Monterey County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Integrated Water Resources Management and Seawater Intrusion
The county is moving forward with an ad hoc committee to establish an integrated planning forum to address severe groundwater overdraft and financing for regional water projects.
Point-of-Use Water Treatment Ordinance for New Construction
The county is moving forward with a draft ordinance to allow point of use and point of entry water treatment systems for new construction on legal lots of record, helping property owners build homes where centralized water systems fail standards.
Solid Waste Hauling Commercial Rate Disparities
Residents and officials discussed an independent rate study analyzing the 54% difference in commercial waste hauling rates between the Salinas Valley and the peninsula. Concerns were raised about equity, material density, and operational cost drivers between the two regional systems.
San Lucas Clean Drinking Water Project
The small disadvantaged community of San Lucas has faced water insecurity and drinking water orders for nearly 20 years. County leaders and state/federal partners are working to secure funding for a new well and on-site water treatment system to finally provide clean drinking water and unblock affordable housing.
Santa Rita Creek Flood Mitigation
Residents in Bolsa Knolls face recurring flooding from Santa Rita Creek, prompting the board to review a drainage study and explore governance and sediment removal options.
Dam Safety and Flood Protection Projects
Nacimiento and San Antonio dams require critical safety upgrades, including spillway replacements and outlet repairs, with costs escalating rapidly. Officials stressed the need for state and federal funding to protect Salinas Valley communities and a $12 billion agricultural economy from flood risks.