Santa Cruz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Vibrancy Ordinance – Commercial Building Vacancies
Downtown is rebounding — 20 new businesses since the ordinance took effect, vacancies down to 9 on Pacific Avenue. Council raised the vacancy registry fee to $4,000/year, sped up window-covering deadlines, and funded a $76,000 grant program.
Biarritz AI coalition invitation
Biarritz, France is developing a coalition on the use of artificial intelligence and asked Santa Cruz to adopt it. The Committee will discuss a possible recommendation to the City Council at a future meeting.
Puerto Escondido Friendship City
Santa Cruz adopted Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca as a friendship city for two years, with planned exchanges in arts, conservation, education, and lifeguard safety.
Board vacancies and recruitment
The board has lost its Capitola and Watsonville representatives and is struggling to recruit members. It will discuss desired skill sets and possibly form a recruitment subcommittee, and is exploring remote-attendance legislation to ease travel burdens.