CITY OF SALINAS STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-2025
November 2022 Update
The City of Salinas’ Strategic Plan represents the vision of the Mayor and City Council. This document serves as a roadmap to align policies, projects, and initiatives with this vision. The Strategic Plan outlines measurable goals and strategies designed to guide decision-making processes in the City. These goals and strategies are built on the shared values identified by the Council.
SHARED VALUES
Equity and Inclusion
Fiscal Responsibility
Integrity
Responsiveness
Service
STRATEGIC GOALS & STRATEGIES
Economic Development
Sustain, encourage, and develop a diverse and thriving economy that benefits all Salinas residents and businesses and that contributes to the community’s economic health.
Implement the Alisal Vibrancy Plan
In April 2022, Caltrans awarded City $4M; $1.87M from the Clean California State Beautification Program and $2.15M from the Local Grant Program to further address Alisal community’s short-term goals of appearance, cleanliness, and safety/infrastructure along Alisal Street Corridor. (Community Development/Public Works) An AVP update, including Short -Term Priority Tasks through 2024, was presented to City Council on May 10, 2022. Staff continues to work with community stakeholders to implement Short-Term Priority Tasks. (Community Development) Completed street tree trimming & street cleanup along Alisal St, Market St, Sanborn Rd, and John St in July-August 2022. (Public Works/Community Development) Design consultants selected for Hebbron Family Center Revitalization Project and the Park Revitalization and Improvement Projects. (Library and Community Services, Public Works, and Community Development) City staff released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on October 7, 2022, seeking a consultant team to create an Alisal District Identity Master Plan. (Community Development) Develop an Agriculture Technology plan, engaging community to manage impacts to housing, community, and jobs Started an Agriculture Economic Study with a consultant team led by Economic & Planning Systems Inc. Staff is working with a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of industry representatives to guide the study and develop General Plan Update policy recommendations to support the future of the Ag Industry in Salinas. (Community Development) Partner with the school districts, community and local colleges, workforce development board, and other key partners to ensure training for farm workers to compete for agriculture technology jobs Support and engage small, large, and entrepreneurial business The Small Business Hotline has received 136 calls and 96 emails between January 2022 to present from businesses. The Business Navigator has assisted business owners and entrepreneurs with acquiring and renewing business licenses, permitting, referrals to small business support organizations and the promotion of workshops and financial opportunities. (Community Development) Continue to convene Small Business and Economic Recovery Taskforce quarterly to coordinate and partner with Salinas Business Community Organizations to provide training and financial support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. (Community Development) In October 2022, launched social media and Technology Grant Program to assist businesses with marketing and efficiently operating their business. (Community Development) In November 2022, launched Downtown Outdoor Dining Program and the Outdoor Dining Forgivable Loan Program to assist downtown eateries with investing in quality outdoor furniture that complements and enhances Downtown revitalization improvements. (Community Development/Public Works) Support implementation of the Arts ordinance
City Council approved the Annual Public Arts Plan in March of 2022 funding $5,000 for matching public art event grants and $1,000 for marketing and outreach of grant and other Public Art Commission (PAC) support. Grant Request For Proposals (RFP) released in October. (Library and Community Services) Identified other opportunities to fund art outside of the Municipal Art Fund including:
The Painting of the Main Street Trash Corrals
Funding public art through the Neighborhood Beautification Grant Program resulting in a new mural at the Bread Box Recreation Center and two large moveable murals. (Library and Community Services) Create and maintain attractive gateways at City entry points In July 2022, muralists and designs selected for the three underpasses entering the Alisal at E. Market Street, E. Alisal Street and Sanborn Road (See underpass project under Alisal Vibrancy Plan). (Community Development) 2006 Zoning Code includes Gateway Overlay Zones, which are continuously implemented as Current Planning receives applications. (Community Development) Promote Salinas as a desired destination for business
Develop mural program to combat graffiti (moved from infrastructure) Through the development and implementation of a series of initiatives between Library and Community Services and Community Development a few murals are underway, including 3 underpass murals in the Alisal and other City owned facilities throughout the City. (Library and Community Services and Community Development) Multiple mural projects are underway in the Alisal including at the Breadbox and underpasses. (Community Development/Library and Community Services) Housing/ Affordable Housing
Pursue housing options for residents of all income levels, including the unsheltered, that is safe and secure.
