LegislativePlatform
City of Salinas State and Federal Legislative Platform
F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 6
P r e p a r e d b y :
J E A & A s s o c i a t e s
he City of Salinas, known as the "Salad Bowl of the World," is the largest city in Monterey County and a global leader in agriculture, Ag Tech, and innovation. With a population of over 160,000 residents, Salinas serves as a vibrant economic and cultural hub for the Central Coast. The city’s economy is anchored by a multi-billion-dollar agriculture industry, world- renowned produce production, and a rapidly growing
technology sector focused on sustainable farming and
automation. Salinas is also home to a diverse and resilient community, a rich cultural heritage, and a strategic location near major transportation corridors. Committed to inclusive growth, public safety, and environmental stewardship, the City of Salinas continues to invest in its infrastructure, workforce, and future—serving as a model for smart,
sustainable development in California.
T
About Us
City of Salinas
Contact
+831-758-7381
[email protected]
www.cityofsalinas.gov
m a y o r
CITY OF SALINAS
Dennis Donohue
C o u n c i l m e m b e r
D1, CITY OF SALINAS
Jose Luis barajas
c o u n c i l m e m b e r
D2, CITY OF SALINAS
tony barrera
C o u n c i l m e m b e r
D4,CITY OF SALINAS
Gloria de la rosa
C o u n c i l m e m b e r
D3, CITY OF SALINAS
Margaret d ’ Arrigo
C o u n c i l m e m b e r
D6, CITY OF SALINAS
aurelio salazar
C o u n c i l m e m b e r
D5,CITY OF SALINAS
Andrew sandoval
CITY COUNCIL
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM: PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
The policy positions outlined in the City of Salinas State and Federal Legislative Platform reflect the City Council’s strategic goals and priorities, as well as its stance on key legislative and regulatory issues currently under consideration or anticipated at the state and federal levels. This platform provides the foundation for the City’s active engagement in shaping state legislation, administrative regulations, and funding decisions that directly impact Salinas’ residents, economy, and infrastructure.
By adopting this platform, the City Council authorizes the City’s participation in state advocacy efforts, including support for judicial action aligned with municipal interests.
Guided by the principles in this document, the City will evaluate and take formal positions on specific bills, budget proposals, and regulatory matters.
Staff recommends this Legislative Platform be reviewed and updated annually to reflect shifts in the legislative landscape, emerging challenges, and priorities specific to Salinas and the greater Monterey County region—while remaining consistent with broader policy goals shared by municipalities throughout California.
CITY OF SALINAS LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM:
GOALS, PRIORITIES, & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Strategic Goals and Priorities
• Strengthen Salinas’ position as a global leader in agriculture and innovation by expanding its Ag Tech sector and promoting regional, national, and international partnerships.
• Enhance the quality of life for residents by ensuring equitable access to affordable housing, comprehensive healthcare, public safety services, and recreational amenities.
• Foster sustainable economic and environmental growth through smart land use, green infrastructure investments, and a commitment to renewable resources. • Advocate for fiscal stability, disaster resilience, and modern infrastructure that supports thriving neighborhoods and future development.
Guiding Principles for Legislative Platform
• Advocate for fair, direct, and consistent state and federal investment in Salinas and its priority sectors, including agriculture, health, and infrastructure. • Oppose any policy or legislation that restricts local government authority or imposes mandates without adequate funding.
• Support budgetary and legislative measures that reflect Salinas’ long -term vision for economic growth, innovation, and equity across all communities.
CITY OF SALINAS LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Agriculture & Ag Tech
• Support legislation and funding that affirms Salinas’ global brand as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” reinforcing its agricultural leadership and economic significance.
• Seek targeted state funding for Ag Tech initiatives that enhance food safety, crop yield, and automation, while creating career pathways for local workers. • Promote international agricultural exchange and trade agreements that strengthen cross-border economic development, particularly with Mexico. • Secure increased water allocations—specifically 1,000,000 gallons/day—to support critical agricultural operations, industry growth, and climate resiliency. • Support state and federal legislation that provides grants and incentives that support Ag Tech programs including pilot demonstrations and field trials.
Healthcare
• Pursue ongoing funding streams for Salinas Valley Health and Natividad Medical Center to address regional service demands and public health disparities. • Advocate for loan forgiveness, scholarships, and other recruitment tools to attract high-quality medical professionals to underserved areas.
• Expand the availability and integration of mental health, behavioral health, and rehabilitation services, especially for vulnerable populations and the regional workforce.
Housing & Homelessness
• Support affordable housing programs for farmworkers, educators, and emergency personnel essential to the local economy.
• Pursue state investment in transitional and supportive housing units to reduce chronic homelessness and improve community stability.
• Back policy changes that reduce regulatory barriers to housing development while protecting the City’s local land-use control.
• Support legislation and programmatic funding for homeless services and encampment abatement.
Transportation & Infrastructure
• Support infrastructure investments that enhance freight corridors and accommodate commercial growth, including logistics expansions like Amazon’s Salinas hub.
• Expand and modernize regional transit systems to improve access to jobs, reduce emissions, and improve connectivity across the Monterey Bay area. • Secure continued Measure G and other state funding sources to improve roads, address traffic congestion, and upgrade pedestrian and bike infrastructure. • Support advancement and funding for air mobility programs, innovation, and infrastructure.
Economic & Community Development
• Encourage business attraction and retention through policies that support industrial innovation, tax incentives, and streamlined permitting processes. • Invest in quality-of-life infrastructure such as parks, libraries, and community centers to support both urban neighborhoods and agricultural communities. • Rehabilitate outdated public infrastructure, aligning capital improvement plans with the needs of a growing and diverse population.
Public Safety
• Seek sustainable funding to increase police staffing, training, and community policing strategies that build trust and safety.
• Fund the design and construction of a new firehouse to meet growing service demand and reduce emergency response times.
• Invest in comprehensive emergency preparedness, including wildfire resilience, urban flooding mitigation, and rural response capabilities. • Monitor and evaluate legislation related to loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex; ensure any new crime definitions do not disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including sex trafficking victims, and advocate for survivor-centered approaches that improve public safety while protecting civil rights.
Environmental Quality & Water Resources
• Promote water conservation, stormwater capture, and groundwater recharge projects that serve both agricultural and residential users. • Balance environmental regulation with practical economic development goals to sustain Salinas’ agricultural base and green space planning. • Secure state investment in water recycling, desalination exploration, and drought-proof technologies to future-proof Salinas’ water supply.
Future Growth & Innovation
• Support Ag Tech expansion as a foundational component of Salinas’ 21st-century economy, connecting education, startups, and industry.
• Plan for and invest in future housing and infrastructure to support projected job growth and demographic expansion.
• Modernize the City’s welcome center as a hub for tourism, business support, and cultural engagement.
• Advocate for policies and funding that position Salinas as a leader in smart city planning, technological innovation, and inclusive economic development.