Jake Stroud for Treasurer-Tax Collector
Collecting, Protecting, and Investing for the Future of Monterey County
About Jake
Who is Jake Stroud?
Jake Stroud serves as the Treasurer-Tax Collector for the County of Monterey, a role he assumed in December 2025 following a unanimous appointment by the Board of Supervisors. He brings more than 15 years of experience in public finance and government leadership, including nearly a decade serving Monterey County residents.
What does the Treasurer-Tax Collector do?
Jake is responsible for billing and collecting more than $1.1 billion annually in property taxes, transient occupancy taxes, and cannabis taxes. His office ensures that vital public revenues are collected accurately, securely, and on time to support County services and local communities.
How does Jake protect and manage public funds?
As Treasurer, Jake manages the County’s $3.5 billion Treasury Investment Pool, safeguarding and investing public funds on behalf of County departments, school districts, and special districts. His approach emphasizes fiscal responsibility, strong internal controls, transparency, and dependable service to residents and partner agencies.
What leadership roles does he hold within Monterey County?
Jake plays a key role in shaping the County’s long-term financial strategy. He serves as:
Chair of the Monterey County Debt Advisory Committee, guiding analysis and strategy for County debt issuance
Vice President of the Public Improvement Corporation, overseeing financing for major public infrastructure projects
Member of the Deferred Compensation Committee and Budget Committee, supporting retirement plan oversight and long-range fiscal planning
Program Sponsor for the Monterey County Employees Scholarship Program, advancing education and educational opportunities for County employees’ dependents
How does Jake contribute at the statewide and professional level?
At the statewide level, Jake serves as a Trustee on the CalTRUST Board of Trustees, providing governance oversight for a pooled public investment authority. He also serves as the North Division Chair on the California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA) Board, helping guide statewide collaboration and leadership among public finance professionals. In addition, he is active in the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors (CACTTC), contributing to policy development, technology initiatives, and best‑practice advancements in public finance.
What professional credentials does he hold?
Jake holds multiple professional certifications and leadership
credentials, including:
Certified California Municipal Treasurer (CCMT)
Certified Public Funds Investment Manager (CPFIM)
Certified Government Investment Professional (CGIP)
Executive Credential for Excellence in County Government
Master Certificate in High Performance Leadership
What connects Jake to the community he serves?
A longtime public servant, Jake is deeply rooted in Monterey County. As the son of a military veteran who was twice stationed in Monterey, Jake had the opportunity to experience this community earlier in life before ultimately returning home to serve Monterey County and raise his own family here. He and his wife are raising their three children locally, where he volunteers in area schools, supports agricultural education programs such as Farm Day, and coaches youth sports throughout the region — bringing the same commitment to service at home as he does in public office.
Endorsements
During my tenure as Treasurer-Tax Collector, I worked closely with Jake Stroud and witnessed first-hand his strong understanding of the office and its responsibility to taxpayers. He brings valuable experience, sound judgment and a spirit of innovation to the role, and I fully support his candidacy for Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Mary Zeeb
Former Treasurer-Tax Collector Monterey County
Jake Stroud is a proven, collaborative leader who understands how our offices work together to generate critical revenue for Monterey County. His experience, integrity, and professionalism make him the right choice for Treasurer‑Tax Collector.
Marina Camacho
Assessor, Clerk-Recorder Monterey County
The Treasurer‑Tax Collector plays a critical role in safeguarding and investing school funds. Through our close working relationship, I have seen Jake Stroud’s professionalism, fiscal expertise, and commitment to protecting resources that support Monterey County’s students. I am pleased to support Jake Stroud for Treasurer‑Tax Collector.
Dr. Deneen Guss
Superintendent of Schools for Monterey County
Jake Stroud understands that sound management of County finances directly affects the services residents rely on every day. In working with him, I've seen a thoughtful, collaborative leader who values transparency, accountability, and service to our communities. I'm proud to support Jake for Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Luis Alejo
Monterey County District 1 Supervisor
Jake Stroud brings sound judgment and real-world experience to one of the County’s most important responsibilities. I’ve seen his thoughtful approach and steady leadership, and I’m proud to support him for Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Glenn Church
Monterey County District 2 Supervisor
Jake Stroud brings practical experience and a proven, steady approach to protecting public funds and serving residents across the County. He understands that responsible financial management directly affects Monterey County communities. I’m proud to endorse Jake Stroud for Treasurer‑Tax Collector.
Chris Lopez
Monterey County District 3 Supervisor
As your County Supervisor, I take stewardship of our public funds seriously. Jake Stroud brings experience and accountability to the management of County finances, protecting our assets and the public trust. I'm proud to support him for Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Wendy Root Askew
Monterey County District 4 Supervisor
Jake brings integrity, experience, and a customer‑first approach to the Treasurer‑Tax Collector’s Office. His focus on accessibility, accountability, and responsive service ensures taxpayers receive the professionalism and transparency they deserve. I proudly support his election as Monterey County Treasurer‑Tax Collector.
