Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey Park public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in business jobs
Downtown Business Improvement District Ambitions
The BID's 2027 budget holds assessments flat, but council members want more: adjusted assessments for the first time in a decade-plus, Lunar New Year decorations, more frequent cleanings, and greater ambition as major redevelopment and the Garvey Avenue rebuild arrive.
Panera Bread and commercial development requests
A resident pushed for a Panera Bread with a drive-through at the Monterey Park Marketplace and a Planet Fitness at Atlantic Place, presenting renderings to the council.
Opportunity Zone 2.0 nomination
The council backed the state's nomination of three Monterey Park census tracts for federal Opportunity Zone designation, a tool to attract private investment.
Atlantic Square Revitalization
Dozens of new restaurants and shops opened in the last nine months, and the ABC Cafe Shopping Center completed a major remodel after fire damage. The city hosted its first shopping center round table and first Atlantic Times Square tree lighting.
City Manager Labor Negotiations
The City Council met in closed session with the City Attorney to discuss labor negotiations for the unrepresented City Manager position.
2026 Lunar New Year Festival
Monterey Park is hosting its annual Lunar New Year Festival on Garvey Avenue, featuring over 200 vendor booths, food, and cultural performances to celebrate the Year of the Horse.