At the recent Soledad City Council meeting, discussions centered on revitalizing local retail and tourism, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and strategic planning. Council members highlighted the need to attract the right types of retail businesses to the area, suggesting that a focused approach could yield better results. One member noted, “If you build them, they will come,” stressing the importance of understanding what retail options would thrive in Soledad without competing with existing clusters.

A significant point raised was the necessity to strengthen partnerships with local tourism organizations, particularly Sea Monterey. The council recognized that leveraging their marketing expertise could enhance Soledad's visibility and attract more visitors. “We have to continue to have a better partnership with them because they have the skills, they have the tools,” one member stated, underscoring the potential benefits of collaboration.

The meeting also touched on recent media coverage that showcased Soledad as one of the best small cities to live in, which had not been effectively marketed by local businesses. This oversight was seen as a missed opportunity to boost local commerce and tourism.

Looking ahead, the council plans to develop an actionable work plan over the next two years, aiming to address the challenges facing the community incrementally. “We know it’s not gonna be solved overnight,” one member remarked, but with a strategic approach, progress can be made. The council is committed to working with various stakeholders, including the Small Business Development Center, to create a sustainable path forward for Soledad’s economic growth.