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
Historic Resources Board Meeting
October 5, 2020 - 12:00pm
Minutes and agenda can be found here (link is external) as published.
Finance Committee Meeting
October 5, 2020 - 1:00pm
West Wing Conference Room
Minutes and agenda can be found here as published.
News: Our Government
Educational Webinars: Fair Housing/Evictions City and Echo Housing
September 23, 2020
Housing and Community Development
The City of Salinas (City) Community Development Department Housing Division funds ECHO with its United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for both Fair Housing and Tenant/Landlord Counseling. As a result of COVID-19, ECHO is continuing to provide enhanced education regarding the protections available to the general public on fair housing, rental laws and to ensure awareness of and compliance with the laws. ECHO's services include; 1) Fair Housing Counseling regarding disability and COVID-19 impacts, 2) Fair Housing Investigations regarding disability discrimination, 3) Tenant/Landlord Counseling with emphasis on City, State, and Federal protections due to COVID-19, 4) Tenant/Landlord Mediation for resolution of COVID-related issues and 5) Outreach services
Villa Street Neighborhood Traffic Calming Plan Begins Construction
September 15, 2020
After a community-led process and City Council’s approval, the installation of the Villa Street Neighborhood Traffic Calming Plan is now in progress. A public works crew has begun installing the speed cushions on Saturday, September 12th and should complete the work by Saturday, October 3rd.
The Traffic and Transportation Division held two community meetings with residents of the Villa Street neighborhood to develop a Traffic Calming Plan to address the speeding concerns of the neighborhood. With residents’ input received at these meetings, a neighborhood Traffic Calming Plan was developed and finalized. Per the City’s Traffic Calming Policy, the plan was taken to vote to determine support from residents and the vote met policy requirements.
Planning Manager Tara Hullinger Retires After 21 Years of Service
September 9, 2020
Advanced Planning Division Manager, Tara Hullinger, of Community Development Department retired on September 4th, 2020 after 21 years of service with the City of Salinas. Tara returned to work in Salinas, her hometown, in 1999. Tara began her career at the City as an Associate Planner, and was later promoted to Senior and Principal Planner, and became the Advanced Planning Division Manager in 2014.
Tara leaves behind a strong legacy of sustainable and innovative planning at the City of Salinas, having led the 2006 Zoning Code Update, the award-winning Housing Element Update of 2015, the City’s first Economic Development Element of the General Plan, the West Area Specific Plan of 5,000 housing units, and
Public Works Secures $6.4 Million of Grant Funds for Road Improvement Projects
September 4, 2020
The Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) has awarded Salinas with grant funding for three important road improvement projects
The Regional Surface Transportation Program was established by California State Statute utilizing Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. TAMC distributes these funds to local agencies and funds regionally significant projects as part of its responsibilities as a Regional Transportation Planning Agency.
This funding cycle, $12 million was available within the County of Monterey, and the City of Salinas was awarded funding for three projects:
- Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project ‐ Phase 1 ($4,000,000)
- Bardin Road Safe Routes to School Enhancement Project ($1,800,000)
- Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements – 6 Locations Each District ($545,000)
City Wins Two Planning Awards From California APA
August 26, 2020
The City's Community Development Department (CDD) recently won two awards from the American Planning Association California Chapter. CDD won the 2020 Award of Excellence in the Planning Agency category, and the 2020 Award of Merit for the Alisal Vibrancy Plan in the category of Advancing Diversity and Social Change in Honor of Paul Davidoff. The Planning Agency Award honors a public sector agency with a track record of exceptional work that elevates awareness about planning in the community. In a span of just five years, the City has completed twelve major planning efforts, including citywide and area-focused plans. In 2016, CDD launched Visión Salinas to coordinate planning processes, build engagement capacity, and
Mutual Aid Response to California Wild Fires
August 18, 2020
At this moment, California is battling roughly 625 concurrent wildfires across the state and Salinas Fire deployed multiple crews to combat the Fires. Engine 305 and its crew was busy down south assisting with Lake Fire and were reassigned to the CZU Lighting Fire as of last week. OES Engine 323 and its crew had been on the Carmel Fire since its start but were reassigned to the CZU Lightning Fire as of today. Salinas Deputy Chief Klemek and Battalion Chief Emery were also out as strike team leaders in the River Fire, now reassigned to Carmel Fire. Its been a busy week for your Salinas Firefighters and all first responders.
We thank all
City Initiates 2020 Census Salinas Action Team
February 25, 2019
As a part of the countywide Monterey County Complete Count Committee, the City of Salinas has initiated an Action Team to ensure all Salinas
Staff Attends 2020 United States Census Training
October 18, 2018
Community Development staff attended a training in September on the upcoming 2020 United States Census. The training prepared staff for the City's