Pursue housing development opportunities that align with the City’s adopted specific plans Secured funding through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and distributed nearly $14 million in assistance to 1,553 households in Salinas. (Community Development) City staff has retained a consultant to conduct supplemental environmental work for the West Area Specific Plan to address litigation. (Community Development/Legal) Preserve affordable housing
The City continues to strategically utilize its federal and state entitlement funding to preserve affordable housing units including funding the rehabilitation of 5 units at Interim’s Catalyst Apartment Project. (Community Development) Evaluate updates to the inclusionary housing ordinance
A preliminary Housing Market Target Analysis was prepared to evaluate the removal of the downtown exemption for the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. Staff is preparing an ordinance amendment to eliminate an exemption for new construction in the Downtown for the November 15th meeting. In addition, staff have been directed to commence the necessary review, engagement, and revision of the Inclusionary Ordinance for Council consideration no later than June 30, 2023. (Community Development) Partner with public and nonprofit agencies to offer housing to the unsheltered The City continues to fund local service providers and non-profits, including CSUMB CHE, CCCIL, Step Up, Inc., Interim, Inc, Downtown Streets Team, to offer a variety of services to unhoused residents including wraparound services, housing navigation, landlord engagement, voucher attainment, etc. The City granted approximately $2.9 million in funding in FY 21-22 to assist 1,657 unsheltered residents. (Community Development) The City currently funds two shelters, SHARE and the Chinatown Navigation Center, providing up to 150 emergency shelter beds through contracts with Bay Area Community Services (BACS) and Community Homeless Solutions. (Community Development) The City currently administers a 50-room Emergency Motel Program in partnership with the County of Monterey in which CSUMB CHE and CCCIL provide a wide range of supports focused on moving individuals towards permanent housing as soon as possible. The County provided nearly $3.5 million in funding for this program. (Community Development) The City secured a nearly $4.1 million Encampment Resolution Grant, a multi-agency demonstration project to create effective pathways to permanent housing for the unsheltered near Natividad, Alisal and Gabilan Creeks. (Community Development) The City secured a $2.6 million Family Challenge Homeless Grant to acquire and build ADUs to house 5-10 homeless families in partnership with BACS. (Community Development) Examine the Rent Stabilization Plan
Implement the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plan
The pre-approved ADU plans were developed and made available in September 2022 with the first permit was issued in October. ADU informational workshops were held on October 6th at the Rotunda with 76 participants and October 13th at the Firehouse Community Center with 44 participants in attendance.
From January 1, 2022 to October 21, 2022, 107 ADU permits have been issued.
Explore options for Tiny Homes communities
Identify opportunities for workforce, low-income, and farm worker housing Issued a Notice of Funding Availability for affordable housing in early 2022 and held a Housing Developers Forum on May 19, 2022, to discuss opportunities for the City to partner to facilitate affordable housing. Staff is currently evaluating four (4) requests for affordable housing funds. (Community Development) The City led a RFQ effort in partnership with the County of Monterey to select Eden Housing as the developer for a 100% affordable multifamily rental development on County land at 855 E. Laurel Drive for 130 to 180 units. An Exclusive Negotiating Rights Agreement (ENRA) is forthcoming. (Community Development) The City is in discussion with the Housing Authority of Monterey County to enter into an ENRA for the Division Street property by end of year. (Community Development) The City is in discussions to acquire multiple properties for future affordable housing projects. (Community Development) Increase funding to programs to allow seniors to live independently The City continues to support the development of Parkside Manor, an 80-unit senior affordable housing project that should be completed by November 2022.
City staff are in discussion with developers about how to support a new 39-unit senior complex in District 4.
Encourage transit-oriented housing development
City Council approved the transfer of properties at the Intermodal Transportation Center. Once the transfer is complete, city staff will pursue developers for a TOD project at the site. (Community Development/Legal) The City is rezoning opportunity sites ahead of the General Plan Update to mixed-use and higher density housing designations to encourage interim housing production. These sites are on or near major transit sites, including downtown, along East Alisal and North Main Streets. (Community Development) As part of the General Plan Update, staff developed draft Place Types to replace current land use designations. These focus more mixed use and density along major corridors to encourage transit-oriented development and housing. (Community Development) Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) received a grant to study regional transit-oriented development, including along the Alisal Street corridor. Staff has worked with MST throughout, including reviewing the application, refining the study area, and providing background information. Staff will continue collaboration throughout the grant process. (Public Works and Community Development) Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability
Invest in and maintain green infrastructure that creates a vibrant City and generates community pride and improves climate resiliency.
Improve the condition of local streets
The City is using the pavement management program to maximize the available funds for street maintenance.
Invest in a sidewalk repair program
ARPA funds are being used to maximize sidewalks repairs Citywide.
