Lafayette is located on 15 square miles in Contra Costa County, one of nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area. The City was incorporated in 1968, although settlement of the area began in 1848. Lafayette is noted for its high quality of life with top rated schools, low crime rate, small town downtown, clean air, mild climate and oak tree-studded hills. Located between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, Lafayette has its own Bay Area Rapid Transit station (BART) and is only a 25 minute BART ride from San Francisco. Mission Statement: Lafayette was incorporated for the preservation and enhancement of the semi-rural character of the community. Lafayette shall endeavor to maintain the nature of the community by using a volunteer system of commissions and committees and a small staff whose number is consistent with the services provided. Limited services and a conservative fiscal policy are Lafayette’s practice.