This past summer, Rylee Jue and Aessa Lynn, two ambitious college students from Salinas, began their internships with the city’s Economic Development Division. Their positions were made possible through the support of the California’s City Management Foundation’s (CCMF) Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund.
The Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund provides two $5,000 grants to California local governments each year to support internships. Half of the funding comes from the estate of Judy Lyn Kelsey, a longtime city manager dedicated to mentoring others, while CCMF contributes the other half.
During their internship, Rylee and Aessa were tasked with creating a new economic development initiative. Their capstone project, “From StreetFront to StoreFront,” proposed an aid toolkit for emerging or home-based entrepreneurs by connecting them with underutilized office spaces in downtown Salinas. The program aims to stimulate local business growth, enhance public safety and increase downtown foot traffic. The proposal was presented to the city council on August 12,, and was supported.
“Rylee and Aessa brought fresh perspectives and real solutions to one of our most pressing challenges, activating our downtown and supporting local entrepreneurs,” said city staff. “Their work demonstrates the value of investing in young leaders who are passionate about their community.”
The proposed program would have the city enter into below-market master leases with property owners, sublease the space to selected entrepreneurs and provide up to six months of rent support, plus $1,000 for minor improvements. In return, participating businesses would contribute 10% of their monthly gross revenue back to the city. The program is designed as a low-cost, high-impact strategy to boost small business development and downtown vitality.
Throughout the summer, Rylee and Aessa gained experience not only in project design but also in community engagement and municipal operations. Their internship provided professional development opportunities while making a lasting contribution to Salinas’ economic development efforts.
“This internship helped me understand how local government can create real opportunities for small businesses and the community,” Rylee said. “I am glad I was able to be part of this incredible opportunity.”
“My time with the city of Salinas gave me the confidence to see myself as part of the future of local government and community development,” Aessa added.“This internship has given me a set of skills that will be instrumental in the rest of my career.”
The city of Salinas was proud to host Rylee and Aessa this summer, recognizing their outstanding contributions to both the office and the community. Applications for the 2026 Judy Kelsey Memorial Fund will open to California cities next spring. For more information, visit the Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund webpage.
