Joint City Council/Successor Agency/Housing Authority and Successor Housing Agency

I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. PUBLIC COMMENT - CLOSED SESSION ITEMS IV. CLOSED SESSION CITY OF SOLEDAD JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 6:00 PM The public meeting will open at 6:00 p.m. and, after taking public comment for Closed Session items, the Council will immediately recess to Closed Session. The regular public open meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and any reportable action taken during the Closed Session will be reported out at that time. https://cityofsoledad.zoom.us/j/83643220050 Or Call: 1-669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 836 4322 0050 Welcome to your City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Meeting. Your City Councilmembers/Agencymembers are: Mayor Anna Velazquez Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez *Councilmember Fernando Cabrera Councilmember Evarista Bañuelos Councilmember Ben Caldera At this time, any member of the public may address the Council/Agency on Closed Session items appearing on the agenda. Speakers shall have limited time of three (3) minutes. Please be brief and to the point. 1. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(d)(1) to confer with its attorney regarding pending litigation which has been initiated 1 *Councilmember Fernando Cabrera will attend the meeting from a remote location: 976 La Colina Street. Soledad, CA 93960 AMENDED

V. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE VII. ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT IX. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE X. YOUTH COUNCIL REPORT 1. Soledad Youth Council – Program Update and Street Safety Initiative XI. PRESENTATIONS 1. Monterey County Business Council - City of Soledad Annual Report XII. CONSENT CALENDAR formally and to which the City is a party: WC Claim of Lopez 2. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to confer with its attorney regarding pending litigation which has been initiated formally and to which the City is a party: Claim of Vigil 3. The City Council will recess to closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(B)(1) - City Manager Evaluation. Items of business may be added to the agenda upon a motion adopted by a minimum 2/3 vote finding that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. Items may be deleted from the agenda upon request of staff or upon action of the Council. At this time any member of the public may address the City Council on items not appearing on the agenda and items of interest to the public that are within the jurisdiction of the Council. A public comment card should be filled out completely to ensure the speaker is called upon to give comment. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes; the mayor may further limit the time for public comments depending on the agenda schedule. Please be brief and to the point. No action or discussion shall be taken on an item not appearing on the agenda. Ana Ambriz, Parks & Recreation Director Attachments: Staff Report Attachments: Staff Report Monterey County Business Council - City of Soledad Annual Report All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the City Council and will be adopted by one action of the Council unless any Councilmember has any questions or wishes to 2

1. Minutes 2. Warrants 3. Human Resources Activity Report 4. Community Engagement Activity Report, March 2026 5. Parks and Recreation Department Activity Report 6. Public Works Activity Report 7. Community and Economic Development Activity Report make a statement or discuss an item. In that event, the Mayor will remove the item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. Attachments: Staff Report Minutes of 03/18/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 03/12/2026 - 03/23/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 03/2026 Community Engagement Activity Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 02/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Public Works Activity Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 3

8. Police Department Activity Report 9. Fire Department Activity Report 10. Resolution No. 6341, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving a Consulting Services Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for the Salinas Valley Safe Routes to School Plan Improvements Project Design in an Amount not to Exceed $116,740 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Consulting Services Agreement on Behalf of the City of Soledad 11. Resolution No. 6345, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Contract Change Order No. 2 with Specialty Construction Inc. (SCI) in the Amount of $78,035.34 for the Soledad Recycled Water Conveyance Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Change Order on Behalf of the City of Soledad 12. Resolution No. 6346, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Accepting a $300,000 Grant Award from the California Department of Transportation Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Program and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Restricted Grant Agreement (RGA) and all Related Documents Building and Planning Permits - 03/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Police Dept. Activity Report 03/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Fire Dept. Activity Report 03/2026 Call Volume 03/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6341 MNS Draft Agreement MNS - Proposal COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6345 Exhibit A - CCO No. 2 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: 4