Beautify the city with regular AMOR Salinas clean-ups that engage residents Earth Day April 2022 drew hundreds of volunteers to remove invasive growth from the grove of trees in Sherwood Park. (Library and Community Services) Camp Amor Salinas hosted 35 high school aged volunteers for one week to clean the stage and picnic tables as well as repaint the trash cans at Sherwood Park. (Library and Community Services) Hosted 7 trash disposals, one in every district. (Library and Community Services) Supported Blue Zones and Sustainable Salinas in doing monthly volunteer clean-ups in Natividad Creek Park, the Alisal business corridor, Santa Rita Park and old town Salinas. (Library and Community Services) Make A Difference Day Oct. 2022 will host hundreds of volunteers for clean-ups at Azahel Cruz Park, Laurel Heights Park and Cesar Chavez Park. (Library and Community Services) Improve city facilities, including lighting
Facility maintenance has added 2 new maintenance works to help maintain the City’s facilities In May 2022, the Salinas City Council approved a Services Agreement with McLaughlin for the painting of Recreation Facilities (Breadbox, El Dorado, Closter). In addition, painting and new flooring is underway at the Salinas Aquatic Center. (Library and Community Services) HVAC repairs and replacements continue at the Salinas Aquatic Center, El Dorado Park and Community Center. (Library and Community Services) Improve the urban canopy
Explore opportunities for electrification
Adopt a Climate Action Plan
Consultant team updated the 2019 Greenhouse Gas Inventory to establish a baseline for the Climate Action Plan (CAP). Staff conducted the first CAP workshop in May 2022 and held environmental justice workshops in September 2022. (Community Development) Employ modern techniques to build climate resiliency
Public Safety
Continue to improve community safety by engaging residents and using a broad range of proactive approaches that emphasize community connection and prevention programs.
Emphasize community policing strategies and crime prevention through regular interaction with residents and business owners Engage neighborhoods
Fire Department staff are assigned to manage social media outreach and presence for fireworks abatement, recruitment, and special events. The Salinas Fire Department Master Plan includes a robust community engagement component that will serve to assure the needs of specific neighborhoods and areas of the City are addressed.
Expanded Neighborhood Services from one Coordinator to three giving us capacity to support more resident leaders and neighborhood groups. (Library and Community Services) Administered the Neighborhood Beautification Grant and worked with 11 successful applicants to complete their projects in FY21-22. (Library and Community Services) Supported outreach for the city-wide budget, district level discussion housing, and the general plan. (Library and Community Services) Hosted and organized the first annual Salinas March for peace in the Alisal drawing hundreds of residents. (Library and Community Services) Invest in prevention and intervention programs Enhance the abandoned vehicle abatement program Earned a 3.4 million Dollar California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant that will fund:
Salinas Police Department Juvenile Diversion program and a new Community Outreach Team to include a Sergeant, four officers, and a part-time analyst.
Rancho Cielo: Tiny Home construction training program.
Partners for Peace: Parent Education and youth mentoring.
Natividad Foundation: Hospital-based violence intervention program.
Continue to convene the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace maintaining a broad network of violence prevention and intervention partners to operationalize the strategic plan on Violence Prevention. (Library and Community Services) Managing the development and implementation of the $300,000 Prevention and Wellness Grant. (Library and Community Services) Consider environmental design factors for improved public safety All improvements to fire stations and administrative facilities will seek to increase energy efficiency and the utilization of green technologies.
Invest in recreational programs and public facilities
Funding has been allocated for deferred maintenance at all City fire stations and projects are being initiated as staff and oversight resources allow.
Outside consultants are engaged in providing support for oversight and management of these projects.
A comprehensive facilities improvement plan will be part of the new Salinas Fire Department Master Plan.
The Recreation-Park Division continues to provide recreational and leisure opportunities for Salinas residents of all ages. (Library and Community Services) Environmental work and community engagement is underway for the Revitalization of the Hebbron Family Center. (Library and Community Services) The City released a Request for Qualifications for Project and Construction Management for a series of projects including, Closter Park Improvements, Cesar Chavez Trail, El Gabilan Play Lot and new inclusive Playgrounds at Northgate and Williams Ranch parks. (Library and Community Services) The City entered into contract with Jet Mulch for resurfacing of playgrounds systemwide. (Library and Community Services) The City entered into contract with two playground manufactures for repairs systemwide. (Library and Community Services) In May 2022, the Salinas City Council approved a Services Agreement with McLaughlin for the painting of Recreation Facilities (Breadbox, El Dorado, Closter). In addition, painting and new flooring is underway at the Salinas Aquatic Center. (Library and Community Services) HVAC repairs and replacements continue at the Salinas Aquatic Center, El Dorado Park and Community Center. (Library and Community Services) Evaluate staffing levels of public safety personnel (police and fire) The Fire Department Master Plan/Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover process has been initiated and will be completed by the 1st quarter of 2023.
