Vacant-To-Vibrant | Virtual Community Idea Workshop

The City of Monterey Park held a virtual community workshop on June 11, 2026, titled "Vacant-To-Vibrant," focused on addressing vacant properties and exploring opportunities for economic development, housing, and land use planning. City officials, including the city manager, assistant city manager, community development director, and planning staff, provided an overview of the city's planning framework, zoning challenges, and state housing mandates. The discussion emphasized the need to activate vacant commercial and retail spaces, balance community character preservation with development, and consider potential policy tools such as vacancy taxes and ballot measures to provide the city with more flexibility. The meeting also covered economic development strategies, incentives for small businesses, and the role of development impact fees in funding city services. Public engagement and upcoming in-person workshops were highlighted as key components of the ongoing community dialogue. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the conversation sets the stage for future policy and development initiatives that could impact procurement and development opportunities in Monterey Park.