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.
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.
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.
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.