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
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...
Grow Salinas Fund Grants Round 2 – Live Stream Recording

In case you missed it, the recording of this afternoon’s Grow Salinas Fund Round 2 Informational Session can be viewed on Facebook – CLICK HERE .
The City’s Business Navigator Crystal Casillas and Small Business Support Coordinator Adolfo Ruelas (AmeriCorps VISTA Member) walked us through the application process for the second round of Grow Salinas Fund grants. They shared details about the requirements, necessary documents, and next steps.
If you missed the webinar or need assistance with completing the application, please contact the City’s Business Support Team at:...
Meet Capri, Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator!

Capri Downs joins the City of Salinas as the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator. Capri graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills with a B.A. in Biology Anthropology in hopes to pursue a career in community health. Her goal is to enhance/create more green spaces and increase access to affordable and nutritional foods in low-income communities. She believes everyone should have access to adequate places to enjoy the outdoors and have different grocery markets that cater to all eating habits close to home. "I am looking forward to serving the Alisal neighborhoods and developing my skills...
Meet Kathleen, Homelessness and Preservation Coordinator!

The City of Salinas would like to introduce you to Kathleen Casey, Homelessness and Preservation Coordinator for the City of Salinas. Kathleen worked in campaign politics for the past six years and has lived throughout the country. She has been passionate about working towards learning more on how to counter the increasingly vital issue of curtailing homelessness in this country due to economic inequality and lack of investment in our education system and directly into our communities. Originally from Connecticut, she is excited to embrace and learn more about the City of Salinas and Monterey...