XIII. PUBLIC HEARING NO. 1 1. Waiver of Reading, Adoption and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 777, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Soledad Amending Chapter 17.38.260 - Secondary Residential Units of Title 17 - Zoning of the Soledad Municipal Code to Incorporate New Regulations Pertaining to State Law and Implementation of the Soledad 6th Cycle Housing Element XIV. BUSINESS 1. Resolution No. 6347, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Amended "City of Soledad Policy and Procedures for the Naming of City Parks and Facilities" XV. MAYOR'S REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XVI. COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XVII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT XVIII.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS XIX. ADJOURNMENT Staff Report Resolution No. 6346 Exhibit A - Restricted Grant Agreement CCEP COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Receive the Staff Report Open the Public Hearing Close the Public Hearing Council Action Attachments: Staff Report Ordinance No. 777 Attachment 1 - PC Resolution Attachment 2 - Letter from CalHDF Attachment 3 - Response to CalHDF Public Comment Presentation 1 - Ordinance No. 777 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6347 Exhibit A Attachment A - Revised City Application for Naming Parks and Facilities COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this 5

meeting, please contact Deputy City Clerk Darlene Noriega at (831) 223-5014. Notification of at least 48hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (RCRF 35.102-35.104). Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 248 Main Street, Soledad, California during normal business hours. En caso que usted necesite ayuda en leer o en entender este aviso de Junta Publica, usted puede ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Edificio Municipal en 248 Calle Main o llamar al número (831) 223-5014, y el aviso será traducido para usted. Cualquier escrito o documento proporcionado a la mayoría del Concejo Municipal con respecto a cualquier asunto en esta agenda se pondrá a disposición para inspección pública en el Ayuntamiento ubicado en 248 Main Street, Soledad, California durante el horario laboral. Advanced submittal of public comments via email are due by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the scheduled meeting to the Deputy City Clerk at darlene.noriega@cityofsoledad.com Comments are limited to 250 words or less and effort will be made to read your comment into the record, but some comments may not be read due to time limitations. The City Clerk will read email comments, provided that the reading shall not exceed three (3) minutes. The email comments submitted shall become part of the record. La entrega anticipada de comentarios públicos por correo electrónico debe presentarse antes de las 2:00 p.m. del día de la reunión programada a la Secretaria Municipal al email darlene.noriega@cityofsoledad.com. Los comentarios están limitados a 250 palabras o menos y se hará un esfuerzo para leer su comentario en el registro, pero es posible que algunos comentarios no se lean debido a limitaciones de tiempo. La Secretaria Municipal leerá los comentarios del correo electrónico, siempre que la lectura no exceda los tres (3) minutos. Los comentarios enviados por correo electrónico pasarán a formar parte del registro. . 6

03/27/2026 CERTIFICATION I, Megan Hunter, City Clerk of the City of Soledad, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall by Friday, March 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Megan Hunter, City Clerk/Manager

I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. PUBLIC COMMENT - CLOSED SESSION ITEMS IV. CLOSED SESSION CITY OF SOLEDAD JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 6:00 PM The public meeting will open at 6:00 p.m. and, after taking public comment for Closed Session items, the Council will immediately recess to Closed Session. The regular public open meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and any reportable action taken during the Closed Session will be reported out at that time. https://cityofsoledad.zoom.us/j/83643220050 Or Call: 1-669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 836 4322 0050 Welcome to your City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Meeting. Your City Councilmembers/Agencymembers are: Mayor Anna Velazquez Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez *Councilmember Fernando Cabrera Councilmember Evarista Bañuelos Councilmember Ben Caldera At this time, any member of the public may address the Council/Agency on Closed Session items appearing on the agenda. Speakers shall have limited time of three (3) minutes. Please be brief and to the point. 1. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(d)(1) to confer with its attorney regarding pending litigation which has been initiated 1 *Councilmember Fernando Cabrera will attend the meeting from a remote location: 976 La Colina Street. Soledad, CA 93960 AMENDED 1

V. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE VII. ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT IX. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE X. YOUTH COUNCIL REPORT 1. Soledad Youth Council – Program Update and Street Safety Initiative XI. PRESENTATIONS 1. Monterey County Business Council - City of Soledad Annual Report XII. CONSENT CALENDAR formally and to which the City is a party: WC Claim of Lopez 2. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to confer with its attorney regarding pending litigation which has been initiated formally and to which the City is a party: Claim of Vigil 3. The City Council will recess to closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(B)(1) - City Manager Evaluation. Items of business may be added to the agenda upon a motion adopted by a minimum 2/3 vote finding that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. Items may be deleted from the agenda upon request of staff or upon action of the Council. At this time any member of the public may address the City Council on items not appearing on the agenda and items of interest to the public that are within the jurisdiction of the Council. A public comment card should be filled out completely to ensure the speaker is called upon to give comment. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes; the mayor may further limit the time for public comments depending on the agenda schedule. Please be brief and to the point. No action or discussion shall be taken on an item not appearing on the agenda. Ana Ambriz, Parks & Recreation Director Attachments: Staff Report Attachments: Staff Report Monterey County Business Council - City of Soledad Annual Report All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the City Council and will be adopted by one action of the Council unless any Councilmember has any questions or wishes to 2 2

1. Minutes 2. Warrants 3. Human Resources Activity Report 4. Community Engagement Activity Report, March 2026 5. Parks and Recreation Department Activity Report 6. Public Works Activity Report 7. Community and Economic Development Activity Report make a statement or discuss an item. In that event, the Mayor will remove the item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. Attachments: Staff Report Minutes of 03/18/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 03/12/2026 - 03/23/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 03/2026 Community Engagement Activity Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 02/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Public Works Activity Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 3 3

8. Police Department Activity Report 9. Fire Department Activity Report 10. Resolution No. 6341, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving a Consulting Services Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for the Salinas Valley Safe Routes to School Plan Improvements Project Design in an Amount not to Exceed $116,740 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Consulting Services Agreement on Behalf of the City of Soledad 11. Resolution No. 6345, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Contract Change Order No. 2 with Specialty Construction Inc. (SCI) in the Amount of $78,035.34 for the Soledad Recycled Water Conveyance Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Change Order on Behalf of the City of Soledad 12. Resolution No. 6346, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Accepting a $300,000 Grant Award from the California Department of Transportation Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Program and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Restricted Grant Agreement (RGA) and all Related Documents Building and Planning Permits - 03/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Police Dept. Activity Report 03/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Fire Dept. Activity Report 03/2026 Call Volume 03/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6341 MNS Draft Agreement MNS - Proposal COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6345 Exhibit A - CCO No. 2 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: 4 4

XIII. PUBLIC HEARING NO. 1 1. Waiver of Reading, Adoption and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 777, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Soledad Amending Chapter 17.38.260 - Secondary Residential Units of Title 17 - Zoning of the Soledad Municipal Code to Incorporate New Regulations Pertaining to State Law and Implementation of the Soledad 6th Cycle Housing Element XIV. BUSINESS 1. Resolution No. 6347, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Amended "City of Soledad Policy and Procedures for the Naming of City Parks and Facilities" XV. MAYOR'S REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XVI. COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XVII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT XVIII.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS XIX. ADJOURNMENT Staff Report Resolution No. 6346 Exhibit A - Restricted Grant Agreement CCEP COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Receive the Staff Report Open the Public Hearing Close the Public Hearing Council Action Attachments: Staff Report Ordinance No. 777 Attachment 1 - PC Resolution Attachment 2 - Letter from CalHDF Attachment 3 - Response to CalHDF Public Comment Presentation 1 - Ordinance No. 777 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6347 Exhibit A Attachment A - Revised City Application for Naming Parks and Facilities COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this 5 5

