Monterey County launches 2026 women's survey; results to go to Board of Supervisors on Sept. 22

Adriana Nares Tapia of the Monterey County Department of Social Services invited women who live, work or study in Monterey County to take the Commission on the Status of Women's 2026 community survey, which is available in English and Spanish.

"The purpose of this survey is to hear directly from the women in our community," Nares Tapia said, adding that the survey is confidential, takes about 3 to 5 minutes to complete and includes questions about housing, safety, equality and health. She said recommendations from the survey will be presented to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 22.

Nares Tapia said prior survey findings flagged concerns such as unequal pay and domestic violence, and that current respondents are ranking health insurance as a rising priority. She emphasized that more responses broaden the data available to request grants, direct funding and shape county recommendations.

The survey page and a downloadable flyer are hosted on the Monterey County Department of Social Services website, and Nares Tapia encouraged community organizations, nonprofits and residents to share the survey with family, neighbors and coworkers. She noted the Commission on the Status of Women has 15 seats appointed by the County Board of Supervisors.

Nares Tapia said she will provide the presentation in Spanish as well as English and invited respondents to opt in to a newsletter or to express interest in serving on the commission by providing contact information on the form. The county plans to compile the survey responses and present recommendations to the Board of Supervisors at the Sept. 22 meeting.