Pajaro Recovery Update

Glenn Church
Oct 8
2 min read

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Pajaro is finishing something rare — a $20 million recovery effort designed and decided by its own residents.

Two years ago, the State of California provided $20 million in relief to the residents of Pajaro recovering from the floods of March 2023 with AB 102. State disaster relief rarely comes with local control. This was different. My office, with the Monterey County Department of Emergency Management, proceeded to develop an extensive program to engage the Pajaro community on how that money should be spent.

For many months in the latter part of 2023, community meetings were held, usually attended by 150 people or more. Presentations were given on options for spending the funds with meetings were broken into small groups for more in-depth discussions. Finally, towards the end of 2023, the community voted on how the $20 million should be allocated. Neighbors placed colored dots on boards to support their favorite projects, from sidewalk improvements to financial aid to beautification programs.

In December 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved the plan: $10 million for direct relief to residents, businesses, and community grants; $10 million for infrastructure.

From 2024 to 2025, county staff and community partners turned those priorities into reality. It wasn’t perfect. There remain many needs, but Pajaro is stronger because of this investment and participation by its people. Now, as we near the end of 2025 and the deadline for the $20 million to be spent approaches, the program is winding down with the last funds soon to be spent.

This was an extraordinary and unique process. Monterey County has never engaged the public so closely on community improvements. It is unusual for any county or branch of government to do this. The allocation of these funds was done democratically and with maximum community participation.

The $20 million did not make residents or businesses whole from the floods. That was not its intention. It hasn’t fixed every hardship, but it’s proof that community voices can steer real dollars to the common good. It was intended to give a helping hand to residents and businesses. No process is perfect, and some needs inevitably went unmet, but overall support has been strong.

Major infrastructure improvements are now being installed and will continue over the next months. That includes new turf at the soccer field at Pajaro Park. Streetlights, a mural on Salinas Road, upgrades at both Cayetano and Pajaro Parks, refurbishing of the Pajaro Library, and other infrastructure improvements that are currently in place.

It won’t change Pajaro overnight, but these are steps to making a more resilient, healthier and beautiful community. It has been an opportunity that few communities damaged by natural disasters ever get.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance. You can reach us at 831-755-5022 or district2@countyofmonterey.gov.

Sincerely,