On Wednesday, February 28 the City of Soledad hosted the State of the City Address with the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Building Unity: Our City, Our Future.”

The event was held at the Soledad Community Center and featured speeches from the Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez, Soledad Mayor Pro-Tem Maria Corralejo, and Soledad City Manager Megan Hunter. Over 30 residents attended to listen to the updates which included highlights from 2023 and key goals for 2024.

Some highlights from each department include:

• Administration – hired 37 individuals and successfully administered March 5 election
• Police – hosted the Police Citizens Academy
• Fire – secured funding for a new ladder truck
• Public Works – installed sports fields lights in Jesse Gallardo and Blas Santana Parks
• Community & Economic Development – received $750,000 from CDBG to support the small business loan program
• Parks & Recreation – opened Orchard Lane Park which includes South Monterey County’s first inclusive playground
• Finance – brought in $1.7 million in interest income
• IT – launched a free wi-fi network at Orchard Lane Park
• Community Engagement – Engaged youth and adult residents in city processes.