes
  12. Action takenJul 30, 2025Minutes
  13. Action takenJul 30, 2025Minutes
  14. Action takenJul 16, 2025Minutes
  15. Action takenJul 16, 2025Minutes
  16. Action takenJul 16, 2025Minutes
  17. Action takenJun 25, 2025Minutes
  18. Action takenJun 4, 2025Minutes
  19. Action takenMay 21, 2025Minutes
  20. Action takenMay 21, 2025Minutes
  21. Action takenMar 19, 2025Minutes
  22. Action takenMar 5, 2025Minutes
  23. Action takenNov 20, 2024Minutes
  24. Action takenNov 20, 2024Minutes
  25. Action takenOct 23, 2024Minutes
  26. Action takenOct 23, 2024Minutes
  27. Action takenOct 2, 2024Minutes
  28. Action takenOct 2, 2024Minutes
  29. Action takenOct 2, 2024Minutes
  30. Action takenSep 4, 2024Minutes
  31. Action takenSep 4, 2024Minutes
  32. Action takenJun 26, 2024Minutes
  33. Action takenJun 5, 2024Minutes
  34. Action takenMay 1, 2024Minutes
  35. Action takenMay 1, 2024Minutes
  36. Action takenMay 1, 2024Minutes
  37. Action takenMar 6, 2024Minutes
  38. Action takenJan 17, 2024Minutes
  39. Action takenDec 20, 2023Minutes
  40. Action takenDec 20, 2023Minutes
  41. Action takenNov 1, 2023Minutes
  42. Action takenFeb 1, 2023Minutes

Bike routes and transit

Campaigned on

Expand bicycle routes, add ferry service and create last-mile connections to transit.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on bike routes and transit and voted yes on , which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 1

  1. Committed · our readingSigns a federal grant agreement funding a plan to inventory missing sidewalks and bike paths near schools and transit.

Related only · 5

  1. Our readingAwards the Intermodal Elevator and Safety Improvements Project contract to the lowest qualified bidder.

  2. Our readingApproves the drawings and written requirements for the Intermodal Elevator and Security Improvements Project and lets staff advertise it.

  3. Our readingBacks a grant application for a crossing, which concerns access but adds no bicycle route, ferry or transit link.

  4. Our readingChanges bike parking counts for homes, shops and offices, without adding routes or transit connections.

  5. Our readingContracts for a Citywide Vulnerable Road User Safety Plan focused on pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

P 80 × A 1.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 80 · weight 2

Waterfront plan

Campaigned on

Guide a waterfront planning process weighing environmental protection against sustainable development.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on waterfront plan and voted yes on , , and 4 more, each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 7

  1. Committed · our readingHires Lighthouse Public Affairs to advise the Marina and Waterfront Revitalization Project, including coordinating its environmental review.

  2. Early · our readingOpens talks with only Tucker Sadler Architects on remaking the Martinez Waterfront and Marina.

  3. Early · our readingHears a proposed vision for the Marina and Waterfront and considers starting negotiation talks with Tucker Sadler.

  4. Early · our readingLets the city manager sign an agreement to join the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan for sea level rise.

  5. Committed · our readingContracts with SWA Group for community input on a grant application to renovate the waterfront and marina.

  6. Early · our readingDirects staff to apply for a federal grant to remake and improve the Martinez waterfront and marina.

  7. Done · our readingApproves the Waterfront Marina Trust Land Use Plan and has staff submit it.

Related only · 13

  1. Our readingLooks at a grand jury report on developing a vibrant and sustainable waterfront and lets the city manager send an answer.

  2. Our readingBacks a grant application for access between Downtown Martinez and the waterfront without taking a planning step.

  3. Our readingAccepts the finished Fishing Pier renovation, a waterfront project with no planning step.

  4. Our readingApproves design work and permitting help on repairing the Martinez Marina seawall and breakwater.

  5. Our readingAwards a contract to renovate the Martinez Municipal Fishing Pier and sets aside funding for it.

  6. Our readingApproves a new operating agreement with East Bay Regional Park District for the Carquinez Straight Regional Shoreline.

