Montebello planning department wins national award for community development efforts

In a recent Montebello City Council meeting, the atmosphere buzzed with pride as officials celebrated a prestigious national award bestowed upon the city’s planning department. This recognition, attributed to the city’s comprehensive general plan, downtown Montebello specific plan, and bike master plan, underscores Montebello's commitment to becoming a safer, stronger, and more equitable community. The mayor commended the planning department for their dedication, highlighting the countless hours of community engagement that contributed to this achievement.

As the meeting progressed, the focus shifted to a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainability within the community: a rain barrel giveaway program. Public Works Director Cesar Roldan introduced the initiative, which aims to distribute 300 rain barrels across Montebello’s five districts. This program is designed to encourage water conservation and support regional drought mitigation efforts, allowing residents to collect rainwater for gardening and reduce their reliance on potable water.

The program, funded through a reimbursement agreement with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Central Basin Municipal Water District, will not impact the city’s budget. The city plans to host three distribution events, ensuring equitable access for all residents. Each event will require participants to fill out an application, with barrels distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Roldan emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it not only benefits residents by lowering water bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability. The council is set to approve the expense reimbursement agreement, paving the way for the program's launch later this year.

As Montebello continues to strive for a greener future, the rain barrel giveaway program stands as a testament to the city’s proactive approach to community engagement and environmental stewardship. With the planning department’s recent accolade and the upcoming sustainability initiative, Montebello is poised to make significant strides toward a more resilient and environmentally conscious community.