The City of Orinda provides police, public works and engineering, parks and recreation, planning and administrative services from its offices at 22 Orinda Way.
Services for the town's 17,500 residents originate from this building, and its architect made a point of ensuring that the structure was both welcoming and accessible to those who use it.
Built on an otherwise undevelopable site and situated to take full advantage of existing light and topography, City Hall's designers capitalized on the building's proximity to existing public transportation and incorporated a number of amenities for cyclists and joggers, including bike lockers and a private shower area.
The building houses the offices of the City Clerk, Parks & Recreation Department, Planning Department, Police and Public Works department. The five-member City Council is responsible for making policy, passing ordinances, voting appropriations and having overall authority in governing the city. Council members are volunteers, serve without compensation, and serve in staggered, four-year terms. A City Manager and City Attorney are compensated employees who serve as the city's primary legal and managerial advisors.
The city council meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Council meetings are held at the Orinda Library Auditorium. In addition to the city council and primary city departments a number of commissions, committees and sub-committees are appointed by the city council and comprised of residents volunteering their time.
Steve Glazer serves as Orinda's mayor. Jeffrey Jennings is chief of police. Chief Jennings commands a force of one patrol sergeant, a detective sergeant, nine sworn patrol officers, a traffic enforcement officer, community service officer and a K-9. Four reserve officers support the department.
Police services are provided through a contract with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office.