DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2025
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FROM: LISA BRINTON, DIRECTOR
THROUGH: ORLANDO REYES, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
BY: VINCENT MONTGOMERY, PLANNING MANAGER
KAYSHLA LOPEZ, HOMELESS SERVICES MANAGER
TITLE: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SALINAS AND THE COUNTY OF MONTEREY TO ADMINISTER AND OPERATE THE SHARE CENTER RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion recommending that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Salinas (City) and the County of Monterey (County) for joint governance, funding, and operations of the SHARE Center and take all necessary actions to implement its provisions.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The proposed MOU establishes a comprehensive five-year framework (FY 2025–2029) for joint administration of the SHARE Center, located at 845 E. Laurel Dr, with two optional five-year renewals. It replaces the original 2018 MOU and 2021 MOU Amendment. It outlines governance roles, financial responsibilities, and collaborative protocols to ensure sustainable service delivery and improved outcomes for unhoused residents.
BACKGROUND:
In 2018, the City and County executed the original MOU for the development of a year-round emergency shelter and by 2020, both the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and Salinas City Council adopted the official name of Salinas Housing Advancement, Resources & Education Center (SHARE Center) and secured an operator to manage the daily operations. The SHARE Center serves as an emergency shelter facility for individuals and families experiencing homelessness for Monterey County residents.
In 2021, the MOU was further amended to extend the term and continue coordinated oversight and operations. Since then, the SHARE Center has remained a critical resource for unhoused residents, offering shelter, and case management services. To further strengthen the partnership, increase transparency, and support long-term planning, both entities have prepared a 2025 MOU that replaces the 2018 and 2021 MOUs. The 2025 MOU clearly defines governance responsibilities, funding, and operational procedures. The City and County will equally share operating costs equally, contingent on funding availability, and a cooperative approach to performance measurement and shelter operator selection.
DISCUSSION:
The 2025 MOU further establishes the City and County roles and responsibilities to jointly operate, fund, and oversee the SHARE Center. Adoption of the MOU will strengthen interagency coordination, clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure sustainable service delivery.
The MOU outlines a five-year framework (FY 2025–2029) for joint administration and financial responsibility. It includes provisions for shared operating costs, coordinated reporting and performance monitoring, and joint pursuit of funding opportunities. The agreement also allows for two five-year renewal options, for a total term not to exceed fifteen years.
Key provisions include:
County Responsibilities: Maintain ownership of the property; serve as fiscal lead; oversee maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements.
City Responsibilities: Lead the competitive bidding process for selecting a shelter operator every three years; manage RFP documentation and compliance and collaborate with the County on operator selection and contract development.
Shared Responsibilities:
Equally share (50/50) operating costs, subject to federal, state, and local funding availability.
Partner on annual reporting, data sharing, and performance monitoring aligned with Continuum of Care benchmarks.
Jointly pursue funding opportunities and develop contracts with aligned metrics.
Collaborate on public communications and convene regular operational review meetings with the operator.
The 2025 MOU also outlines compliance with federal and state laws, indemnification and insurance requirements, dispute resolution procedures, and renewal options for two additional five-year terms. Adoption of the 2025 MOU will formalize the City–County partnership, strengthen interagency coordination, and provide a clear governance structure for the SHARE Center. This agreement supports the City’s commitment to addressing homelessness through collaborative, transparent, and sustainable solutions.
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft 2025 MOU
Presentation
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