Ian Oglesby
- Statement: I am excited to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Seaside in the November 5, 2024, General Election.
- As many of you know, I have served as mayor for the last six years. During this time, we have met and overcome numerous challenges, achieving many of our goals. Seaside has moved forward despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Working together, we will continue to progress in a positive direction by improving community safety, increasing housing affordability, creating local jobs with career paths, and enhancing our environment. I look forward to being re-elected so I can continue to fight for you, preserving our inclusive city feel while delivering the first-class quality of life we expect in Seaside—a Seaside Moving Forward!
- For over 22 years, I have dedicated myself to enhancing Seaside's quality of life. My experience as a County Economic Development Commissioner, Monterey County Board of Education Trustee, Planning Commissioner, Council-member, Mayor Pro-Tem, Mayor, and most importantly, a community volunteer, has provided me with a deep understanding of our community's needs and the skills to address them effectively.
- During this term, we faced the pandemic together and emerged stronger. Our budget is balanced, and our reserves are fully funded. Exciting economic developments are underway, including the "Seagrove," a mixed-use development with retail and 106-unit housing complex on a parcel of land that had been blighted for over 35 years. Our Campus Town project, with over 1,100 housing units, 250,000 square feet of retail, 50,000 square feet of office space; and our new Grand Hyatt Hotel at our Hotel & Golf Course Resort will be the fifth in the state of California is set to break ground late summer. A new seven-chamber California State Courthouse will break ground in early 2027.
- Our $10 million street and sidewalk improvement plan, Phase 2, is progressing and will ramp up during the summer months. Design plans for Fire Station #2 are nearly complete. We have increased and strengthened our code enforcement, public works, fire and police personnel are fully staffed. The first time in 15 years, resulting in a 30% reduction in crime.
- I want to be clear: crime is not reduced by the number of people who respond to criminal behavior. Crimes are not committed when people do not feel the need to commit them and when the risk of getting caught is too high. That is why it is so important to invest in our youth, families, and older adults through activities and projects, such as park improvements, city-sponsored and co-sponsored events. Our Summer Youth Jobs program and a new initiative with CSUMB for internships create valuable opportunities for young adults to stay here during the summer, gain work experience, and help our local non-profits.
- My focus remains clear: creating sustainable economic development, increasing affordable housing choices for all income levels, enhancing community safety, protecting our environment, and rebuilding our streets and sidewalks. I will advocate for policies that support renters, create jobs, and provide opportunities for all. Ensuring our youth, families, and older adults continue to thrive and foster a healthier, more equitable Seaside.
- I am committed to serving you and building a vibrant, inclusive community. Together, we can achieve great things. I consider it a honor to represent the residents of Seaside as Mayor and I stand ready to do so with experience, leadership, and gratefulness. I humbly ask for your vote!
- Website: ianoglesby.com
