Monterey County housing report highlights 2024 goals and pipeline updates

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss key developments in housing and community planning, focusing on the annual progress reports for the county's general plan and housing element. The meeting began with Melanie Baretti from the Housing Community Development Department introducing Sarah Weichel, the new principal planner, and outlining the agenda, which included the submission of progress reports to the state and updates on housing development.

The board reviewed the 2024 annual progress report, which highlighted significant accomplishments in the Salinas Valley, including the completion of a groundwater investigation and amendments to the East Garrison community plan. Baretti noted that the county had made progress on 28 long-range work tasks, with 35 tasks currently in various stages of completion. The staff proposed to focus on 12 priority tasks for the upcoming year, emphasizing the need to allocate resources effectively.

During the public comment period, residents raised concerns about the status of builder's remedy applications and specific housing sites, particularly Site 24, which has undergone changes in its proposed development. Staff clarified that the housing pipeline report includes applications in the pre-application phase and that no approvals were being sought at this meeting.

The board expressed appreciation for the prioritization of projects and acknowledged the ongoing efforts to address community needs, particularly in the East Garrison area. A motion to approve the staff recommendations was made and carried unanimously.

The meeting concluded with a transition to the next agenda item, indicating a structured approach to addressing the county's planning and development needs. The board's commitment to advancing housing initiatives and community development remains a focal point as they navigate the complexities of long-range planning.