  7. Our readingExpands the AnchorQEA contract for design and permits to repair the Marina Seawall and Breakwater.

  8. Our readingPuts off deciding on the Waterfront Marina Trust Land Use Plan to the March 6, 2024 meeting.

  9. Our readingPuts off a decision on the Waterfront Marina Trust Land Use Plan to the February 21, 2024 meeting.

  10. Our readingPuts off the Waterfront Marina Trust Land Use Plan, without discussing it, to the meeting on February 7, 2024.

  11. Our readingContracts with AnchorQEA for environmental review on the Fishing Pier Restoration Project, without a waterfront plan step.

  12. Our readingKeeps part of the Waterfront Amphitheater as a Temporary Dog Park, without a waterfront planning step.

  13. Our readingSets aside ARPA money for permit help on the Fishing Pier Restoration Project, without a waterfront plan step.

P 100 × A 1.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 100 · weight 2

Retail and commerce

Campaigned on

Encourage additional retail and commerce areas near the highway through economic development efforts.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on retail and commerce; the official minutes from 1392 show no decision that moves it forward.

Related only · 2

  1. Our readingCreates an Assistant Community and Economic Development Director job, without a step for highway retail areas.

  2. Our readingTakes a first vote rezoning parcels to Neighborhood Commercial, without naming areas near the highway.

P 0 × A 0.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 0 · weight 2

City Hall transparency

Campaigned on

Increase transparency and communication to rebuild confidence in City Hall.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on City Hall transparency and voted yes on , , and 2 more, each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 5

  1. Early · our readingTells the city clerk to review the rules on which officials must report their money and property and return by October.

  2. Done · our readingAdopts changes to the city's Budget Policy aimed at improving financial transparency.

  3. Done · our readingPuts in place the city's rules on which officials must report their money and property.

  4. Early · our readingAnnounces plans to change the rules on which officials must report their money and property and sets a date for public comment.

  5. Done · our readingApproves the city's rules on which officials must report their money and property.

Related only · 16

  1. Our readingHears the Measure X Citizens' Oversight Committee's annual report, with no step either way.

  2. Our readingHears the Measure D Citizens' Oversight Committee's annual report, with no step either way.

  3. Our readingApproves a new City Council Handbook of the council's own rules and steps for running its business.

  4. Our readingHears the yearly report on fees charged to new building projects and how they were collected and spent.

  5. Our readingContracts for independent audits of the city's books for two budget years.

  6. Our readingHears the quarterly investment report for the month ended June 30, 2025, without deciding anything on it.

  7. Our readingAdds money to the Baker Tilly contract for a long-range financial forecast for city planning.

  8. Our readingAccepts the audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report so the public can evaluate the city's finances.

  9. Our readingEnds the Measure H Citizen Bond Oversight Committee after it completed its duties.

  10. Our readingContracts for a study of what shared services cost each department, with no step on communication.

  11. Our readingExtends budgeting and accounting help while the city's transparency portal is not yet in use.

  12. Our readingContracts for an inclusive community engagement process on a grant application, not on City Hall communication.

  13. Our readingApproves mid-year budget changes, including tracking American Rescue Plan Act money in its own separate fund.

  14. Our readingHas staff prepare a 2024 ballot measure on making the City Clerk appointed instead of elected.

  15. Our readingExtends the Maze & Associates contract for audit services for the budget year ending June 2023.

  16. Our readingTakes a first vote on new rules for how the city manages and keeps records.

P 100 × A 1.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 100 · weight 2

City staff support

Campaigned on

Continue supporting the City's high-quality staff team serving Martinez residents.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on city staff support and voted yes on , , and 5 more, each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 8

  1. Done · our readingApproves updated job descriptions meant to ensure fair pay and clear expectations and help the city attract and keep staff.

  2. Committed · our readingApproves a base salary raise for the city manager under the employment agreement.

  3. Committed · our readingApproves a cost-of-living adjustment for Management Compensation Plan employees and changes the salary schedule.

  4. Committed · our readingChanges the Local 324 labor agreement to set overtime rates for prescheduled construction inspections.

  5. Committed · our readingApproves a Local 324 side agreement and changes Water Plant Manager pay to help recruit and keep plant staff.

  6. Committed · our readingContracts with Insidesource to reconfigure City Hall office space to support a growing City workforce.

  7. Committed · our readingContracts for office furniture reconfiguring City Hall space to support a growing City workforce.

