A public outreach and design process was engaged early on in order to obtain community input and to help build consensus. Groups that participated in the planning process were the Steelhead Association, Carmel Valley Unified School District, The Carmel Valley River Watershed Conservancy, members of the Carmel Valley Land Use Advisory Committee, Monterey County Planning Department and Public Works, Monterey County Sheriffs Department and the Cypress Fire Protection District, Big Sur Land Trust, Carmel Valley Trails Association, water districts, various homeowners’ associations, and other interested parties. All were invited to provide input and comment about the proposed new housing project. Public meetings and design workshops have occurred in October 2003 and January 2004.

   Over 200 Carmel Valley community members attended the January workshop and presentation, which included viewing a 20’ scale design model of the proposed project. Considerable public support and interest in Rancho Cañada Village continues to be received. Additional public meetings and presentations will be scheduled as the project progresses through the Monterey County approval process.