Edi Birsan’s exit from council is the end of a colorful era for Concord politics

CONCORD — Edi Birsan rarely shied away from the spotlight during his 12-year tenure on the Concord City Council, where he developed a reputation as one of the city’s loudest advocates — and critics.

But this month, the 75-year-old was forced to return to his roots as an outspoken civilian gadfly, after more than a decade crafting policies to bolster affordable housing, tenant protections, safer streets and trades programs for the community.

Pablo Benavente, a young political newcomer, narrowly defeated Birsan in the November race to represent District 4 — which was decided by only 109 votes.

“Government is either listening to you or listening to someone else, so you’ve got to speak up,” Birsan said Dec. 10, reflecting on his legacy during his final council meeting. As Concord voters embrace fresh leaders, he said “it is important — for all of us, and the future mayor — to continue the concept that we can talk to each other.”

Roughly 35% of more than 12,300 ballots backed Benavente to represent District 4 through 2028, according to the final count certified earlier this month, which reported 77% voter turnout. The 33-year-old Benavente, who works as a government relations professional in the technology industry and served on Concord’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Committee, is the first LGBTQ person and second person of color elected to the Concord City Council.

Before Benavente assumed the office, several community members and elected officials praised Birsan’s accessibility and passion during his final council meeting — awarding the longtime councilmember with a collection of government service commendations, gift cards to help fund his impromptu public office hours at Luna Restaurant or Peet’s, and an honorary gavel, which he mistakenly never received after his first nomination as mayor in Dec. 2017.

Birsan was born and raised in New York City, where he earned dual BAs in history and political science at City University. He and his wife have lived in their home off Monument Boulevard since moving to Concord in 1983, but the Brooklyn native never lost his East Coast edge.

He’s often fielded criticism that he was divisive and lacked decorum — embracing a direct and at times brash approach to governance while attempting to juggle the diverse needs of residents, workers, businesses and industries in Concord.

But Cecilia Pérez-Mejía, a lead community organizer with local nonprofit Rising Juntos, credited much of Birsan’s success since 2012 to his approachability, sense of humor and ability to constructively navigate disagreements.

“You showed leadership and commitment to the most vulnerable, even when it wasn’t very popular,” Pérez-Mejía said Dec. 10. “You took risks and a lot of blowback for standing up for tenants and what was right. Your invaluable contributions will shape the future of Concord for years to come.”

Birsan was no stranger to conflict, but one of the biggest hurdles in his 2024 campaign revolved around the massive Concord Naval Weapons Station project, which has taken nearly two decades and three different master developers to conceive the latest billion-dollar vision.

Most recently, Birsan cast one of the two dissenting votes in January 2023 against cutting ties with a former master developer’s affordable housing plan, despite growing concerns over a history of labor disputes, power plays and allegations of backroom deals.

Birsan refused to waver from his preference for what he called “Main Street over Wall Street,” and remained one of the most vocal critics of Brookfield Properties, the global real estate firm chosen last year to take over the troubled project.

Mayor Carlyn Obringer, who was nominated on Dec. 10 to take over the rotating role after being reelected to her third term in November, said Birsan’s tenacity consistently raised the bar for his council colleagues and city staff — a level of influence that she expects will continue to make waves in Concord.

“You and I have not always agreed on things, but I really appreciate your passion,” Obringer said, prior to her own swearing in to represent District 2. “I know that we haven’t seen the last of you.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, who handily bested both Birsan and Obringer in the Nov. 2022 race for his current office, said Birsan’s spirit of civic engagement and influence stretched beyond Concord’s borders even while he advocated for the city in regional projects.

“One of my favorite things with (Birsan) is having the ability to share ideas, to share opposing ideas, and to come to common ground quite often,” Carlson said. “You’ve accomplished a lot in your 12 years of service … and I look forward to you continuing to call me to advocate for residents and the city of Concord.”

Laura Nakamura, who became vice mayor on Dec. 10, said that “we have all heard (Birsan) talk about the fact that – even in a divided country and divided community living in concordance is something that is really important to him.”

Birsan’s parting message doubled down on that call, emphasizing the importance of talking and listening to one another to create a stronger community.

Recalling a social studies lesson he learned as an 11-year-old in Brooklyn and tried to pass on while mayor in Concord, he said the government only listens to people who vote, write and speak out.

“We are right now facing what we have for the last many years: an effort to divide us, an effort to focus on that which is different,” said Birsan, before he quickly shuffled out of the packed council chambers with one last tip of his hat. “We must remember that when we sit here (in City Hall) and say the pledge, the last seven words are the most important: ‘indivisible with liberty and justice for all.’”