Santa Cruz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Improvements
The water department is rate-funded and planning major projects — the Graham Hill treatment facility improvement (2027-2032) and pipeline replacements — with $300 million already invested system-wide. Demand keeps falling even as the service population triples.
Sewer Rates and Charges Ordinance
Updates the sewer code so property owners who pay to upsize or fix existing sewer mains can be reimbursed as neighboring properties later connect — bringing old rules in line with today's redevelopment reality.
Beltz Well 9 Aquifer Storage and Recovery Design
The Council hired EKI Environment & Water for $468,000 to design upgrades that let the city store water underground at Beltz Well 9, shoring up water supply.