Santa Cruz County · issues

Civic issues

Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.

2 issues (filtered)11 topics

All time Last 30 days Last 6 monthsAll priorities Critical High Medium Low

All topics Taxes Budget Public Safety Environment Roads Zoning Business Jobs Development Parks Rec Water Utilities Schools Housing

Filtered to Water Utilities

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HighWater Utilities

Small water system oversight returning to the state

The county is ending its Local Primacy Agency, which has regulated about 68 small water systems since 1994. Operators and customers pleaded to keep local regulators, citing the Big Basin emergency and state bureaucracy; staff said doubling fees still wouldn't cover costs and the state's Monterey office is well-staffed and responsive.

1 mentionLast discussed Sep 15, 2026

MediumWater Utilities

Zone 5 Flood Control Budget and Stormwater Funding Gap

The flood district's new budget was approved, but staff warned of an estimated $4 million annual shortfall for aging stormwater infrastructure and coming permit requirements; outreach on a new revenue source is beginning.

1 mentionLast discussed May 19, 2026