MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Community Action Partnership (MCCAP) is inviting residents to participate in a public hearing aimed at gathering feedback on the draft version of the 2026-27 Community Action Plan (CAP Plan).
The event is scheduled for Monday, April 14, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Monterey County Office of Education, located at 901 Blanco Circle, in Salinas.
The CAP Plan serves as a strategic framework that outlines how MCCAP meets federal and state requirements while detailing specific goals, outcome objectives and strategies for delivering services to low-income populations. This plan emphasizes collaboration with local public assistance programs under the Department of Social Services (DSS) and other evidence-based community initiatives to enhance supportive services for families striving for self-sufficiency.
The development of the 2026-27 plan involved a comprehensive community needs assessment that collected both qualitative and quantitative data. This assessment integrated targeted feedback from low-income residents and service providers, alongside local, state and federal data addressing various issues linked to poverty.
The upcoming CAP Plan identifies service priorities and goals for the low-income population in Monterey County, covering a two-year period from calendar years 2026 to 2027. It is a crucial requirement for securing the annual Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding from the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). These funds are essential for providing support to residents living below the federal poverty line.
Community engagement is vital to the process, and MCCAP encourages public comments to better understand the unique experiences of those facing poverty. Insights gathered during the hearing will directly affect the allocation of CSBG funds and inform future formal requests for proposals and potential sole source contracts in the four main regions of Monterey County: Salinas, South County, North County and the Monterey Peninsula. These solicitations are anticipated to be released in fall 2025.
The public hearing will be conducted in English, with simultaneous Spanish translation available. MCCAP is also offering special accommodations for attendees who require assistance. Interested participants are encouraged to reach out to the MCCAP office in advance at 831-796-1553 or via email at mc***@co**************.gov for any specific needs.
For more information or to submit written comments regarding the Community Action Plan, residents can visit the Community Engagement section of the MCCAP website co.monterey.ca.us/cap.