  8. Committed · our readingContracts with Allsteel and Sam Clar to modernize City Hall workspaces for employees.

Related only · 15

  1. Our readingUpdates the City's Classification Plan, creating and ending job classifications and moving employees and positions.

  2. Our readingApproves the City-Wide Salary Schedule along with the operating budget for the coming budget year.

  3. Our readingNames an Interim Finance Manager to fill a vacancy while the city recruits a permanent one.

  4. Our readingApproves a new labor deal covering pay and other terms with the Martinez Police Officers' Association.

  5. Our readingReorganizes department management, adding one job and dropping a Planning Manager job.

  6. Our readingSets the city's share of health care costs for working and retired police employees, with no stated increase or cut.

  7. Our readingPuts into effect a side agreement changing the union contract's benefits and compensation article, without saying how.

  8. Our readingApproves updated job descriptions for police and planner positions.

  9. Our readingReclassifies the Assistant City Clerk position and its current employee to City Clerk with a matching pay range.

  10. Our readingApproves the City-Wide Salary Schedule amid revenues not keeping pace with service costs.

  11. Our readingApproves the city pay schedule for July 2023 to June 2024 to follow retirement law rules.

  12. Our readingExtends the AnchorCM contract for temporary staff to process permits through June 2024.

  13. Our readingSets job descriptions and pay ranges for two new positions in restructured Public Works and Community Development.

  14. Our readingAdds one Permit Technician II position to the budgeted positions effective June 1, 2023.

  15. Our readingChanges salaries under the Management Compensation Plan without saying whether staff pay goes up or down.

P 100 × A 1.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 100 · weight 2

Wayfinding signs for shoppers

Campaigned on

Seek funding for signs that show shoppers which city retail district they are in and point them to new businesses.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on wayfinding signs for shoppers and voted yes on , which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 1

  1. Early · our readingApproves the design for downtown wayfinding signs directing drivers to downtown destinations and public parking.

Related only · 1

  1. Our readingSpeeds review of adding a Martinez Sturgeon medallion to gateway signs, which promote the team rather than retail districts.

P 50 × A 1.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 50 · weight 1

Downtown walkways from parking

Campaigned on

Provide clean, well-lit walking routes linking downtown parking areas to the shops people want to visit.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on downtown walkways from parking; the official minutes from 1392 show no decision that moves it forward.

Related only · 5

  1. Our readingBacks a grant application for access from Downtown Martinez, not a walking route from parking areas.

  2. Our readingAccepts finished pavement work on a downtown parking lot, not the walking routes to shops.

  3. Our readingApproves the design for signs directing drivers to downtown destinations and public parking.

  4. Our readingBuys new trash and recycling bins to start upgrading bins downtown.

  5. Our readingApproves Option A for Parking Lot 4 layouts to add more downtown parking.

P 0 × A 0.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 0 · weight 1

Regional transportation plans

Campaigned on

Take part with regional transportation agencies so Martinez is included in the connections their plans create.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on regional transportation plans and voted yes on , and , each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 3

  1. Committed · our readingApproves the I-680 Corridor Ramp Metering agreement with the regional project led by Caltrans and CCTA.

  2. Committed · our readingLets the public works director sign agreements with Caltrans on shared projects and funding.

  3. Committed · our readingSigns a funding agreement with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for the Smart Signals Project.

Related only · 6

  1. Our readingBacks an application to the Federal Railroad Administration, a federal program rather than a regional transportation plan.

  2. Our readingAsks the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the city's share of project money, not joining its plans.

  3. Our readingApproves the Measure J Compliance Report sent to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for approval.

  4. Our readingSigns a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School/Transit Plan.

  5. Our readingApproves a Local Roadway Safety Plan that lets the city qualify for federal funding programs.

  6. Our readingSends the city's Measure J Compliance Report to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to keep transportation funding.

P 80 × A 1.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 80 · weight 1

Marina restaurant and kayaks

Campaigned on

Seek a restaurant and kayak rentals at the marina as part of its revitalization.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on marina restaurant and kayaks; the official minutes from 1392 show no decision that moves it forward.

Related only · 5

  1. Our readingContracts for development advice on the Marina and Waterfront Revitalization Project, with no restaurant or kayak step.

  2. Our readingHears a proposed vision for revitalizing the Martinez Marina and Waterfront.

  3. Our readingApproves a loan and payment to Almar Marinas to sustain Marina operations, without a restaurant or kayaks.

  4. Our readingDirects staff to apply for a grant to improve the waterfront and marina, without naming a restaurant or kayaks.

