Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pacific Grove public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in business jobs
Voter registration and elections outreach
With the October 19 voter registration deadline looming, the task force wants an elections official to present in September. Members also flagged questions residents have raised about the SAVE Act and ID requirements to vote.
Mobile Parking Payments for 101 Downtown Meters
The city is converting parking meters to ParkMobile — the same system Monterey uses — and studying whether to extend meters further along Ocean View, with resident permits under consideration so locals aren't squeezed out.
Cannabis business license lottery
A lottery to pick cannabis retail winners happens Monday June 15 in the council chamber. A resident warned one applicant stacked eight applications and a losing applicant's attorney has threatened to sue the city, plus concerns about youth access to high-potency THC.
Improvement district renewals (BID and HID)
The council started the annual process to levy downtown business and hospitality district assessments, with protest hearings May 20.
Concession lease with Fortunate Fork, LLC
The city is leasing a concession operation to Fortunate Fork, LLC. First reading passed; the deal gets its final vote later.
2026 Commission Goals: Walkable Downtown and Transparency
Staff and commissioners agree Pacific Grove keeps patching downtown traffic one intersection at a time — but a unified plan costs hundreds of thousands to write and millions to build, and no city money is available for at least 18 months. Grant options, including Main Street-type programs and TAMC funds, are being explored.
Cannabis License Ownership Review and Lottery Pause
Eight of ten applications for the city's single storefront retail cannabis license may share common ownership. An applicant's attorney asked the Council to revisit the rules before the March 30 lottery; the Council debated but took no action.