Notice something new? You’re receiving the City Manager’s Update in a fresh new format, delivered through GovDelivery, our new communications platform! This change is part of our broader effort to improve how we connect with you. The same great stories and updates are still here, every other week, right to your inbox.

We’re excited to share that the new City of Santa Cruz website launches on October 23! The redesigned site is more than just a fresh look; it’s built to make it easier than ever to connect with your city.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to:

• A cleaner, more intuitive navigation to find what you need faster.
• A new modern design and mobile-friendly experience.
• Interactive tools and maps to explore city services and projects with ease.
• Streamlined access to city services.

Stay tuned for the launch and be among the first to explore the new site!

The City is proud to announce the completion of the Santa Cruz Wildfire Resiliency Plan, a project nearly five years in the making. This plan builds on the important work of our Fire Department to protect critical infrastructure across the city and county, including Netcom Dispatch, the City Emergency Operations Center, water facilities, and key parks and Public Works properties, through proactive vegetation management and wildfire preparedness.

The new plan provides a clear roadmap for reducing wildfire risks and improving forest health. It prioritizes projects throughout the city and county, outlining a range of treatment methods tailored to different landscapes. Many of these projects are already underway, supported by grant funding to help bring them to life. Just as importantly, the plan strengthens our partnerships with UC Santa Cruz and California State Parks, ensuring that the lands we share are managed with a consistent, coordinated, and thoughtful approach.

City Council recently approved the Santa Cruz Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Conservation Plan (ASHCP), which supports the recovery of two special-status fish species, Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout, while providing long-term regulatory assurances for Santa Cruz’s water and flood control operations.

Developed over the past 25 years, the plan and its associated permits represent a major investment in habitat restoration and include significant modifications to the City’s water rights. These changes aim to improve stream flows for fish while ensuring a reliable water supply for the community.

You're invited to learn about Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0, a new project creating neighborhood-scale coastal adaptation plans for the next 20 years for West Cliff, Main Beach, Cowell Beach, East Cliff and Seabright Beach.

Join us to review the project, provide feedback, enjoy light refreshments, explore family-friendly activities, experience a new virtual reality app, and enter to win a FREE electric leaf blower! Together, we can help Santa Cruz preserve its coastline and neighborhoods for generations to come.

West Cliff Neighborhood Open House
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 5
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Main/Cowell Beaches Neighborhood Open House
Date: Thursday, Nov. 6
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

East Cliff/Seabright Neighborhood Open House
Date: Thursday, Nov. 13
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Spanish interpretation is available upon request.

On October 1, the Planning Department received an application to construct an eight-story mixed-use development consisting of approximately 12,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 245 residential units above. Subterranean parking is also proposed, with a total of 256 off-street parking spaces. The proposed unit mix consists of 16 studio units, 139 one-bedroom units, 78 two-bedroom units, 6 three-bedroom units, and 6 live/work units.

The site is currently occupied by Ace Hardware and is located within the newly adopted South of Laurel Area of the Downtown Plan. As part of that Downtown Plan Area, the project is participating in the Downtown Density Bonus program and is proposing to utilize the “Land Dedication Option,” which allows for the project to include 100% market-rate units if land is dedicated for an affordable housing project meeting certain criteria. An off-site location has been identified that could accommodate the requisite number of below-market rate units, and a separate permit submittal is in preparation for that part of the project. It is anticipated that the off-site 100-percent affordable housing project will provide approximately 87 affordable units. A pre-application review was processed earlier this year, which included a community meeting on June 4, 2025, pursuant to the City’s Community Outreach Policy for Planning Projects. Ryan Bane is the planner working on the project. 

The Water Department is partnering with Stanford University on a study to better understand how water costs are shared among renters in multi-family properties. The findings will help the city design future customer assistance programs that make water more affordable for renters in Santa Cruz.

We’re looking for renters who live in apartments or multi-unit buildings within our service area to take part in a short, 15-minute tenant survey. Participants will receive $25 for their time. Every response helps us build a clearer picture of water affordability in our community.

Are you a property manager? Take the Landlord Survey to share your experience.

On October 9, the City of Santa Cruz participated in Trades Day, an event that introduces high school youth to industry career opportunities in construction, design, sub-contracting, heavy equipment, engineering, and other skilled trades.

City staff welcomed roughly 1,100 students, discussing career opportunities within the City and providing hands-on demonstrations.

Parks and Recreation is proud to invest in safe, fun, and vibrant neighborhood parks, and we’re thrilled to announce that renovations at Grant Park are now complete! With only a few finishing touches left, the park is open and ready for everyone to enjoy.

This exciting project has transformed one of our most beloved neighborhood parks, adding new and improved amenities for all ages, including:

• An inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities
• Outdoor concrete ping pong tables
• Concrete cornhole games
• A new tetherball area
• A refreshed bocce ball court
• Updated picnic areas with new BBQs and site amenities
• Renovated restroom facilities
• Improved recycling and refuse stations
• Enhancements to the off-leash dog area

The park’s iconic climbing rocks remain at the heart of the playground, now beautifully integrated into the new layout for even more creative play.

Join us for a Community Ribbon Cutting and Celebration on Wednesday, October 29, at 5 p.m. as we officially reopen Grant Park and thank the community that helped make it happen!

We extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Grant Park neighborhood community for their partnership throughout construction. The support and feedback provided were essential in bringing this vision to life.

Come explore the new features, reconnect with neighbors, and celebrate the bright future of this beloved neighborhood park.