In June 2025, the City of Salinas released a Budget in Brief developed in partnership with Tripepi Smith. This marks the first project between the City and Team TS, with the goal of making municipal financial information more accessible and engaging for the public.
“Our goal was to create a resource that could both inform and engage our residents by making budget information more accessible,” said City of Salinas Director of Finance Selina Andrews. “Tripepi Smith delivered a great product that tells the City’s financial story in a clear, compelling way. It is not only a Budget in Brief, but an engaging communication tool.”
The final product features a modern, reader-friendly design that pairs financial data with clean layouts, infographics and compelling visuals. The design was led by Senior Graphic Designer Kjerstin Wingert and was supported by Senior Business Analyst Melanie Moore, Junior Business Analyst Ethan De La Peña and Junior Business Analyst Nicole Weber.
“In city finances, the details matter,” said Kjerstin. “This project was a unique opportunity to partner with Salinas to use thoughtful design in support of their commitment to transparent, digestible communications about things that impact the community.”
The Salinas Budget in Brief sets a strong example for how public agencies can elevate community engagement through thoughtful, well-designed communications.
About the City of Salinas
The City of Salinas, California is a vibrant, diverse community of approximately 160,000 residents and serves as the Monterey County seat. Nestled in the Salinas Valley, the city is a major hub for agriculture, food processing and cultural heritage, offering a rich mix of urban amenities and small-town charm. For more information, visit cityofsalinas.org.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.
