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
Main Street Streetscape Project Community Meeting
Nov 15 2018 - 5:30pm
The City is pleased to invite you to the next community meeting for the Main Street Streetscape Project.
Come learn about project updates and schedule for your downtown.
Thursday, November 15, 2018 @ Salinas Police Activities League Building
100 Howard Street, Salinas, CA 93901
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Project plans ...
Planning Commission Meeting
November 21, 2018 - 3:30pm
Minutes and agenda can be found here (link is external) as published.
Historic Resources Board Meeting
December 3, 2018 - 12:00pm
Minutes and agenda can be found here (link is external) as published.
News: Our Government
Code Enforcement Appreciation Week
October 30, 2018
This October, the Council proclaimed the second week of October as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week in the City of Salinas in acknowledgement of the important and often overlooked work that Code Enforcement does in the community. Code Enforcement Officers play a vital role in addressing blight as well as major health and safety issues throughout our neighborhoods. By addressing properties with accumulated rubbish, stored inoperable and prohibited vehicles, and vehicles parked on front yards, Code Enforcement Officers play a key role in maintaining property values and the image of the community. By addressing property maintenance issues, building code violations, and health and safety code violations, Code Officers work each day to improve safety in
Staff Attends 2020 United States Census Training
October 16, 2018
Community Development staff attended a training in September on the upcoming 2020 United States Census. The training prepared staff for the City's role in the upcoming census to ensure a complete count of all Salinas residents. The training informed staff of the push to hire temporary Census canvassers, and new technologies that create a seamless process for census canvassing, such as a mobile phone app that allows the canvassers to select their own hours for work. The training informed various tools for engaging community members in "hard to count areas." Hard to count areas include locations with a significant population of veterans, foreign born persons, renters, senior citizens, homeless persons, and children under five years.
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
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
