Issues & Actions
This section references some of the most significant land use policy issues with which LandWatch is involved. It’s a kind of “gateway” to important policy statements, comment letters, and organizing materials. The land use policy decisions of local government will profoundly affect the future of Monterey County. Here’s a good place to assess what’s at stake—and what you can do about it!
MONTEREY COUNTY
Monterey County has roughly 422,000 residents and is dominated by agriculture and tourism. The County Board of Supervisors decides the fate of the region’s future. LandWatch remains a watchdog over decisions that impact our water supply, traffic, and quality of life.
SALINAS VALLEY
The Salinas Valley contains the most economically productive agricultural land in the world, but it is threatened by growth pressures from both North and South. LandWatch is working hard to make sure that this priceless environmental and economic treasure is not damaged or degraded.
MONTEREY PENINSULA
The Greater Monterey Peninsula includes seven incorporated coastal cities and is prized for its beautiful scenery, world class golfing, hotel accommodations, and wonderful dining experiences. Issues remain, that’s why LandWatch continues to play a part in housing, water, and climate issues here.
POLICY
This section includes policy topics including transportation, planning, water, air quality, and annexations. LandWatch engages on these topics and with multiple agencies because these policies are intertwined and impact the future of our region.
REGIONAL AGENCIES
This section includes the three key regional agencies LandWatch engages with: the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, the Local Agency Formation Commission, and the Transportation Agency of Monterey County.
REGIONAL PLANNING
Our communities are intertwined. Monterey County decisions have impacts on neighboring communities, just like those regional decisions impact Monterey County. This page focuses on topics we watch in other nearby jurisdictions.
STATE PLANNING
There are numerous state agencies and departments that provide direction, goals, and implement policies. This section synthesizes topics that are statewide in nature, including actions and topics of interest to the entire state.
LEGISLATIVE
Every year Senators and Assemblymembers propose laws that are considered by the Governor. This legislation that impacts local and regional decisions on land use, water, and more. This section includes the bills we’ve taken positions on in recent years.
