Capitola City Council Candidate Forum 10/07/2026

The Capitola City Council candidate forum, hosted by CTV Santa Cruz County on October 7, 2026, focused on candidates’ positions on the city budget, housing, transportation, climate resilience, and city management. Candidates discussed projected budget pressure and reserves, including pension obligations and potential revenue from parking fees and transient occupancy taxes. Several proposed earlier, multiyear budget planning, greater public transparency, and a stronger role for the Financial Advisory Committee; some also suggested reviewing consultant spending and other costs. These were candidate views, not council actions or votes.

Infrastructure topics included the Capitola Trestle and rail corridor, Stockton Avenue Bridge, Cliff Drive erosion protection, and Capitola Mall redevelopment. One candidate referenced a city-funded engineering contract of less than $200,000 to assess the trestle, with findings expected early the following year; no contract award, procurement vote, or spending authorization occurred at the forum. Candidates also discussed the state housing mandate and possible infrastructure and revenue effects. No procurement activity was identified beyond discussion of the existing engineering study and potential future project needs.