Santa Cruz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
CDBG reallocation to Market Street Senior Center
Meals on Wheels reported it has a waiting list of 117 seniors it couldn't serve since April 2025 due to funding shortfalls, and gets 10-12 new applications weekly — a signal for the city's safety-net funding review.
Museum of Natural History Lease Amendments
The City took on responsibility for major building maintenance at the museum and will reimburse half the museum's insurance premium, up to $20,000 a year, after closed session direction.
Public access legacy of Celia and Peter Scott honored
Council approved a memorial plaque in Pogonip for the Scotts, whose decades of advocacy — including the Greenbelt Initiative and Friends of Pogonip — won the public the access it enjoys today.
Biarritz sister city exchanges
Delegates reported on the adult climate conference and junior guard exchange with Biarritz, France — including a possible future council commitment to a coalition for the sustainable use of AI and expanded youth exchanges.
Poet's Park Playground Improvement
A $130,195.63 playground contract was awarded for the beloved Beach Flats pocket park, with design shaped by community outreach.
Reciprocal use agreement with Santa Cruz City Schools
The city and school district are working out a deal for community access to school playgrounds and fields. Commissioners want unscheduled neighborhood use for kids and cost-recovery co-programming; the agreement returns to the commission before execution.
Community Gardens Program
The city's community gardens face challenges but have built local partnerships and outreach events; gardeners' comment boxes are asking for restrooms.
Shingu Student Exchange Delegation
The committee was scheduled to approve sending a youth delegation to Shingu, Japan, Santa Cruz's sister city, as part of the annual student exchange. It's a cultural exchange opportunity for local students.
Jinotepe emeritus status
With no recent activity, the Committee may consider giving the Jinotepe, Nicaragua sister city relationship emeritus status — a letter of notice will be drafted.
Juneteenth 35th Anniversary Second Line Performance sponsorship
The commission was asked to recommend $3,725 in city funding for a Second Line Performance marking the 35th anniversary of Juneteenth. The recommendation would move forward for final funding consideration.
SculpTOUR curator selection committee appointments
The commission was asked to appoint one or more of its members to help select the SculpTOUR curator and, later, the SculpTOUR artists. This shapes the city's public art programming for 2026-2027.
Youth civic engagement
Three high school students presented yearlong projects on parks events, sustainable energy financing and free youth spaces, closing out the second year of the Youth Liaison Program.
Salsa by the Sea Permitting
Roughly a dozen dancers urged the Council to restore summer Salsa by the Sea dates on the Wharf, calling it a tourism draw and 24-year community tradition. The mayor said three councilmembers are negotiating with Parks and a public resolution is likely soon.
Regional Library Services Agreement Extension
The city extended its library joint powers agreement with the County, Capitola, and Scotts Valley through mid-2032, keeping regional library funding and governance stable.
2026 Committee Leadership Elections
The committee was set to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026 and appoint subcommittee chairs — the people who will steer the sister cities program's priorities this year.
FY27 City Arts Budget and 18-Month Workplan
The City Arts Division's draft 18-month workplan and FY27 budget shape which public art, grants, and arts programs Santa Cruz funds next year. The Commission was scheduled to give feedback and confirm direction before these go forward.
City Arts 50th Anniversary Planning
The Commission was scheduled to consider forming an ad hoc committee to plan the 50th anniversary of the City Arts program, a milestone celebration for public arts in Santa Cruz.