Meet Laura

I’m Laura Nakamura. I’m currently the Mayor of Concord, and I'm running for re-election to the Concord City Council this year.

Why I’m Running for Re-election

I have lived in Concord since 1988. I raised two children here. I’m drawn to public service and advocacy because I want Concord to be supportive of residents and families, whether working or retired, newer arrivals, or Concord-born and bred.

I believe in helping neighbors work together to build a compassionate, vibrant, engaging Concord. That can happen when we look out for each other. And it can happen when civic leadership shares the vision of prioritizing residents, especially our most vulnerable neighbors.

My goal is to bring compassion, collaboration, and community engagement to our civic life

My Civic Life

I was elected to the Concord City Council in 2022, served as Vice Mayor in 2025, and in December was selected by my colleagues to serve as Mayor of Concord for 2026. In addition to my role on the City Council, I serve in regional leadership positions:

  • Member, Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo), which oversees the boundaries of cities and special districts. The Contra Costa Mayor’s Conference appointed me.
  • Board and Executive Committee Member, MCE Clean Energy
  • Board Member, John Muir Health Community Health Foundation
  • Chairperson, Concord’s 11-member Homeless Strategic Plan Working Group

As Mayor, I’ve focused on supporting Concord’s youth, championing sustainability, and celebrating our local arts scene. That includes visual arts, local music, and the many service and advocacy organizations that create the unique fabric that makes Concord a great place to live, work, and play.

My civic engagement began in a bike lane. In 2016, I started commuting by bike and soon became an advocate for safer streets — encouraging others to give it a try and advocating to make walking and biking safe and accessible in Concord. Before being elected, I served on Concord’s Community Services Commission.

 

 

How I Got Involved

My path to becoming a candidate for City Council runs through my faith life. I’m Catholic and am active at St Bonaventure Catholic Community, where I’ve been a member of the parish council.

Some years ago, Pope Francis encouraged people to get involved in civic life, to respect each other, and to work together for the common good. I responded by becoming an advocate - I got involved to do the right thing for families; the right thing for a healthy community; the right thing for our common home.

I got involved so that I could meet my neighbors and work together with them. I started on the bike and pedestrian action committee, and my involvement in civic affairs grew from there. 

 

My Background

My connection to Concord began early. Although I grew up in neighboring Pleasant Hill, my siblings and I all marched with the Concord Blue Devils — one of Concord’s most celebrated performing arts organizations with an international reputation for drum and bugle excellence.

My day job is in healthcare - I’ve worked for over 35 years in cardiology - caring for both adults and children. I currently specialize in pediatrics. Over the course of my career, it’s estimated I’ve seen more than 25,000 hearts.

I’ve called Concord home since 1988. I raised my family here, coached youth soccer, and saw both of my children graduate from Clayton Valley High School. I’m active in my church community, and these experiences continue to shape my commitment to Concord.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, with a minor in Marketing, from San José State University, and was trained in echocardiography at City College of San Francisco.

Organizations I am or have been affiliated with:

  • St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, parish council, and Faith in Action ministry leader
  • National Union Healthcare Workers (NUHW), elected steward and bargaining team member
  • Concord Communities Alliance, founding member and past secretary/treasurer
  • Urban Habitat - Boards, Commissions, and Leadership Institute, 2021 cohort

Concord Involvement:

  • Community Services Commission - appointed by Concord City Council, 2021
  • Love Revolution Homeless Outreach Team
  • Concord Community Institute, 2018
  • Bike Concord Advocacy Committee
  • Mount Diablo Soccer Association (MDSA) - managed and coached house league teams

Motto: When life gives you Meyer lemons, make marmalade!

I hope you’ll support my campaign, there are many ways you can do so! Concord is home, let’s work on it together! 

You can download a PDF copy of this page—click here.