Kate Daniels
Monterey County District 5 SupervisorHiram Yanez - Senior Vice President, Global Commercial Banking
Lupe Reyes - Chief Deputy Treasurer-Tax Collector
Sacramento Villicana - Chief Deputy Treasurer-Tax Collector
Kathleen Mauzey - Finance Manager
Mario Reyes - Police Officer
Alfonso Meraz - Fire Captain
Sean Griffin - Owner/Founder Agency One Real Estate
Noelle Griffin - Community Member
Brian Kiely - Owner & Operator | ELEV8 Sales Agency
Sonia Rivera - Registered Nurse
Christina Stitt - Director of Supply Chain
Jesse and Amanda Wells - Photographers
Bart and Dani Bruno - Monterey County Residents
Catherine Seo - Physician
Jeffrey Fiorenza - Physician
Michael and Lizzette Ruiz - Ret. Public Servants
Shawn Stroud - Pastor and US Army Veteran
Amy Stroud - Teacher
John and Karen Chubbuck
Jerry and Thalia Esquivel
Mark and Stephanie Poulin
Kevin and Sherry Harney
Eladio Manzano
Sylvia Rivera
Community Supporters
Titles and affiliations are listed for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement by any agency, employer, or organization.
The Office
What does the Treasurer‑Tax Collector do?
The Monterey County Treasurer‑Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting, safeguarding, and investing public funds that support essential local services — including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and community programs.
Every year, the office:
• Bills and collects over $1.1 billion in local taxes
• Safely invests more than $3.5 billion in public funds
• Ensures money is accurately distributed to schools, cities, special districts, and County departments
This work is non‑partisan, detail‑driven, and essential to keeping local government running smoothly.
How does the office serve you?
The Treasurer‑Tax Collector’s Office touches the lives of nearly every Monterey County resident — often behind the scenes.
Tax Collection and Administration
The office is responsible for billing, collecting, and accounting for:
• Property taxes
• Transient occupancy taxes
• Cannabis taxes
Accuracy and fairness are critical, because these revenues fund the services our communities rely on every day.
Protecting Public Funds
Public dollars don’t sit idle. The Treasurer‑Tax Collector:
• Manages the County’s pooled investment portfolio
• Prioritizes safety, liquidity, and responsible returns
• Protects funds on behalf of County departments, school districts, and special districts
Strong investment management helps ensure financial stability — even during economic uncertainty.
Supporting Schools and Local Services
The office plays a key role in making sure revenues are:
• Properly accounted for
• Distributed on time
• Available to support classrooms, emergency services, and infrastructure projects
Reliable financial systems mean fewer disruptions and better planning for local agencies.
Oversight and Financial Leadership
In addition to day‑to‑day operations, the Treasurer‑Tax Collector provides financial leadership and oversight through several official roles, including:
• Chairing the County’s Debt Advisory Committee
• Leading infrastructure financing through the Public Improvement Corporation
• Serving on committees overseeing retirement savings, fiscal planning, and employee scholarship programs
These responsibilities help ensure long‑term financial health and accountability for Monterey County.
Why does experience matter?
The Treasurer‑Tax Collector manages billions of dollars in public funds. Experience matters because:
• Mistakes can be costly
• Economic conditions change
• Strong internal controls protect taxpayers
This office requires deep knowledge of finance, law, and public accountability — not on‑the‑job training.
Priorities
Steady Leadership. Trusted Results.
Smart Progress.
As Treasurer‑Tax Collector, Jake Stroud brings proven leadership, deep experience, and a commitment to protecting Monterey County’s financial future. His priorities reflect what voters expect: stability, integrity, and practical innovation.
Stability of Leadership
A steady hand for a critical office.
Experienced, proven leadership with deep institutional knowledge
Calm, professional decision‑making — even during economic uncertainty
Consistent direction for staff, partners, and local agencies
No learning curve, no disruption — just results
Continuity of Mandates and Projects
Finishing the work taxpayers depend on.
Carrying forward legally required duties and long‑term initiatives
Completing modernization efforts already underway
Maintaining compliance with state law and county policy
Protecting long‑range financial planning and investments
Integrity and Public Trust
Protecting public funds with transparency and accountability.
Ethical stewardship of taxpayer dollars
Strong financial controls and oversight
Clear reporting and responsible governance
Decisions guided by what’s best for the public — always
Efficiency and Quality Service
Making government work better.
Streamlined processes that reduce delays and errors
High standards for accuracy and customer service
Responsible use of resources to control costs
Continuous improvement focused on results
Smart Technology and Innovation
Modern solutions, implemented responsibly.
Secure, user‑friendly online services
Technology that supports staff and improves access
Strong data protection and cybersecurity
Innovation that delivers value — without unnecessary risk
Contact Us
Questions about Jake or want to get involved in the campaign? Contact us!
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