meeting, please contact Deputy City Clerk Darlene Noriega at (831) 223-5014. Notification of at least 48hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (RCRF 35.102-35.104). Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 248 Main Street, Soledad, California during normal business hours. En caso que usted necesite ayuda en leer o en entender este aviso de Junta Publica, usted puede ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Edificio Municipal en 248 Calle Main o llamar al número (831) 223-5014, y el aviso será traducido para usted. Cualquier escrito o documento proporcionado a la mayoría del Concejo Municipal con respecto a cualquier asunto en esta agenda se pondrá a disposición para inspección pública en el Ayuntamiento ubicado en 248 Main Street, Soledad, California durante el horario laboral. Advanced submittal of public comments via email are due by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the scheduled meeting to the Deputy City Clerk at darlene.noriega@cityofsoledad.com Comments are limited to 250 words or less and effort will be made to read your comment into the record, but some comments may not be read due to time limitations. The City Clerk will read email comments, provided that the reading shall not exceed three (3) minutes. The email comments submitted shall become part of the record. La entrega anticipada de comentarios públicos por correo electrónico debe presentarse antes de las 2:00 p.m. del día de la reunión programada a la Secretaria Municipal al email darlene.noriega@cityofsoledad.com. Los comentarios están limitados a 250 palabras o menos y se hará un esfuerzo para leer su comentario en el registro, pero es posible que algunos comentarios no se lean debido a limitaciones de tiempo. La Secretaria Municipal leerá los comentarios del correo electrónico, siempre que la lectura no exceda los tres (3) minutos. Los comentarios enviados por correo electrónico pasarán a formar parte del registro. . 6 6

03/27/2026 CERTIFICATION I, Megan Hunter, City Clerk of the City of Soledad, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall by Friday, March 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Megan Hunter, City Clerk/Manager 7

SUBJECT: Soledad Youth Council – Program Update and Street Safety Initiative TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council FROM: Jessica Potts, Parks and Recreation Director MEETING DATE: April 1, 2026 CITY OF SOLEDAD STAFF REPORT THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager AGENDA ITEM NO. 1. Recommendation Receive a presentation providing a program update on the Soledad Youth Council and Youth Commissioner Program. Executive Summary The Soledad Youth Council continues to advance its 2025–26 work plan, with a primary focus on its adopted initiative, Safer Streets, Safer Futures, alongside expanded efforts in regional collaboration, youth workforce readiness, and community engagement. Building on initial site assessments and research presented last month, the Youth Council has transitioned into implementation and outreach phases. Key efforts include coordinating with Public Works and regional partners to execute a Sidewalk Painting mini-initiative focused on pedestrian safety education, as well as developing youth-led media campaigns addressing traffic safety and vandalism prevention. In addition to local initiatives, the Youth Council continues to collaborate on planning the third annual South County Youth Summit, in partnership with the cities of Greenfield and Gonzales. This regional effort will provide youth with resources and skill-building opportunities related to post-secondary planning, including a resume-building workshop facilitated by Soledad Youth Council members. These combined efforts reflect the program’s continued evolution from research and assessment into active implementation, youth-led outreach, and regional leadership, reinforcing the Youth Council’s role as a meaningful advisory and engagement body within the City. Presenting: Cindy Alcaraz, Giovanni Bravo, and Marilyn Ramirez-Peña Background The Soledad Youth Council program promotes civic awareness, community engagement, and 8

leadership among local high school students. Represented by the Soledad Youth Commissioners, the program serves as a youth advisory body to the City Council and is supported by the Parks and Recreation Department. The program provides structured opportunities for youth leadership, civic engagement, and community involvement through structured projects, service activities, and collaboration with City departments and regional partners. At the beginning of the 2025–26 program year, pedestrian and street safety emerged as a priority concern among members, particularly in relation to school routes, City parks, and youth activity areas. The Youth Council formally adopted Safer Streets, Safer Futures as its primary initiative and established three working committees: Assessment, Research, and Outreach. Review & Analysis Safer Streets, Safer Futures Soledad Youth Council Initiative Following earlier site assessments and presentations to Public Works and regional partners, the Youth Council is now advancing implementation strategies tied to its initiative. A Sidewalk Painting mini initiative is scheduled for March 28, 2026, in front of San Vicente Elementary School. This effort is designed to promote pedestrian safety awareness through creative, youth-driven placemaking. The event is being coordinated in partnership with Public Works and will include participation from local students, including the high school AP Art program. The Youth Council has also continued coordination with Public Works and regional partners to support permitting, logistics, and alignment with broader safety efforts. Community Outreach and Media Campaigns As part of the initiative’s outreach component, Youth Council members are collaborating with Public Works to develop updated street safety videos and messaging campaigns. Topics include: AB 413 and pedestrian right-of-way awareness Vandalism prevention in public spaces Bilingual crosswalk usage and visibility These efforts aim to create accessible, youth-driven content that resonates with peers and the broader community, supporting behavior change through education and engagement. South County Youth Summit (Regional Collaboration) The Youth Council continues planning efforts for the third annual South County Youth Summit, in partnership with youth councils from Greenfield and Gonzales. The event is scheduled for May 2, 2026. On March 6, Youth Council members conducted a site visit to the new Gonzales Community Center to support event planning, including workshop layout and resource fair coordination. The Soledad Youth Council will lead a resume-building workshop focused on workforce readiness and early career preparation. Additional efforts include developing event branding, promotional materials, and outreach to increase participation. 9

