Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors 09/15/2026

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on September 15, 2026, addressing several procurement and policy matters. Key procurement-related discussions included the decision to end the county's role as the Local Primacy Agency (LPA) for small water systems, transferring oversight to the state due to increasing regulatory burdens and cost concerns. The board voted 4-1 to approve this transition, anticipating cost savings and continued collaboration with the state. Another significant agenda item was the initiation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for conflict criminal defense services, with the current contract expiring in July 2027. The board debated the fairness and structure of the proposed RFP, ultimately directing staff to revise the RFP to emphasize effective representation and cost while reducing onerous requirements, with a report back scheduled by December 15, 2026. Additionally, the board certified the sufficiency of the Metro Initiative petition to place a 0.5% sales tax measure on the ballot to fund transit improvements. A study session was held on a proposed ordinance to regulate AI data centers and high-intensity computing facilities, with concerns raised about environmental impacts and resource use; however, the motion to place a related measure on the March 2028 ballot failed 3-2. The meeting also included updates on capital projects such as water line replacements and habitat restoration, with contract awards noted for these efforts.