Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues with critical priority
Road pavement funding gap
A dozen-plus residents described washed-out, single-lane roads, a failed culvert, stranded driveways and fire-evacuation dangers, asking the county to fund road repair before winter storms. The Board could not respond because no road item was on the agenda, but speakers promised to keep pressing.
Empire Grade and countywide road safety improvements
Residents near the harbor pushed for safety improvements on 6th Avenue, funding the stop signs and speed bumps themselves with a $30,000 donation. The Board approved the ordinance in concept with signs going up 31 days after final adoption.
Homelessness services face funding cliff
With Housing Matters closing mail and day services April 1, the county is covering benefits mail, the City of Santa Cruz is adding restrooms, and community members are working to relaunch MHCAN as a 'clubhouse model' peer support center with Front Street's help.
Human Services staffing cuts and federal H.R. 1 impacts
The county's costs are growing 6.1% a year against 5% revenue growth, creating a gap projected to hit $70 million by 2031-32. The current budget drew $30.5 million from reserves, and federal HR 1 changes could strip Medi-Cal/CalFresh from tens of thousands of residents.