Soledad Youth Council Lead Citywide Street Safety Initiative

Soledad, CA – The Soledad Youth Council (SYC) has been leading a comprehensive Street Safety Initiative, launched in October 2025 as their main initiative for the 25/26 year. The initiative is focused on identifying and addressing pedestrian and traffic safety concerns throughout the City of Soledad.

Since launching the initiative in the fall of 2025, the Soledad Youth Council members have spent the past several months conducting field observations and analyzing streets and intersections they believe present safety challenges for youth, families, and the broader community. This work has included documenting visibility issues, traffic patterns, cross walk conditions, and factors that impact pedestrian safety.

In December 2025, the Soledad Youth Council met with the Soledad Police Department to gain insight into traffic enforcement trends and safety concerns from a public safety perspective. The group is currently preparing a formal presentation for the City of Soledad’s Public Works Department, with a meeting scheduled for February 2026, to share their findings and learn more about how street safety improvements are evaluated and implemented.

The goal of the initiative is to create a collaborative, citywide approach to improving street safety through youth-led research, interdepartmental partnerships, and community education.

In addition to research and site assessments, the Soledad Youth Council’s Outreach Committee is developing a Street Safety Campaign aimed at educating elementary and middle school students through peer-based learning opportunities. The campaign will include youth-created social media content, educational videos, and other outreach activities designed to promote safe behaviors for pedestrians and drivers alike.

“This initiative reflects the Soledad Youth Council’s commitment to meaningful civic engagement and long-term community impact,” said Jessica Potts, Parks and Recreation Director. “They are not only identifying issues but learning how to work within city systems to help shape realistic solutions.”

The Street Safety Initiative will culminate in a formal presentation to the Soledad City Council later this spring, where the Youth Council will share their research, community feedback, and recommendations for future action.

The Soledad Youth Council is a youth leadership and advisory body supported by the City of Soledad Parks and Recreation Department. The Council works to elevate youth voices in local decision-making and develop projects that benefit the community.

For more information about the Soledad Youth Council or the Street Safety Initiative, please contact the Soledad Parks and Recreation Department at (831) 223-5250.

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