Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in environment
Opposition to federal coastal protection legislation
The Mayor was slated to sign a letter opposing the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, which the city says would weaken coastal protections. It's Monterey taking a stance on federal legislation affecting its coastline.
Local coastal program and sea level rise planning
Monterey is using a Coastal Commission grant to study sea level rise vulnerability, with a public event April 22 and a full report back April 28.
Casanova Oak Knoll air quality concerns
Councilmember Garcia won council support to schedule a future discussion on helping the Casanova Oak Knoll neighborhood get an air quality study, with county health, the airport, and the air district expected to be involved.
Monterey-Seaside border and airport toxic plume
A neighborhood leader again asked the council to formally address the unstable border with Seaside near Laguna Grande Park, and raised concerns about an unmonitored underground contaminant plume from WWII-era airport activities.
Citywide landscape and planting plan
Commissioner Pauly flagged that the city's approved plant list excludes many native, drought-tolerant plants and constrains downtown landscaping. Updating it would require a specific plan amendment with tribal consultation.
Hopkins Marine Station Partnership
Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station outlined its research and sea-level-rise planning, flagging vulnerability of its shorefront buildings to storm surge. Councilmembers expressed interest in deeper collaboration.
Opposition to Offshore Drilling and Seabed Mining
Monterey joined a Santa Cruz-led regional coalition to coordinate opposition to proposed offshore oil leasing along the California coast, contributing $1,000 — a figure some residents said was too small for a community built on its bay.
Tree Ordinance Community Review
Councilmember Rasch asked the city to slow down and do a deeper community review of the draft tree ordinance before it goes through CEQA; the interim manager said the CEQA process itself provides engagement.