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 - Training
September 18, 2019 - 12:00pm
Agenda can be found here (link is external) as published.
Planning Commission Meeting - Canceled
September 18, 2019 - 3:30pm
Cancelation notice can be found here (link is external) .
News: Our Government
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
Salinas City Council Supports 2020 Census Efforts
May 1, 2019
On April 16th, the Salinas City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting, and thus kicking off Salinas' 2020 Census Efforts. The resolution supports the City's recently formed 2020 Census Salinas Action Team, and the City's participation in the Monterey County Complete Count Committee. Recent news from the Action Team, which had its third meeting on April 23rd, includes the formation of an outreach hub at the City of Salinas that will provide local volunteers with materials to do Census Outreach. The Action Team will also be participating in the Take it Outside/Vamos Afuera Salinas event on May 5th. The State of California will also be contracting with several organizations to provide outreach funding, such as
AVP Celebration Draws a Crowd
May 1, 2019
On Tuesday, April 23, over 170 members of the Alisal community came to MLK Jr. Academy to celebrate the next phase of the Alisal Vibrancy Plan. Attendees helped prioritize key plan recommendations while enjoying performances from local youth Aztec and folklórico dancers, and guitar players. Emerging priorities from the event include measures to advance housing affordability, support youth programming, and expand help for small businesses. A full summary of event results is attached to this story. This feedback will be incorporated into the Alisal Vibrancy Plan, with a full public draft coming in mid-May. To see early draft content, engagement summaries, or other information about the plan, please visit our website at alisalvibrancyplan.org
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
