# Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors 10/06/2026


**Body:** CTV Santa Cruz County
**Date:** October 05, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Professional Services, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


At its October 6, 2026 meeting, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors discussed homelessness funding and services, the General Assistance (GA) program, county road maintenance, and the Streamline Santa Cruz permitting initiative. Human Services reported that 18 grant agreements were part of the FY2025–26 awards, while federal and state funding reductions threaten ongoing shelter and housing services. The board approved the recommended GA program changes 4–1, including a proposed $50 monthly benefit reduction and a three-month limit per 12-month period for participants deemed able to work, with no time limit proposed for people with disabilities. Implementation is planned for July 1, 2027. A motion to lower the benefit to the regional average failed for lack of a second; a separate proposal to substitute shelter for part of the cash benefit and require work-program participation also did not advance. The board requested a budget-session update, including information about the cost of adding staff to support Social Security disability applications. Staff also described housing and shelter projects, including Pacific Station North and Harvey West Studios, totaling 248 permanent units, and four shelter or transitional-housing projects totaling 102 spaces or units. No specific project contract awards were made during this discussion.

On Streamline Santa Cruz, staff reported progress on permitting improvements and a recently approved contract for phase one of county code updates; a contract amendment related to vendor issues with a permitting data system may return to the board before year-end. Staff also reported that an RFP would seek proposals for services currently supported through a flat-fee arrangement, with reporting and billing details to be assessed during procurement and negotiated with the selected provider; no vendor selection or award was identified in the transcript. In response to public comments about deteriorating roads and evacuation routes, staff said a county road funding and spending report is targeted for a November agenda. The board also heard that the county spends nearly $1 million from the general fund on disaster-bond debt service. A progress report on Streamline Santa Cruz was accepted, with staff directed to return by April 2027.

**Source:** CTV Santa Cruz County