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2022 Draft City of Salinas General Plan Annual Progress Report
Presented to Salinas City Council March 21, 2023
Accepted by Resolution #
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Purpose and Summary
General Plan Background
Coordination with Partner Agencies
Visión Salinas 2040 General Plan Update
2. Status of General Plan Implementation Efforts
1. Introduction
Purpose and Summary
California Government Code 65400 requires cities and counties to submit an Annual Progress Report (APR) on the status of the General Plan and implementation progress to their legislative bodies, the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1 of each year. The APR for 2021 was submitted on March 28, 2022.
The City made significant accomplishments related to its General Plan in 2022. Revitalization efforts in the downtown core continued with the approval of the transfer of properties to the City at the Intermodal Transit Center (ITC) for potential redevelopment, and the updating of the Downtown Memorandum of Understanding between the City and County of Monterey to support parking consolidation. The City selected consultants for a new Hebbron Family Center and major park improvements, as well as procured additional maintenance and upgraded services. Major investments were also made in pedestrian safety, with the City awarding a $4.5 million dollar contract for sidewalk repairs citywide. Salinas also received a $3.4 million dollar Intervention and Prevention Grant to fund multiple community‐based youth programs. These accomplishments and more are detailed in Section 2.
Status of General Plan Implementation Efforts below.
While the Housing Element is the subject of its own Annual Progress Report, housing is one of the City’s top priorities, and a summary of General Plan efforts would be incomplete without some description of housing progress. In the past year, Salinas became the first Central Coast city to submit an application to the Prohousing Designation Program, released pre‐approved plans for Accessory Dwelling Units, and is one of ten California jurisdictions awarded a Family Homelessness Challenge Grant.
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General Plan Background
The City’s existing General Plan was adopted in 2002 and contains eight (8) Elements: Land Use, Community Design, Housing (updated in 2015), Conservation/Open Space, Circulation, Safety, Noise, and Economic Development (adopted in 2017). In several ways this General Plan was ahead of its time, with a vision that called for a compact city form, high quality mixed use and infill development, and preservation of agricultural land. Still, much has changed in Salinas since the Plan was initiated in 1998. Salinas is acutely impacted by the statewide housing crisis and its population is projected to continue to grow for several decades. New state laws have also significantly altered the planning landscape. These legislative changes are focused primarily on increasing housing production and addressing climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing adaptation measures. Several of the most important recent changes that the General Plan should consider or will have to directly address are summarized below:
AB 32 (2006) ‐ the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 required the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop a Scoping Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to 1990 levels by 2000. Subsequent Scoping Plans have added reduction targets of 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below 1985 levels by 2045. AB 1358 (2008) – the Complete Streets Act of 2008 requires cities and counties to modify their circulation elements to plan for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets all users’ needs for safe and convenient travel. SB 743 (2013) ‐ removes automobile delay and congestion (level of service) as basis for determining significant transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). SB 379 (2015) ‐ requires general plan safety elements to include a climate change vulnerability assessment and address adaptation.
SB 1000 (2016) ‐ requires the creation of an environmental justice element to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities.
AB 686 (2018) – requires jurisdictions to affirmatively further fair housing and adds new requirements for Housing Elements. SB 330 (2019) – the Housing Crisis Act created procedural protections for large housing developments, including limiting certain fee increases, the number of hearings that can be held, and downzoning. AB 68 (2019) ‐ this bill allows for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and junior ADU where certain criteria are met, prohibits minimum lot sizes for ADU, and identifies opportunities for ADUs in multifamily buildings where building standards are met. AB 671 (2019) ‐ requires local governments to include plans to incentivize and promote affordable ADUs in their housing elements.
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SB 6 (2019) ‐ requires local governments preparing a housing element on or after January 1, 2021, to submit an inventory of land suitable for residential development.
SB 9 (2021) – Allows for two duplex housing units where one housing unit was allowed before and waives discretionary review and public hearings for these developments. A proposed project cannot result in the demolition or alteration of a building that currently has a tenant or has had a tenant in the last three years. SB 10 (2021) – Creates a voluntary process for local governments to pass ordinances prior to January 1, 2029, to zone any parcel for up to ten (10) residential units if located in transit rich areas and urban infill sites.
Through the General Plan Update the City can address these and other legislative changes and chart a resilient vision for housing the entire community, creating a sustainable future, and equitable recovery from the pandemic.
Visión Salinas 2040
The City launched the General Plan Update, Visión Salinas 2040, which will also include a new Environmental Justice Element and the City’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP), in the summer of 2021. Engagement continued in 2022 with workshops, meetings, webinars, pop‐ups, surveys, and other activities. All events/materials had interpretation/Spanish translations. Specific events included:
Existing Conditions Workshop/Working Group Kickoff – Online webinar/workshop presenting existing conditions and working group topics before splitting into breakout groups.
