Building Watsonville’s Future, Together | Mayor’s Vision

Watsonville is forging a dynamic and inclusive path forward, with strategic investments and long-term planning aimed at ensuring the city remains a vibrant, welcoming and resilient community for future generations. With the adoption of a balanced $122 million budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, the City Council has laid a solid financial foundation to support neighborhoods, families and local businesses through targeted capital investments and operational enhancements.

At the core of this vision is the newly adopted 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive two-year roadmap shaped by the values and aspirations of Watsonville’s residents. Centered around seven key priorities — economic development, efficient government, housing, community engagement and well-being, infrastructure and environment, public safety, and fiscal health — the plan provides clear direction for city leadership and staff. It ensures that high-quality services are maintained while keeping residents informed and actively involved in shaping their community.

Revitalizing Downtown Watsonville

One of the most exciting developments in the city’s growth strategy is the revitalization of downtown. Through the Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan, the city is setting bold goals to expand parking options, attract new retail and entertainment venues, and reimagine the area as a thriving community hub. These efforts aim to create a more vibrant, accessible downtown that serves residents and visitors alike.

In tandem with downtown improvements, the city is also launching initiatives to increase access to affordable housing. New incentives are being introduced to encourage the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), making it easier for more families to find quality, affordable homes in Watsonville. This aligns with broader efforts to ensure housing diversity and availability across income levels.

Strengthening Community Services and Public Safety

The passage of Measure R by voters has enabled the expansion of vital programs for youth and seniors, enhancing access to enriching and supportive services across all age groups. These programs provide critical resources and opportunities for lifelong learning, wellness and community connection.

Public safety remains a top priority. The city is expanding bilingual community policing initiatives and strengthening Neighborhood Watch programs. In addition, workforce development efforts are underway to recruit and train a new generation of police officers and firefighters who reflect the diverse makeup of the community they serve.

Modernizing Infrastructure and Enhancing Sustainability

Infrastructure upgrades are also a major focus. The redesign of Main Street aims to improve pedestrian safety, while park and facility upgrades, urban forest expansion and improvements to stormwater and wastewater systems are underway. Road improvements across the city — including paving, striping and enhanced safety features — are making streets safer and more accessible for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Behind the scenes, the city is modernizing customer service platforms, strengthening cybersecurity measures and transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable fleet of vehicles. Throughout these changes, strong fiscal discipline remains a guiding principle.

Long-Term Vision: General Plan 2050

Looking further into the future, the launch of the General Plan 2050 marks a pivotal step in shaping Watsonville’s long-term growth. This visionary document will guide land use, housing, transportation, climate action and environmental stewardship over the next several decades. Crucially, the planning process is community-led, ensuring that every voice contributes to the evolving identity of the city.

Enriching Cultural and Civic Life

Cultural and civic assets are also receiving renewed attention. The city’s first-ever Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan outlines a vision to revitalize aging parks, enhance accessibility and offer culturally relevant programming tailored to Watsonville’s diverse population. Meanwhile, the Watsonville Library Strategic Plan is expanding access through extended hours, bookmobile services and innovative outreach initiatives.

The Public Art Master Plan seeks to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and creative spirit by integrating local art into public spaces. And with the Airport Master Plan now in place, future airport development will balance safety, efficiency, economic growth and environmental responsibility.

Each initiative reflects Watsonville’s deep commitment to thoughtful, inclusive and sustainable growth — a vision made possible through the active participation of its residents. Their ideas, time and energy continue to shape the city’s future, ensuring that Watsonville remains a place where everyone can thrive.