Anna Maria Velazquez

Mayor of the City of Soledad

Anna Maria Velazquez was first elected Mayor of the City of Soledad in November 2020, becoming the city’s first female mayor in ninety-nine years, and was reelected in 2022. Her leadership emphasizes smart growth, including expanding commercial development, increasing diverse housing options, promoting walkable neighborhoods, preserving open space, improving transportation, and ensuring broadband access for all residents. She previously served on the Soledad City Council after her election in 2016, where she championed affordable housing, founded a Youth Council, secured funding for workforce training, and supported the creation of an inclusive park for children of all abilities. She also strengthened collaboration with local schools and helped distribute over 3,000 food bags during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raised in the Salinas Valley by farmworker parents, Velazquez has over 20 years of public service experience, including roles with the City of Salinas and as District Director for State Senator Anna Caballero, focusing on housing, community development, and civic engagement.