Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors 05/19/2026

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on May 19, 2026, covering a wide range of topics including emergency medical services recognition, immigration enforcement concerns, affordable housing funding, public works acknowledgments, and transportation infrastructure projects. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of pre-development fund commitments for affordable housing projects, with specific mention of New Horizons Affordable Housing and MidPen Housing, and the allocation of Measure K funds for North Coast parking and trail improvements. The Board authorized staff to engage with local agencies on a North Coast Transportation project proposal to explore federal FLAP grant opportunities, potentially bringing in $24 million for infrastructure improvements without requiring local matching funds. Additionally, the Board approved the Zone 5 Flood Control and Water Conservation District's 2026-2027 operations and construction budgets, highlighting ongoing culvert repair projects and the need for additional funding to meet expanding regulatory requirements. The Mosquito and Vector Control benefit assessment rates for fiscal year 2026-2027 were confirmed without changes. The Board also adopted the Santa Cruz County Safety Action Plan, emphasizing data-driven road safety improvements and directing staff to return during budget hearings with proposals for matching funds and prioritized safety projects. Finally, the Board received and approved the proposed County Strategic Plan for 2026-2032, incorporating extensive community engagement and focusing on housing, behavioral health, cost of living, trust, and coordination, with direction to incorporate Board feedback into the final plan. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were detailed, but several budget allocations and capital improvement projects were discussed and approved.