CONCLUSION The Soledad Youth Council continues to demonstrate strong engagement and progress, transitioning from research and planning into implementation, outreach, and regional leadership. These efforts reflect the program’s ongoing commitment to civic participation, youth development, and community impact. Financial Considerations No additional fiscal impact is associated with this report. Strategic Plan Alignment This item aligns with the City of Soledad Strategic Plan, Pillar: Youth, with a specific focus on Youth Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Mentorship (Objective 7.2.2). The Soledad Youth Council supports this objective by providing structured opportunities for youth to participate in civic processes, engage directly with City departments, conduct research on community issues, and develop leadership skills through service, advocacy, and public presentation. The Council’s current initiative, Safer Streets, Safer Futures, reflects this alignment by centering youth perspectives in local policy discussions related to public safety and community wellbeing. Alternatives Receive the presentation and report as recommended Request modifications to program reporting or structure Decline to receive the presentation or report Planning/CEQA N/A Public Notice Requirements N/A 10

SUBJECT: Monterey County Business Council - City of Soledad Annual Report TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council FROM: Beatriz Trujillo, Community and Economic Development Director, and Tencia Vargas, Economic Development Coordinator COUNCIL COMMUNICATION THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager MEETING DATE: April 1, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1. 11

DevelopmentDevelopment EconomicEconomic City of Soledad Annual Report DrivingDriving 12

AGENDA123Monterey County Business CouncilBuilding Business BackMonarch SBDC Affiliate4Monterey Bay APEX Accelerator El Mercadito Vendor Info Session - Soledad 13

The View from D.C. with MCBC Narratives, Economic Realities and the State of Small Business in Monterey County Established in 1995, the Monterey County Business Council operates a number of programs designed to support and enhance the local business community. These programs collectively enhance the economic vitality of Monterey County, making it a thriving environment for businesses to succeed and grow. Building Business Back Monterey Bay APEX Accelerator Monarch SBDC Affiliate South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority and more! 14

Promoting Economic Development and Sustaining BusinessesA coalition of business and industry organizations in Monterey County dedicated to supporting and advocating for the business community. A regional coalition dedicated to supporting and advocating for the preservation and enhancement of military installations in the Monterey Bay area. An engaging platform for business and industry leaders to engage directly with our County Supervisors, fostering dialogue on local economic and policy issues. A dynamic networking platform for local business leaders and professionals to engage with the “movers and shakers” of the community to discuss issues of interest to the business community. Monterey County Business Alliance Monterey Bay Defense Alliance Supervisor Speaker Series Monthly Luncheons 15

Economic Development Regional MCBC advances regional economic growth by leading data-driven analyses that inform policy, investment, and community development across Monterey County. Through the support of the County of Monterey, regional municipalities, and MCBC members, these insights are made available at no cost to local businesses and organizations. 2024 South County Retail Market Assessment 2024 Economic Impacts of Defense Spending in Monterey County 2024 Monterey Industries & Economic Trends Report 2025 Monterey County Economic Trends & Small Business Report 16

BBB serves all businesses in Monterey County with an emphasis on those operating in unincorporated areas and those owned by women, minorities and/or LGBTQ+. All of our services are FREE because the County of Monterey has dedicated funding to helping businesses recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and thrive. Rural South Monterey County Business Outreach 17