  5. Our readingApproves the Waterfront Marina Trust Land Use Plan, without naming a restaurant or kayaks.

P 0 × A 0.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 0 · weight 1.5

Where new housing goes

Campaigned on

Work with residents to identify places in the city where new housing can be built.

Mayor Zorn campaigned on where new housing goes and voted yes on , , and 7 more, each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 10

  1. Done · our readingAdds Mixed-Use Housing to the city's land-use map at named sites after hearing public comment.

  2. Done · our readingAdopts city law No. 1474 allowing homes in commercial areas.

  3. Early · our readingTakes a first vote on a law allowing housing in commercial areas.

  4. Done · our readingMoves named parcels into the Mixed-Use/Housing Overlay through an emergency zoning law.

  5. Early · our readingDeclares six city-owned properties surplus land and sends required notices, as the housing plan requires.

  6. Early · our readingTakes a first vote on a law adding micro units to the zoning rules for housing and business areas.

  7. Done · our readingAdopts zoning changes to match the 2023-2031 housing plan, including accessory dwelling units on religious institution land.

  8. Done · our readingAdopts emergency law No. 1457 adding an Affordable Housing Overlay District to the zoning map.

  9. Early · our readingTakes the first of two votes rezoning parcels to Residential and updating accessory dwelling unit rules.

  10. Early · our readingApproves the Revised housing plan for state certification and takes first votes on new overlay districts and rezoning.

Related only · 21

  1. Our readingChanges the city's zoning rules on accessory dwelling units to match what the state housing department said.

  2. Our readingTakes the final vote on a city law changing rules on Senate Bill 9 land splits and building projects.

  3. Our readingTakes a first vote on subdivision and zoning rule changes without identifying places for new housing.

  4. Our readingReviews the yearly General Plan and housing plan report, with no step on housing locations.

  5. Our readingChanges the rules for second homes on a property, without identifying places for new housing.

  6. Our readingSells an empty city property declared surplus under the housing plan, without naming a housing use.

  7. Our readingAdds affordable home rules implementing the housing plan, without identifying places for new housing.

  8. Our readingTakes a first vote on zoning changes for housing, without naming places where new housing can be built.

  9. Our readingAdopts new design rules for multifamily and mixed-use buildings.

  10. Our readingAdopts a zoning chapter for micro units in housing and business areas.

  11. Our readingTakes a first vote on zoning changes and design standards for multifamily and mixed-use housing.

  12. Our readingHears the Annual Progress Report on the General Plan and housing plan and sends it to the state.

  13. Our readingGives up the public's right to use a strip of land that a housing development application requires.

  14. Our readingTakes a first vote on zoning changes including updates to housing rules.

  15. Our readingTakes the final vote replacing the city's Density Bonus rules to match state law.

  16. Our readingTakes a first vote on density bonus rules about how much extra housing projects may build, not where it goes.

  17. Our readingHears the yearly General Plan and housing plan progress report and sends it to state agencies.

  18. Our readingTakes the final vote on new overlay districts and rezoning 32 downtown parcels, without naming housing sites.

  19. Our readingTakes the final vote on new rules for accessory dwelling units, without identifying places for new housing.

  20. Our readingTakes the first vote on new accessory dwelling unit rules, without identifying places for new housing.

  21. Our readingTakes the first vote on rezoning two properties from M-29-P to R-1.5 and requests adding the land to the city.

P 100 × A 1.00 + L 10 + I 0 − C 0 = S 100 · weight 1

Voting record

Each decision the official minutes record them voting on, and the motions they made, from the minutes of Dec 2022 to Sep 2026. A row opens its meeting.

Show decisions

What
How the minutes record their vote
Year
2026113 decisions
2025144 decisions
2024113 decisions
202373 decisions
20227 decisions
About, contacts and sources

One of the five votes on the council, elected by the whole city for four years.

Office
Mayor
Term ends
Dec 2026
History
Elected November 2022
Councilmember November 2020 – December 2022
Email
bzorn@cityofmartinez.org
Council office
(925) 372-3505
City Hall
525 Henrietta Street, Martinez, CA 94553

The city's council pageTerms on the city's board list