Monterey County.
Our living laboratory.
A region of contrasts — wealth and hardship — with the diversity and collaboration
to build a regenerative future.
Why Monterey County?
Monterey County is a region of contrasts — extraordinary wealth alongside persistent poverty.
It has world-class agriculture, a globally significant ocean economy, and a severe housing crisis. Most importantly, it has strong community leadership and a readiness to collaborate.
We’re not starting from scratch. We’re connecting what already exists.
In 2023, we brought together Monterey County voices—from farmers to fishermen, scientists to businesses and government—to map out the region’s path to a regenerative economy.
Following our interviews, research, and workshops, we developed a community vision for the desired future of a Regenerative Monterey County.
To learn more, read and download this report.
Today, we are partnering with local nonprofits, businesses, and government leaders with three pilot projects designed to tackle urgent challenges and ignite lasting systems change across the region.
One region, three community-identified initiatives: Attainable Housing, Future of Food, and Economic Opportunity.
While Monterey County is our pilot region, there is increasing interest from over a dozen other regions across California that are eager to join our movement.
Monterey County Attainable Housing Initiative
Monterey’s Attainable Housing Initiative represents a groundbreaking effort to unite diverse stakeholders to increase attainable, healthy homes for Monterey County’s “missing middle” — those who do not qualify for subsidized housing but can't afford market rates.. While there are many valuable efforts underway in the region and across the state to tackle similar housing challenges, this Initiative is unique in its community-driven approach, bringing together cross-sector expertise and aligning local resources to specifically address Monterey’s unique housing landscape.
3,000+ homes in the pipeline
New financing models
Community land trust framework
Collaborators and Trusted Advisors
Future of Food: Regenerate 68! Farm
Regenerative California and Big Sur Land Trust are in shared stewardship of 68 acres at the historic Ferrini Ranch—now known as Regenerate 68! Farm. This demonstration farm grows community, next-generation farmers, and nutrient-dense food for Monterey's schools, hospitals, food banks, and local businesses.
Next-gen farmer training
Community food supply
Carbon sequestration
Collaborators and Trusted Advisors
Economic Opportunity: The Future of Blue
We're working to revitalize the fishing economy in Monterey Bay in partnership with the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust. This community-based initiative is called The Future of Blue. By partnering with stakeholders like fishermen, divers, ecotourism operators, scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, we ensure the Bay's blue economy is recognized as a vital social, cultural, and economic driver — preserving fishing livelihoods, tourism, science, and ocean health.
Preserved fishing access
Ocean health metrics
Responsible tourism model
Collaborator and Trusted Advisor
Learn More About Our Work
Working with SecondMuse in 2023, Regenerative California convened stakeholders across the region to understand the unique regional challenges and opportunities in Monterey.