The FY 22/23 City budget provided for 3 additional firefighter positions to staff one of the department’s two ladder truck companies to NFPA standards of 4 personnel per day.
Hire locally for public safety positions (police and fire) Recruitment efforts have been successful in attracting local candidates with recent fire academy graduates consisting of over 85% local personnel.
The Fire Department has launched a “Recruitment Task Force” with funds allocated in the FY 22/23 budget. The group focuses on local high school and collegiate athletics, fire academies, and campus visits to engage with candidate pools.
The Salinas Fire Department is nearing completion of a MOU with the Mission Trails Regional Occupational Program via the Salinas Union High School District. This agreement provides for Salinas Fire Department staff to take a lead role in the direct instruction of students enrolled in public safety programs through ROP. The department is also developing internship and job-shadowing programs as a companion to these efforts to further attract local youth in the public safety service in the City of Salinas.
Maintain effective code enforcement practices
Code enforcement staff have been coordinating closely with Public Works and the Salinas Police Department (SPD) to enforce the new Vendor Ordinance including addressing unpermitted/unsafe hot dog vendors from outside Salinas. (Community Development/SPD/Public Works) Code enforcement staff have been coordinating with SPD on enforcement of the Noise Ordinance. (Community Development/SPD) Code enforcement staff continue to coordinate with Permit Services and the Legal Department to initiate and oversee receivership and nuisance abatement cases for dangerous and blighted properties (Community Development/Legal) Code enforcement staff coordinated with the Housing Division, County Environmental Health, and the Coalition for Homeless Services Providers (CHSP) to launch a pest elimination (over 700 rats) pilot project in Chinatown. (Community Development) The Housing and Code Enforcement Divisions continue to work with the Housing Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to draft a rental registration ordinance to be brought to City Council by early 2023. (Community Development) Youth and Seniors
Provide opportunities for healthy development and social connections through recreational facilities, programs, and activities.
Ensure diverse opportunities for youth and senior recreational and supportive programs Strengthen the relationships with local school districts and work to develop joint-use facility agreements Expand the City’s volunteer program
Registered over 500 new volunteers this year. Added to the over 1,000 new volunteers from 2021. Increased outreach and relationship development with service-oriented groups like our local Rotaries, Sun Street Center Men’s Residential Program, 831 Niner Empire, the faith community, our local middle and high schools. (Library and Community Services) Improve and develop youth and senior facilities Establish a youth commission The Youth Commission is not yet under development but hope to begin flushing program out by the end of the year. (Library and Community Services) Evaluate possibility of building a community/multi-use facility City Council authorized $8.1 Mil for a Recreation Center in District 5. Outreach is underway to identify feasible location. (Library and Community Services) Effective and Culturally Responsive Government
Provide effective and culturally responsive government programs and services in a professional, customer-oriented manner that ensures equitable solutions to community challenges.
Begin the General Plan Update Establish an Equity Plan
An Equity Plan was developed specifically for the Community Outreach Plan of the City Budget that will be used for the upcoming FY ’24 budget development. (Library and Community Services) Administering over $360,000 in grant and city funding to train all staff and policy makers in Governing for Race Equity, develop a training video for all new employees, send a team to the National Facing Race conference including policy makers. (Library and Community Services) The General Plan Update, Visión Salinas 2040, launched in 2021. Progress updates were provided to City Council in March and September 2022. To date, staff has held twelve workshops/webinars and seven working group meetings, in addition to pop ups and other outreach actions. (Community Development) Equity is a key component of the General Plan Update engagement strategy, and the City is partnering with the Center for Community Advocacy to support grassroot outreach, particularly with underrepresented voices. (Community Development) Address staffing capacity and succession planning concerns Apply data-driven management to decision-making Evaluate technology gaps Hire locally for city positions
Invest in training and development opportunities to build skills and capacity Establish Council norms
Provide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training for policymakers DEI training for policy makers is being designed by Race Forward and is scheduled to be done in January and February 2022. (Library and Community Services) Support effective governance for City commissions
Improve employee wellness, recruitment, and retention
Make government services more accessible and culturally responsive for non-English speaking residents All promotional materials in the LCS Department for events and programs are done in both English and Spanish. (Library and Community Services) The whole Neighborhood Services team is bilingual in English and Spanish. (Library and Community Services) Bilingual staff is available at all LCS divisions. (Library and Community Services) All General Plan Update events and activities are in English and Spanish. (Community Development) Offer more literature and the SalinasConnect App in Spanish Staff is in the process of preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) scheduled for release in December 2022 seeking a vendor who can upgrade the existing application in both English and Spanish, and integration with other city applications. (Administration) STRATEGIC GOALS AND STRATEGIES Page 2 of 2