The fourth-largest city in Monterey County and the setting for the novel Of Mice and Men, Soledad followed the same trajectory as many locales in Steinbeck Country. First came the missionaries, then the ranchers, the wheat farmers, and the dairy workers. In 1921, when the City of Soledad incorporated, the latest thing was row crops—until the 1940s, when the California Department of Corrections built the Soledad Training Facility. That sector of the economy expanded in 1996 with the creation of the Salinas Valley State Prison. But with the presence of such companies as Dole Fresh Vegetables and Taylor Farms, agriculture is still going strong.

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City Council

The five-member Soledad City Council is made up of four councilmembers and a mayor, all of whom are elected at large. Meetings take place the first Wednesday of the month and are open to the public.

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Salinas Valley Tribune logo From Salinas Valley Tribune...

09/23/2024
Image for display with article titled Soledad Secures $50K Grant for Container Village Project Feasibility Study

The City of Soledad has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program, a significant initiative aimed at fostering economic growth in rural communities.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo From Salinas Valley Tribune...

09/11/2024
Image for display with article titled Soledad Hosts First-Ever POW/MIA Flag Ceremony

City of Soledad recently hosted its first-ever ceremony to raise the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag, in partnership with local veterans.

Salinas Valley Tribune logo From Salinas Valley Tribune...

09/06/2024
Image for display with article titled Soledad Becomes First in Region to Adopt New Housing Plan

The City of Soledad is the first South Monterey County community to adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element, a document that will ensure Soledad adequately plans to meet the housing needs of all community members.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

08/21/2024
Image for display with article titled Renovations and Rent Increases in a Soledad Apartment Building Leave Tenants in Limbo.

Tenants at 150 Encinal St. in Soledad received three letters dated Aug. 1. In one, they were notified they have a new landlord, Mi Tierra Linda, LLC. The second alerted them to “extensive renovations,” and noted the new rental rates, which are much higher than what they are currently paying.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

08/02/2024
Image for display with article titled Improvements on Front Street in Soledad Are Underway.

One the most important roads in Soledad is Front Street. It runs through downtown and is the main road that takes you in and out of the city.

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