Monterey Park, California Development News
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Monterey City Council Meeting // July 21, 2026
Published: Jul 22, 2026
Housing Resource Center Details Services for Homelessness Prevention and Support
Jonathan Amati from the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) presented on the organization's services to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. HRC provides financial assistance for back rent, application fees, and first month's rent/security deposits. They utilize a Coordinated Entry System (CES) to prioritize clients based on need. HRC works with referred clients from partner agencies and offers case management and housing specialist support to help clients secure and maintain housing for up to a year. Four main programs were highlighted: Housing Support Program (HSP), Family Stabilization Program, Prop 47 Housing Program (now ended), and Bringing Families Home for families involved with CPS. HRC also has a landlord gold standard program offering incentives and repair assistance to landlords to encourage participation. The presentation also touched on community outreach and the need for landlord connections. Public comments included a resident's concerns about personal information and housing vouchers, a description of a past client's difficult housing journey that ended in death, and praise for HRC's work and its ED, Alexa Johnson, with a critique of the city for cutting renter assistance programs.
Easement Approved for Airport Roundabout Project at Garden and Olmstead Roads
The council discussed and approved an easement agreement with the Monterey Peninsula Airport District for improvements at the intersection of Garden Road and Olmstead Road. The airport is constructing a roundabout as part of its terminal project. The easement is for additional right-of-way needed for vehicles to circle the roundabout island. The airport's contractor will perform all work, and the city will inspect it, offsetting costs with encroachment fees. The airport will maintain enhanced landscaping, lighting, and a decorative sign within the roundabout, while the city will maintain the road pavement and sidewalks. The discussion also touched on future plans to vacate a portion of city right-of-way that transitions to airport property and potential conflicts with future Caltrans roundabout projects on State Route 68. Maintenance costs for the roundabout pavement were deemed negligible compared to traditional intersections due to savings on traffic signal operation and reduced collisions. Council members inquired about the maintenance responsibilities for enhanced features like landscaping and decorative signs within the roundabout, confirming the airport's responsibility. The timing and alignment with future Caltrans projects were also discussed.
Council Considers Extending Measure S Sales Tax for Infrastructure Repairs
The council considered placing a measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot to extend the existing 1-cent special transaction and use tax (Measure S) for an additional eight years. This measure, which requires a two-thirds voter approval, is projected to generate approximately $12 million annually, dedicated exclusively to street infrastructure rehabilitation, including roads, sidewalks, and storm drains. Staff emphasized that the tax rate would not increase for residents or visitors, as it's a continuation of the current tax, with an estimated 62% paid by non-residents. The presentation detailed the successful use of Measure P and S in improving the pavement condition index (PCI) from 54 to 79, significantly above the statewide average of 65. The funding has supported over a thousand street segment repairs, sidewalk repairs, ADA updates, and storm drain upgrades. Without renewal, the current funding expires March 31, 2027, and estimated annual maintenance needs for streets alone are $5-6 million, not including other infrastructure. The reliance on Measure S for capital infrastructure funding was highlighted, showing a significant drop in projected funding if not renewed. The finance director stressed strict fiscal accountability through independent audits, separate fund management, annual comprehensive financial reports, and an independent citizens oversight committee. Public comments included support for the measure, a question about contingency plans if it fails, and a suggestion for a kilowatt tax on EV charging. A discussion arose regarding the ordinance language, specifically if it should explicitly mention pump stations, following a suggestion to include language like 'such as replacing the Lake El Estero storm water pump station' to mirror previous ordinances and clarify eligibility. An amendment was made to include this pump language.
City Presents Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessments and Adaptation Planning Efforts
Christy Sabdo, principal planner, and Laura Enman, coastal scientist, presented findings from the 2025 Sea Level Rise Assessment Background Report and the 2026 Sea Level Rise and Vulnerability Assessment Update, part of the Resilient Coast Monterey project. This work is mandated by SB 272 and aims to incorporate sea level rise planning into the local coastal program by 2034. The city received an $818,000 grant for Phase 1, which is 65-70% complete. Phase 1 includes the background report, vulnerability assessment, economic analysis, and preliminary adaptation strategies. Phase 2 will focus on developing adaptation actions, funding strategies, and preliminary engineering designs. The project began in June 2025, with the background report completed in Oct 2025 and the vulnerability assessment in May 2026. The project area is divided into four hazard zones. Community outreach has included a meeting on Earth Day and ongoing bilingual materials. Key findings from the vulnerability assessment highlighted near-term risks to transportation (Delmani Avenue corridor) and recreational access due to sea level rise and high waves, impacting Figueroa Street and Delmani Avenue. Stormwater systems are also affected, with potential for backups. The Monterey One Water wastewater pipeline along municipal, Navy, and update beaches is vulnerable to erosion and exposure. Canary Row and wharf infrastructure may face challenges from wave forcing on deteriorating foundations. Delmani Beach and other beaches like Makabby and San Carlos are projected to experience significant flooding and erosion. Council members inquired about the integration of climate change impacts, vulnerable populations (including those with disabilities), and engagement with businesses and residents in affected areas like Canary Row. Discussions also covered funding opportunities (OPC, Coastal Conservancy), the timeline for adaptation strategies, potential for immediate low-cost implementation measures, and inter-jurisdictional collaboration. The background report updated sea level rise projections, noting that previous assessments used under 1 foot, 2.5 feet, and 5.2 feet of rise, while updated science shows timelines shifting, with 1 foot closer to 2050 and 5 feet still around 2100 but potentially later. The vulnerability assessment broke down impacts into near-term (25 years), mid-term (2070-2090), and long-term. Public comments raised questions about ongoing monitoring of projections, the need for a regional rather than city-specific plan, potential conflicts with private property rights to protect their own land, and the impact of sea level rise on inland water bodies like Roberts Lake and Laguna Grande Park due to rising groundwater tables. The team confirmed that groundwater flooding was considered but data is limited, requiring further investigation. They also clarified the differences between sea walls and revetments and their impacts on beaches. The timeline for draft adaptation strategies is expected by the end of the year or January, with community outreach ongoing.
Resident Voices Strong Opposition to Proposed Quick Build Project
During the public comment section, a resident expressed strong opposition to the quick build project at the intersection of Madison, Herman, and Larkin. The resident claimed overwhelming opposition from the neighborhood and stated the project moved forward without community consensus. The resident attributed the project's initiation to Councilman Garcia, questioning the lack of constituent-driven safety concerns or traffic calming requests. Concerns were raised about the 'use it or lose it' mentality regarding grant funds, which are taxpayer funds. A lack of a promised survey for input was also highlighted as poor outreach. The resident further alleged that Councilman Garcia dismissed traffic data in favor of personal opinion and advocated for grant funding for this project over amenity enhancements for Monterey's side of Laguna Grande Park. The resident urged the council to listen to the neighborhood's opposition.
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The Monterey Park News archive
Monterey Board of Library Trustees Meeting // July 23, 2026
Measure P and S Oversight Committee Meeting // July 20, 2026
City Council & Successor Agency
City Council Regular Meeting - Media
Planning Commission Meeting // July 14, 2026
Monterey City Council Meeting // July 7, 2026
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