Our Government
For most of us, it’s at the local level that government has the greatest impact on our lives. And it's at the local level that each of us can have the greatest impact on government.
Our City government is formed by a charter, which plays a role similar to that of the United States Constitution — it describes what the government does, and gives it legitimacy.
Like the federal government, the City government has branches. They include the elected City Council, led by the Mayor, which represents the will of the voters; the staff, led by the City Manager, which executes policies set by the City Council; and commissions, boards, and committees, which advise on specific areas such as planning, transportation, or libraries.
And most important of all: residents who get informed and involved, as we hope you will.
Upcoming Events: Our Government
City Council Study Session
September 25, 2018 - 4:00pm
Minutes and agenda can be found here as published.
Historic Resources Board Meeting
October 1, 2018 - 12:00pm
Minutes and agenda can be found here (link is external) as published.
Finance Committee Meeting
October 1, 2018 - 3:00pm
West Wing Conference Room
Minutes and agenda can be found here as published.
News: Our Government
49 Affordable Rental Units Come Online with Hikari Opening
September 18, 2018
Housing and Community Development
Haciendas Phase III also known as “Hikari,” which means “light” in Japanese, is the first affordable housing development on the Central Coast that was developed using modular construction. The project on Rossi Street also includes solar energy to offset all common area usage as well as a portion of the tenants usage. Hikari is the final phase of the Haciendas developments which include Haciendas Phase I, Phase II and Phase IV (senior housing) all developed by the Monterey County Housing Authority Development Corporation (HDC). Hikari is a new construction affordable multi-family rental housing development comprised of fifty (50) residential units, of which forty-nine (49) units will be affordable to low-income households earning sixty percent (60%)
Thank you Jennifer! A Legacy of Public Service
June 27, 2018
Jennifer Coile is retiring after over 30 years of government service. Jennifer received a bachelor’s Degree in history and Spanish with Honors from the University of Maryland and a Master’s of City and Regional Planning Degree from Harvard Graduate School of Design. She worked at the federal level for six years, first for the United States Consulate in Italy and Argentina, and then for the National Park Service.
Jennifer worked more than 30 years with several California communities. In 2013, she began her employment with the City of Salinas Community Development Department Housing Division, first as an Administrative Supervisor than as an independent contract planner. While working with the Housing Division, she was instrumental
Thirty-four Years of Service! Thank you Maria
June 27, 2018
Maria Orozco is retiring June 30, 2018. Over the past 34 years, Maria has exemplified dedication to public service, including the coordination of community-based events and festivities such as the annual Steinbeck Festival, El Grito Celebration and Christmas Posadas, and the support of economic development efforts in East Salinas.
She began her career with the City in February 1984 as the Secretary to the Library Director and was awarded the Steinbeck Scholar Award in 1991 from Ball State University for her efforts planning the annual Steinbeck Festival and dedication to Steinbeck studies in California.
In January 1994, Maria transferred to the Community Development Department as a Community Improvement Aide in the Housing Division,
Community Development Welcomes New Aides
June 27, 2018
Community Development is excited to welcome two new Administrative Aides! Carla and Crystal will support community engagement for several planning efforts, including the Alisal Vibrancy Plan and Vision Salinas. Both are from Salinas, and bring local outreach experience and strong organizational support skills to our team.
Carla was born in Houston Texas, raised in Salinas, CA since the age of 3. Carla is a graduate of California State University Monterey Bay, where she received a BA in Sociology and a minor in Global Studies.
While Carla attended Cal State Monterey Bay, she was involved in a variety of nonprofit organizations where she helped youth and homeless women in the Monterey County. She is
Salinas Firefighters Provide Breakfast for Cancer Survivors
May 16, 2018
Cancer is the leading cause of line of duty fatalities among firefighters. Firefighters have a 68% higher likelihood to be diagnosed with cancer than the general population. While we are aware of the risks, we also recognize how cancer affects our community. We are huge supporters of the Relay for Life and every year we celebrate our cancer survivors by inviting them to breakfast.
In partnership with Northminster Church, our firefighters are up early setting up tables and preparing a delicious “firehouse breakfast” for our cancer survivors in the community. It is a time to come together and celebrate survival and keep focused on how we can collectively beat cancer.
“Nearly 40% of
Salinas Firefighters Honor Our Military
May 16, 2018
May is Military Appreciation Month and your Salinas Firefighters could not be prouder to show their support and appreciation for the men and women who serve and defend our nation. For the entire month of May, your firefighters are wearing specially designed military appreciation t-shirts.
This effort was spearheaded by Firefighter Jesus Ramirez. Jesus is born and raised in Salinas and a graduate of Alisal High School. Jesus proudly served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps with deployments to the Middle East.
Our firefighters wear these shirts not just during the month of May, but any day of remembrance for our military veterans or recognition day for our
Seeking Grievance Board Volunteers
April 7, 2017
Interested in serving on a City commission, board or committee? Here is an opportunity for you! The City is looking for volunteers who are
