Plan & Project Implementation
About the Division
The Plan & Project Implementation Division supports and coordinates City and Department Initiatives to implement the General Plan and the Draft Economic Development Element (EDE). This includes facilitation of the Salinas Downtown Vibrancy Plan, initiating the Alisal Vibrancy Plan, and the coordination of internal and external stakeholders and community partners to accomplish General Plan and EDE policy actions. This Division also provides administrative support and oversight to the Department by supervising, monitoring, and controlling the Department’s operating budget and activities.
Accomplishments
In 2015 the Division:
- Initiated the formal adoption process for the Economic Development Element
- Secured funding to initiated preparation of the Alisal Vibrancy Plan
- Provided small business support by assisting SUBA and processing twenty (20) Grow Salinas Fund loan applications
- Initiated implementation of Salinas Downtown Vibrancy Plan
What We're Working On
Advancement of our Economic Prosperity through:
- Work with business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Salinas United Business Association (SUBA) to create a shop local initiative and adopt official local preference policies for City procurement of all goods and services.
- Development of a campaign to promote local businesses and products (e.g. “Made in Salinas”) including a “Buy Local”/“Made in Salinas” website/mobile app.
- Establishment of locations for small business incubation and acceleration that feature low cost, flexible space, with the availability of business support services on-site or through referral.
- Utilization of the Grow Salinas Fund to foster at least one business expansion that results in job retention or creation each year.
- Development and implementation of the Alisal Vibrancy Plan.
- Completion of a target housing market analysis for Downtown, the Alisal, and Chinatown to inform the various planning processes underway.
- Establishment of a façade improvement program next year.
- Revision and implementation of the Alisal Marketplace Plan.
What's Happening for Plan & Project Implementation
City Launches Text Message Platform for Business Support
The City of Salinas' Business Support Team expanded their outreach efforts by launching their new texting application. Salinas businesses can now subscribe to receive text message notifications from the City’s Business Support Team!
If you would like to get notifications on small business assistance you can now text Biz831 to 474747 from your mobile device.
Para notificaciones de texto en español sobre la asistencia para pequeña empresas, puede enviar un mensaje con el texto Negocio831 al número 474747 desde su dispositivo móvil.
Welcome to Salinas' New Business Navigator
Please join the City of Salinas in congratulating Community Development Analyst Crystal Casillas who will serve as the City's Business Navigator. Supporting our local businesses is a necessary service, even more so as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Business Navigator, Crystal will assist with the implementation of the Alisal Vibrancy Plan, focusing on Economic Development goals for the East Alisal area and act as the staff lead for the City’s Small Business and Economic Recovery programs.
Crystal has been with the Community Development Department since 2018, previously serving as a Community...
Think Big, Shop Small! #Back2BizSalinas
July 8, 2021
The City of Salinas launched its shop local campaign, Think Big, Shop Small! Community members are entered into a drawing to win a gift bag when they support their favorite local small businesses on social media. Snap a selfie or take a picture at a Salinas small business. Upload your pictures to social media using #Back2BizSalinas or #SalinasShopsLocal to be automatically entered into the drawing.
The Think Big, Shop Small! campaign has been extended through July 18! Let’s get #Back2BizSalinas!
If you are a business owner, stay connected with the City!
Business...
Salinas Awarded Year 5 AmeriCorps VISTA Program
June 10, 2021
The City of Salinas has been approved for year 5 of the Salinas AmeriCorps VISTA program. The Salinas Alisal Engagement Support Team is comprised of five AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. Their role is to focus on poverty and poverty related issues and building resident capacity. The 2020-2021 Salinas VISTA Team is currently supporting Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP) implementation, as well as providing essential outreach and support during the pandemic. Each of their positions align with the goals and strategies identified in the AVP.
The City’s current VISTA Team includes:
Meet Adolfo, Small Business Support Coordinator!
June 8, 2021
Adolfo Ruelas is the Small Business Support Coordinator with the City of Salinas' AmeriCorps VISTA Program. Adolfo has provided support during the pandemic to Salinas small business owners, connecting them with resources and assisting with grant applications. He also supports businesses in the Alisal Commercial Corridor and is actively working on guiding principles and design guidelines to promote a vibrant cultural District identity in the Corridor.
Adolfo is a graduate of the University of California, Davis with a degree in Economics. He has five years of professional experience in the Insurance/Financial Services industry and...
Visit the plan's website, alisalplan.org to learn how to get...
Salinas Downtown Vibrancy Plan
Learn more about the City's new community-based vision plan for pedestrians, bicycles, traffic flow, sustainable parking and attractive sense of place.
