About Us
Neighbors Protecting the Valley Since 1949
Volunteers working with residents, businesses, and government to preserve Carmel Valley’s beauty, character, and quality of life.
Carmel Valley Association is one of the oldest, largest, and most successful community organizations in Monterey County. We are entirely volunteer, with no paid employees.
Our Mission: To preserve, protect, and defend the natural beauty, resources, and rural character of the Carmel Valley. We accomplish this by working with residents, businesses, and government.
CVA played a pivotal role in the adoption of the Carmel Valley Master Plan and recently settled a lawsuit with Monterey County regarding traffic measurement and capping future development on highly favorable terms for our valley.
Our volunteer experts represent Carmel Valley's interests by testifying before governmental bodies on development, water, traffic, road signs, and other environmental issues.
Our Recent Efforts
Land Use & Development
We actively engage with developers, planners, and county officials to ensure thoughtful, balanced growth.
- Addressing problematic aspects of new projects that could impact residents or visitors
- Monitoring potential development near Carmel Valley Manor
- Maintaining an active Land Use Committee that meets monthly with county planners and quarterly with Supervisor Mary Adams
Community & Environment
We promote initiatives that protect Carmel Valley’s natural beauty and rural charm.
- Supporting fire prevention and Firewise community programs
- Advancing the Dark Sky Initiative to preserve our night skies
- Protecting historically designated trees during Boronda Road improvements
- Advocating for new bike lanes and safer routes along Carmel Valley Road
Housing & Events
We work to balance community needs with tourism and housing concerns.
- Partnering with the county to enforce vacation rental ordinances and accelerate the Environmental Impact Report
- Helping neighborhoods navigate issues related to short-term rentals
- Limiting unpermitted and oversized event centers that strain roads and quiet neighborhoods
Community Connection
We believe that strong relationships build resilient communities.
- Hosting annual picnics and themed events to bring neighbors together
- Keeping residents informed about local issues through regular communication and updates
Have a Voice in Your Community!
Join CVA and Help Protect our Valley
Our volunteers research, advocate, and take action to preserve Carmel Valley’s beauty, character, and quality of life
— ensuring thoughtful growth and strong community connections.
CVA Committees and Activities include:
Land Use
- CVA works to protect the rural character of Carmel Valley.
- CVA monitors development proposals.
- CVA advocates for growth that carefully considers impacts to traffic, water, affordable housing, and code compliance.
- CVA reads, reviews, and submits informed comments on Environmental Impact Reports concerning development projects in Carmel Valley.
- CVA meets monthly with members of Monterey County's Resource Management Agency.
- CVA meets quarterly with 5th District Supervisor Mary Adams.
- CVA represents residents' concerns at meetings with the following agencies:
- Carmel Valley Land Use Advisory Committee
- County Planning Commission
- County Board of Supervisors
- Housing Authority Commission
- Several water-related agencies
- CVA worked with County Code Enforcement Department to finalize a stronger Code Enforcement Ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
- CVA is working with the County on regulation of short-term rentals.
Natural Heritage
- CVA attends and participates in area-wide water board meetings.
- CVA experts do extensive research and report on the Carmel River aquifer and related hydrology, including obtaining independent professional reviews of flood plain issues on the Carmel River. These reports inform State and County officials on local water issues.
- CVA is working to draft a Land Use Initiative to protect our valley's fragile ecosystem.
- Volunteer Weed Wranglers regularly remove invasive species from our valley.
- CVA Organizes "Exploring a Sense of Place" outings.
- CVA environmentalists review, research and provide essential insight on Environmental Impact Reports concerning Carmel Valley River and advocate for a healthier, sustainable river.
- CVA supports the Regional Water Plan, with modifications that share the costs equitably.
Roads & Traffic
- CVA conducts research on traffic studies including GP2010, Carmel Valley Traffic Improvement Program, proposed subdivisions and commercial land use projects.
- CVA currently opposes the County's needs assessments that justify road improvements based on future approval of new development projects.
- CVA experts develop standards and provisions to challenge the County's proposal for relaxing traffic standards on Carmel Valley Road.
- CVA members serve on Supervisor Adams' Road Committee. CVA monitors trail development proposals.
Community & Outreach
- CVA's open forums, weekly eBulletin, quarterly newsletter, and annual meeting provide opportunities for community members to become informed, socialize, and discuss local events and issues.
- CVA helped stop the closure of Rippling River and advocates for responsible, affordable housing that serves our community.
- CVA provided essential assistance in developing the Community General Plan.
- CVA works with community organizations such as the Carmel Valley Historical Society, Emergency Preparedness, and Sustainable Carmel Valley.
- Our annual picnic and holiday party are high points of the Valley social calendar.
Board of Directors
Photo Credits
The images featured on this site come from a variety of talented photographers and community contributors who capture the beauty, character, and spirit of Carmel Valley. Selected photos are courtesy of Douglas Steakley, along with contributions from local residents, volunteers, and partner organizations.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who has shared their work to help visually tell the story of our Valley.
