Investing in Monterey
Getting back to the basics
A strong community depends on the fundamentals: safe and well-maintained roads, accessible sidewalks, reliable public infrastructure, well-maintained facilities, and parks that residents can enjoy.
During my term, the City Council has continued making significant investments in these community assets while also addressing public safety, resilience, and other important needs.
$21.8 million in community investments
I reviewed Council agendas throughout the current term and identified $21,772,276.19 in approved project funding allocations.
These investments include:
Road rehabilitation and surface repairs
Curb ramp and accessibility improvements
Sewer system rehabilitation
Fisherman's Wharf and Wharf 1 repairs
Monterey Sports Center improvements
Fire station improvements
Parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities
Traffic and transportation improvements
Forest management and fuel reduction
Historic building repairs
Sea-level-rise planning and resilience
Investing in our community
Our investments aren't limited to large projects. They include the everyday infrastructure and public assets that residents rely on—often without thinking about them—until something doesn't work.
That is why I believe getting back to the basics is so important.
Maintaining our roads, sidewalks, sewer system, public buildings, parks, wharves, and other facilities isn't glamorous, but it is essential to maintaining Monterey's quality of life and protecting the City's long-term financial interests.
Community priorities in action
The NCIP is an important example of how community engagement can directly shape City investments.
I want to thank the NCIP Committee for its work with community members and for recommending and supporting the use of $3.5 million from the NCIP budget to help the City balance this year's budget.
Their willingness to work through that difficult decision is particularly meaningful because the NCIP process has helped identify and support projects that matter directly to our neighborhoods.
That community input helped the Council make informed decisions about where to invest—and it demonstrates why an engaged community is essential to moving Monterey forward.
Looking ahead
Fiscal challenges make these investments more difficult—not less important.
We need to continue prioritizing the basic infrastructure and community needs that residents depend on while ensuring that those investments are financially sustainable.
Getting back to the basics means taking care of what we have, investing where it matters most, and building a stronger foundation for Monterey's future.
