LIVE COVERAGE Planning Commission Meeting of October 7, 2026

The Salinas Planning Commission meeting on October 7, 2026, included approval of the September 16 minutes and a presentation on the city’s two-year Economic Development Work Plan. The plan covers support for existing businesses, attracting new employers, tourism and destination promotion, land use and infrastructure, and streamlining city services. Staff described existing facade-improvement and marketing/technology grant programs, funded by the General Fund, with assistance of $2,500 discussed. The Commission did not vote on or approve the work plan, and no contract awards, RFPs, or vendor selections were presented.

Staff reported that disposition of city-owned Parking Lots 8 and 12 is underway and that the city completed sales of 342 Front Street and 323 California Street to the Monterey County Office of Education. Other ongoing initiatives include forming an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District with Monterey County and assessing airport land and the city’s real-estate portfolio. Commissioners emphasized community engagement, business-permit processing, economic diversification, and attracting visitors and employers. A Chinatown property acquisition or disposition requiring a General Plan consistency review is expected at a future meeting; no related spending action was taken at this meeting.