Information Hub Business Workshops Technical Support Our website serves as a central hub of information for all things business. We regularly update our website with resources available to Monterey County businesses. Our team hosts workshops on a number of topics of interest to business owners in a hybrid format with interpretation into Spanish. Some workshops are held solely in Spanish. We provide technical assistance in order to facilitate access to resources. Our team helps businesses with few digital and computer skills fill out and prepare applications. Our Mission We help Monterey County businesses recover from the pandemic by offering resources, connections, and support. Our Vision A Monterey County economy that lifts all. Key Initiatives Satellite Office Hours Disaster Relief ERC Tax Credit El Sueño Americano con su ITIN Business with Pride Campaign Lady Boss: Women Mean Business Supporting Historically Underserved Communities Employee Retention Tax Credit Workshop - King City 18

About the SBDCWe offer FREE: Expert 1-on-1 business advising Workshops & resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs We have bilingual SBDC affiliate staff in English and Spanish that serve our main office in Salinas and Outreach Centers in Monterey and Soledad Mondays in Monterey from 10 AM - 5 PM Wednesdays in Soledad from 9 AM - 4 PM Our business advisors speak English, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and Arabic. Other languages and accommodations are available upon request.Salinas Soledad Monterey 19

Our ResultsJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 20253928Soledad-Based Businesses ServedHome-Based BusinessesTop Business Sectors Served1.Child Care Services 2.Full-Service Restaurants 3.Limited-Service Restaurants 4.Fitness and Recreational Sports CentersTop Services Requested1.Nurture Child Care Training 2.Startup Assistance 3.Access to Capital 4.Business Operations 5.Tax Strategies28Woman-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurs11Spanish-Speaking Businesses & Entrepreneurs SBDC team at SVCC Annual Awards Luncheon The Money Map Workshop - Soledad 2025 SBDC Day Business Expo - Soledad 20

Central CA SBDC Network & Nurture partnership Free Bilingual and Virtual 12-Week Intensive Program for Small Home-Based Childcare Licensing (8 or fewer children) $1,000 Startup Grant was provided until grant funds were expended in June 2025 160 Monterey County participants 62 have received their small, home-based childcare provider license and are in business 37 are at capacity with child enrollment 12 are accepting new child enrollment 113 Spanish and 47 English-speaking participants 30 participants are currently enrolled in our upcoming cohort that started on March 5th Created between 372 and 496 new home-based childcare slots for Monterey County families** Although Startup Grant funding has been expended, Nurture secured a SEED grant from the State of California to continue supporting home- based childcare entrepreneurship training through April 2026 Childcare Entrepreneurs Supporting 21

Central Coast Procurement Expo 2024 Small Business Saturday Proclamation - Salinas Central Coast Procurement Expo 2025 Helping Businesses Bid & Win Government Contracts Formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Center “PTAC” Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Congressionally mandated since 1985 Ninety-six (96) centers in the U.S., seven (7) in California Our mission is to promote economic growth and employment opportunities Facilitate access to the Federal, State, and Local government marketplace We serve a 16-County region encompassing California’s Central Coast and Central Valley Serviced Offered 1-on-1 advising Certification assistance Registration assistance Market research Proposal preparation Post-award assistance Bid-match service Workshops & Events 22

OurResultsThe Monterey Bay APEX Accelerator currently serves three Soledad-based businesses*; none have secured federal contracts to date due to the highly competitive nature of government contracting. Many clients in South Monterey County are still building capacity and are early in their contracting journey, with similar trends observed in North Monterey County. Despite a federal government shutdown during this period, counselors remained actively engaged, supporting businesses and preparing them for future opportunities. Through SAM.gov and related advising, we continue working one-on-one with businesses to strengthen readiness and position them for future contract success. Client Demographics114$149M Federal Contracts Won by Monterey County APEX Clients Value of Federal Contracts Won by Monterey County APEX Clients260 APEX Clients Served in Monterey County60 Women-Owned36 Hispanic-Owned Veteran-Owned35 Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned70 8(a) or DBE58 HUB Zone Our system only tracks federal contracts, it is possible that clients may have won State or Local contracts that aren not captured in the data presented Feral Productions (APEX Client) at Joint Interagency Field Exper