Santa Cruz County
Strategic Initiatives
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Our Vision

Santa Cruz County is a healthy, safe and more affordable community that is culturally diverse, economically inclusive and environmentally vibrant.

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Our Mission

An open and responsive government, the County of Santa Cruz delivers quality, data-driven services that strengthen our community and enhance opportunity.

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Our Values

The County of Santa Cruz provides services and supports partnerships built on:

  • Accountability
  • Collaboration
  • Compassion
  • Effectiveness
  • Innovation
  • Respect
  • Support
  • Transparency
  • Trust
County Equity Statement

Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embraces individuals of every status, providing unwavering support, dignity, and compassion.

Through this commitment, the County ensures intentional opportunities and access, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and belong.

 

Vision Santa Cruz County

 

Vision Santa Cruz County

 

Vision Santa Cruz County

Overview

The County’s strategic initiatives chart a path to a vision created with and for the community we serve.
Click on the boxes below to learn more.

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Strategic Plan and Equity Framework

Contribute to our vision for a government that ensures opportunity, compassion and dignity for all.

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Budget

Review our transparent financial plan for meeting the evolving needs of the community through programs, services and infrastructure.

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Operational Plan

Monitor progress and provide feedback on our work to meet our strategic plan and equity targets.

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Community Results

Track government and community progress through a range of indicators that measure results and make a difference.

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About Us

Santa Cruz County was incorporated in 1850 on the territory of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. The County of Santa Cruz serves over 270,000 people who live, work, visit, and have roots here.

More About Santa Cruz County

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County Services

Manu Koenig Photo
Manu Koenig 1st District
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Zach Friend Photo
Zach Friend 2nd District
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Justin Cummings Photo
Justin Cummings 3rd District
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Felipe Hernandez Photo
Felipe Hernandez 4th District
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Bruce McPherson Photo
Bruce McPherson 5th District
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The Board of Supervisors governs the Santa Cruz County unincorporated area and is the executive and legislative governing body of the County of Santa Cruz. The Board directs overall operations of the various County departments and districts by establishing policies and approving the budgets and financing for all of County government and certain special districts.  The current Chair of the Board of Supervisors is Zach Friend (2nd District), who serves beside Manu Koenig (1st District), Justin Cummings (3rd District), Felipe Hernandez (4th District) and Bruce McPherson (5th District).

The County provides a broad spectrum of services, principally State and federal services. In unincorporated areas outside of the four city jurisdictions, extensive municipal services are also provided. A non-exhaustive list is provided below.

County-wide Services

  • Health and Welfare
  • Adult and Juvenile Detention
  • District Attorney and Public Defender
  • Elections
  • Records
  • Local Tax Collection
  • Agricultural safety

Unincorporated Municipal Services

  • Road and Bridge Maintenance
  • Police Protection
  • Parks Services
  • Animal Services
  • Zoning and Planning
  • Building Permits and Inspection

Enter an address below to learn if it is located within a city or unincorporated County.

Board Library

The Board of Supervisors approved the County's first Strategic Plan on June 26, 2018. View the Board Library, and read about how the Board has directed changes to meet the evolving needs of county residents.

Go to the Board Library

Feedback

Tell us what you think. We would love to hear from you, and any feedback you have across our strategic initiatives.