Working Group Meetings – Seven online and in‐person General Plan topic‐specific meetings with residents and topic experts. CAP Workshop – Kick‐off activity for the Climate Action Plan, this webinar/workshop discussed the community’s greenhouse gas emissions and areas/populations most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Community Design Workshop – This webinar focused on the proposed shift from traditional land use and street classifications to more form/place‐based options.
Transportation Survey – Nearly 400 respondents completed this survey on top transportation challenges and priorities in Salinas.
Environmental Justice Workshops – The City held two in‐person workshops for their first Environmental Justice Element, one led in English, one in Spanish (both had interpretation options).
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Farmworker Outreach – The City is partnering with the Center for Community Advocacy (CCA) to increase the grassroots reach of General Plan engagement, particularly to the farmworker community. In 2022, CCA made two outreach visits to local farm fields, and recruited 10 General Plan ambassadors.
Coordination with Regional Planning Efforts
In addition to Visión Salinas 2040, in 2022 the City worked with partner organizations on multiple regional planning efforts, including:
Monterey‐Salinas Transit’s (MST) Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Study – the Community Development and Public Works Departments are collaborating with MST and other jurisdictions on a grant to study the potential for TOD along possible Bus Rapid Transit Corridors. Staff helped review the initial grant application, refined study areas, provided background information, and continues to participate in meetings to develop the final study. Draft 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Methodology ‐ The City worked closely with AMBAG and housing partners on the draft Methodology, successfully advocating for equity as core component. Multi‐Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The Fire Department led coordination with the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services (OES) on the MJHMP update, which also included Administration, Public Works, and Community Development. This update, adopted in 2022, includes vulnerability analysis for climate change hazards, new Salinas‐specific climate problem statements, and climate adaptation actions.
2. Status of General Plan Implementation Efforts
2022
Element Projects and Accomplishments Implemented Goals/Polices Land Use
/Community
Design
City Council approved the transfer of properties from the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) at the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC). The transfer was completed in December, 2022. Next, city staff will prepare a Master Plan that may include Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The City and County of Monterey updated their Downtown Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in March, 2022, focusing on housing, safety, and mobility in the downtown, along with planning and assessing the feasibility of a government center parking facility.
Goal‐LU‐1: Develop a balanced
land use pattern that provides
a wide range of jobs, housing,
shopping, services, and
recreation.
Policy‐LU‐1.2: provide a plan
for land uses that includes the
capacity to accommodate
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2022
Element Projects and Accomplishments Implemented Goals/Polices The City continues upzoning opportunity sites to mixed‐use and higher density housing designations via an SB‐2 grant ahead of the General Plan Update. These sites are on or near major transit corridors and opportunity sites, including downtown and the ITC, and along East Alisal and North Main Streets. All SB‐2 rezones are expected to be complete in 2023.
Created draft Place Types to replace current land use designations in the General Plan Update. These increase the areas designated for mixed use and allow for more housing density, especially along major corridors. 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. Improvements include public art, banners, signage, trees, and pedestrian amenities. City staff released a Request for Proposal (RFP) in October seeking a consultant team to create an Alisal District Identity Master Plan. In November 2022, the City and County of Monterey entered into the Alisal MOU focused on 1) master planning the development of City and County ‐owned property, with a primary focus on affordable housing, 2) establishing a trail network connecting City and County facilities and amenities, and 3) the expansion of health and mental health services in the Alisal. Relocated the Sun Street Transfer Station to Madison Lane, removing a waste transfer facility from the center of the city and opening up the area for long‐term redevelopment.
Started an Urban Forestry Master Plan
Over 4,600 permits (commercial, residential, etc.) issued and 13,799 building inspections conducted.
growth projected for 2020 and
beyond.
Goal‐CD‐1: Create and preserve
a positive community image
and identity.
Policy‐CD‐1.4: Use landscaping,
design
schemes, and signing to
improve the image and distinct
identity of the city, its
neighborhoods, and its major
gateways.
Goal‐ CD‐3: Create a
community that promotes a
pedestrian‐friendly, livable
environment.
Policy‐CD‐3.5: Promote high‐
density residential
development and mixed‐use in
the Central City.
Policy‐ CD‐3.8: Promote the
use of alternative modes of
transportation, including bus,
rial, bicycling and walking.
Housing See 2022 Housing Element Annual Progress Report Conservation/
Open Space
Selected design consultants for Hebbron Family Center Revitalization Project and the Park Revitalization and Improvement Projects.
Goal‐COS‐7: Provide, develop,
and maintain ample park and
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2022
Element Projects and Accomplishments Implemented Goals/Polices Make A Difference Day October 2022 hosted hundreds of volunteers for clean‐ ups at Azahel Cruz Park, Laurel Heights Park and Cesar Chavez Park. Earth Day April 2022 drew hundreds of volunteers to remove invasive growth from the grove of trees in Sherwood Park.
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. The City released a Request for Qualifications and selected consultants 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.
