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
December 2, 2019 - 12:00pm
Minutes and agenda can be found here (link is external) as published.
Finance Committee Meeting
December 2, 2019 - 3:00pm
st Wing Conference Room
Minutes and agenda can be found here as published.
News: Our Government
Downtown Complete Streets Project Approved for Construction
October 8, 2019
The Downtown Complete Streets Project is headed for construction!
This complete Streets project aims to make the corridor on West Alisal Street from Blanco Street to Front Street, a more safe, efficient and complete street. "Complete Streets" are streets designed and operated to support safe mobility for everyone. Those included are people of all ages and abilities, regardless of whether they are traveling as drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or public transportation riders.
This project delivers elements of the Downtown Vibrancy Plan, the Marina-Salinas Multimodal Corridor Plan and the Salinas Downtown Fiber Optic Network Plan.
Construction costs are estimated to be $8.6 million. Funding for this project is provided by the Highway and Safety
Downtown Complete Streets Project at Ciclovia
October 6, 2019
Traffic & Transportation Engineering
On Sunday, October 6th the Salinas community came together at Ciclovía to enjoy activities such as running, biking, skating and dancing. With much preparation, 1.6 miles of Alisal Street, from Main Street to Sanborn Street was converted from an arterial street to a large plaza for this 7th year of first Open Streets event in Monterey County. Open Streets events across the country promote healthy living as well as active transportation. Other cities in Monterey County has followed Salinas’ lead and have implemented Open Streets events of their own.
Public Works Staff was also present to support the event’s active transportation message and provide information on the Downtown Complete Streets Project, a project designed
Census Outreach at National Night Out
August 21, 2019
On August 6th, City of Salinas Community Development staff participated in various National Night Out events throughout the city of Salinas. National Night Out is an event that improves the relationship between law enforcement and community members to create a safer neighborhood. Staff had the opportunity to share information to nearly 85 residents about the upcoming Census count for the year 2020 and the impacts this has for the community. An accurate Census count is crucial to ensuring that Salinas gets the federal funding and representation its residents deserve. City staff will continue to provide education and Census resources at community events throughout the fall.
49 apartments Downtown, Chick-fil-A approved
August 7, 2019
The Permit Center continues to be busy with new and exciting projects throughout the City.
North Salinas: Northridge Mall continues their improvements with the Chic-Fil-A being the latest permit issued.
In addition, Hometown Buffett is being remodeled and rebranded into Golden Corral and Hobby Lobby is on track to open Fall 2019. Big Lots is taking over the Toys R Us building with numerous new tenants opening within the mall itself including Planet Fitness and American Eagle Kids.
City Center: The former Rabobank building is being adapted to create 19,000 SF of commercial space and 49 apartments! In the ‘One Hundred’ block, a new bar has
New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at School Crossing
May 17, 2019
Traffic & Transportation Engineering
Students at Natividad Elementary School on Modoc Street have a new traffic safety device that helps them get across the 4-lanes of Alvin Drive. The new flashing beacons are part of a series of improvements the City is planning on Alvin Drive that support safe routes to school.
The flashing beacons come with the restriping of a new high visibility crosswalk with supporting yield markings set back 50 feet from each direction to the crosswalk. The flashing beacons themselves include two LED rectangular shaped light sources that flash with high frequency when a pedestrian activates the beacon before crossing a street. These devices have been shown to help drivers comply with State law that
Visión Salinas / General Plan Guiding Principles Released
May 10, 2019
The Visión Salinas Guiding Principles for Salinas' upcoming General Update have been released as a public document in both English and Spanish! The Guiding Principles were adopted by the City Council in January, 2019 as a part of the Alisal Street Corridor Plan. The Guiding Principles and Overarching Core Value were developed through an extensive and completely bilingual (English/Spanish) public outreach process engaging over 500 people. Outreach included 9 Popups in North, South, and East Salinas; three stakeholder meetings; a community survey; and input from prior Popups and planning processes in the preceding five years. The Principles represent a vision for Salinas in the future, and will guide each policy developed in the City's upcoming
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
