Martinez, Calif. — Residents of Contra Costa County have the opportunity to directly shape their local government by serving on the Civil Grand Jury for the fiscal year 2025-26. The Superior Court of Contra Costa County is opening the application process for this oversight body, which plays a crucial role in examining the operations of various local governmental bodies including city and county administrations and school districts.
The Civil Grand Jury, comprising 19 members, serves from July to June each year. Its main tasks are to inspect, evaluate, and report on the functioning and efficiency of governmental entities within the county. This form of civic engagement provides a platform for residents to contribute to improvements in public administration.
To ensure a broad representation that mirrors the demographic diversity of the area, the court seeks to interview about 75 candidates. These individuals will be shortlisted by a selection committee made up of Superior Court Judges. Approximately 30 applicants will then be nominated to a pool, from which the final 19 jurors will be chosen through a lottery system. The selection draw is penned for June 13, 2025.
Those who are appointed will need to commit to a series of orientations scheduled between June 16-20 and June 23-27. During this period, jurors will meet heads of various departments, get acquainted with their duties and responsibilities, and choose committees they will work on.
Criteria for eligibility are strict: applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, and residents of Contra Costa County for a minimum of one year before selection. They must not hold any elected office in the county, must have reliable transportation to Martinez, and should be able to dedicate at least 30 hours per week to jury duties. In addition, candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Word, have the ability to communicate via email, and must be able to take time off work if employed.
Grand jurors are compensated for full attendance at jury and committee meetings, and receive mileage reimbursement at the rate of 70 cents per mile for approved travel related to their duties.
Key dates for those interested include the start of recruitment on January 6, 2025, with applications due by March 7. An orientation for potential applicants is scheduled for March 17, with interviews and mandatory fingerprinting set to follow in April. Following the selection process in June, the newly composed jury’s term will officially commence in July.
Residents looking to apply or seeking more information can reach out to the Office of the Civil Grand Jury by phone at (925) 608-2621, or visit their website to view more details about the service and to download the application form. The application period closes on March 7, 2025, an essential deadline for those considering this unique form of public service.
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