The City entered into contracts with Jet Mulch and two playground manufacturers for resurfacing and repairs citywide.
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, new flooring, and HVAC repairs are underway at the Salinas Aquatic Center. HVAC repairs/replacements are also underway at the El Dorado Park Community Center.
recreational facilities that offer
a variety of recreational
activities.
Policy‐ COS‐7.8: While
supporting
the development of
private recreational facilities,
ensure that the supply and
maintenance of public parks
and recreational opportunities
is adequate to ensure
permanent availability of parks
and recreational facilities for
use by the entire community.
Circulation
Awarded a contract for sidewalk repairs citywide for $4.5 million, including $3.7 million in ARPA funds.
Constructed Safe Routes to School improvements at Bardin Elementary, to be completed in early 2023.
Completed a $900,000 chip seal project repairing roads. Working with Monterey‐Salinas Transit (MST) on a grant to study regional Transit Oriented Development (TOD), including the Alisal Street Corridor. Staff has worked with MST throughout, including reviewing the application, refining the study area, and providing background information.
Goal C‐1: provide and maintain
a circulation system that meets
the current and future needs of
the community.
Goal‐C‐2: Work with other local
and regional agencies to
develop regional transit and
transportation systems.
Goal‐C‐3: Promote an efficient
public transportation network.
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2022
Element Projects and Accomplishments Implemented Goals/Polices Accepted the Safe Routes to School Plan as a strategic planning document in December 2022. This document describes community identified‐needs and recommendations to support walking, cycling, carpooling, and safety measures for 45 schools in Salinas.
Updated the 2019 Greenhouse Gas Inventory with origin‐destination VMT data to establish a baseline for the Climate Action Plan. Conducted the first Climate Action Plan Workshop in May 2022.
Conducted a Transportation Needs survey for the General Plan Update that received nearly 400 responses.
Goal C‐4: Provide an extensive,
safe public bicycle network that
provides on‐street as well as
off‐street facilities.
Goal C‐5: Provide safe routes to
school, work, shopping, ad
recreation for pedestrians.
Policy‐C‐5.1: Increase
availability of safe and well‐
maintained sidewalks in all
areas of the City.
Safety Started the preparation of a Salinas Fire Department Master Plan. Hosted and organized the first annual Salinas March for Peace in the Alisal, drawing hundreds of residents.
o Received a $3.4 million dollar California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant that will fund:
o Salinas Police Department Juvenile Diversion program and a new Community Outreach Team to include a Sergeant, four officers, and a part‐time analyst.
o Rancho Cielo: Tiny Home construction training program. o Partners for Peace: Parent Education and youth mentoring. o Natividad Foundation: Hospital‐based violence intervention program. Continued 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. Managing the development and implementation of the $300,000 Prevention and Wellness Grant.
Goal S‐1: Continue to play a
central role in the creation and
maintenance of a community
that resolves its problems in
non‐violent ways.
Policy S‐1.3: Support the
development and operation of
community centers and
recreational facilities as a pre‐
emptive strategy to reduce
youth related crime.
Goal S‐5: Improve the
community's ability to respond
effectively to natural and
human‐caused emergencies.
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2022
Element Projects and Accomplishments Implemented Goals/Polices Partnered with the County to adopt an updated Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan in September 2022.
Funding has been allocated for deferred maintenance at all City fire stations and projects are being initiated as staff and oversight resources allow.
Policy S‐5.1: Regularly update
and use the City of Salinas
Multihazard Emergency Plan
for disaster planning, public
education and guidance in
responding to emergencies.
Goal‐LU‐4: Provide effective
and responsive fire protection
and emergency response
service.
Policy‐LU‐4.1: Provide an
effective and responsive level
of fire protection, public
education and emergency
response service (including
facilities, personnel, and
equipment, through the Salinas
Fire Department.
Economic
Development
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.
The Small Business Hotline has received 136 calls and 96 emails in 2022 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.
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.
Goal ED‐QL‐2 – Narrow social
and economic disparities in the
City of Salinas to foster a more
inclusive community rich with
diversity, social cohesion, civic
engagement, and sense of
belonging.
Goal ED‐RET‐1.1: Enhance
retail, entertainment, and
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2022
Element Projects and Accomplishments Implemented Goals/Polices In October 2022, launched social media and Technology Grant Program to assist businesses with marketing and efficiently operating their business. In December 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.
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.
Started an Agriculture Economic Study to develop General Plan Update policy recommendations to support the future of the agriculture industry in Salinas. Completed EIFD Feasibility Analysis to fund infrastructure improvements required for the future development of the Salinas Ag Industrial Center.
tourism opportunities
throughout the City.
Policy RET 1.2 –
Undertake an
aggressive marketing program
to change the misperception
and false image of Salinas as
being an unsafe place to visit,
live and work.
Goal ED‐EBG‐2 – Ensure that
existing businesses have access
to the resources and services
they need to prosper and
expand in Salinas.