City of Santa Cruz

Thanks to the efforts of Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas), and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz), the City of Santa Cruz is to receive $2 million to support homelessness response programs and shelters within the City. This vital funding from the State will enable the City of Santa Cruz to continue its successful work addressing homelessness.” said Senator John Laird. “We could not allow the progress made by the city on its homelessness response efforts to come to a halt. I am grateful for the partnership of Speaker Rivas and Assemblymember Pellerin in helping to achieve what initially seemed impossible during this precarious budget year.” These one-time funds will support the City Overlook at the National Guard Armory, the City’s largest emergency shelter which offers 135 tent-based shelter sites. Participants have access to 24/7 staff support, two meals a day, hygiene facilities, on-site health care visits, and shuttle service to and from the site. In addition, program participants are provided with case management and housing navigation from trained shelter staff who can help remove barriers to jobs and housing. “In a difficult budget year my colleagues Senator Laird, Speaker Rivas, and I were able to help the City of Santa Cruz secure $2 million from the State to continue the vital homelessness work in the City. We must continue to working on housing first solutions,“ said Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. Since 2022, City of Santa Cruz homelessness response programs have provided shelter for approximately 930 people and helped over 180 people into more stable housing, contributing to a 36% decrease in homelessness over the past year in the City of Santa Cruz. “State funding has been a critical part of the positive impact we have seen here,” said City of Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley. “Addressing homelessness takes time and we are making progress. Emergency shelters are an essential part of the solution. We have witnessed incredible transformations in people when they have a stable, safe living environment. Entering one of our City shelters can be the first step on a person’s journey out of homelessness.” The City recently adopted the first Homelessness Response Three-Year Strategic Plan 2024-2027 (HRSP). The HRSP has five action areas: Shelter, Care & Support; Community Safety; Building Capacity & Partnerships; Affordable & Supportive Housing; and Environmental Stewardship. Learn more about the City’s Homelessness Response efforts are: https://lnkd.in/gkSBPi2H

West Cliff Resilience and Community Vision The City of Santa Cruz, with the support of Farallon Strategies, has concluded a year-long project to develop the 50-year Community Vision for West Cliff. This document provides a comprehensive framework that will contribute to the long-term vision for West Cliff. For the next phase of this project, the City will work with the community and stakeholders to develop a 5-year Roadmap for West Cliff, aligning it with the 50-year Community Vision and existing City work. The final Roadmap will be presented to the Council by January 2025. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gw7Pf-jk! Join in the conversation! Register for the 9/26 meeting https://loom.ly/-_SvVlY

Exciting Job Opportunities! Are you looking for a rewarding career with the City? We’re hiring for various positions across multiple departments! Whether you’re passionate about public safety, community services, or administration, we have roles that offer: - Competitive Salaries & Benefits - Opportunities for Growth - A Chance to Make a Difference in Your Community Explore current job openings and find the perfect fit for your skills and career goals. Apply today and join our dedicated team working to make the City a better place for everyone! https://lnkd.in/eNnzFNq6

West Cliff Resilience and Community Vision The City of Santa Cruz, with the support of Farallon Strategies, has concluded a year-long project to develop the 50-year Community Vision for West Cliff. This document provides a comprehensive framework that will contribute to the long-term vision for West Cliff. For the next phase of this project, the City will work with the community and stakeholders to develop a 5-year Roadmap for West Cliff, aligning it with the 50-year Community Vision and existing City work. The final Roadmap will be presented to the Council by January 2025. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gw7Pf-jk! Join in the conversation!

📝 Take a Survey to Guide City HUD Spending! The City of Santa Cruz wants to hear from you on the 2025–30 Consolidated Plan and Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area! Your feedback will help shape how we spend our annual federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 🏠 HUD funding supports vital projects like affordable housing development, community programs, infrastructure improvements, and more. 📅 We’re also hosting two community meetings with consultants from Grow America: In-person: Wednesday, September 11, 5:30 – 6:30 PM at London Nelson Community Center (301 Center St) Virtual: Friday, September 20, 12:00 – 1:00 PM on Zoom Take the survey today! https://loom.ly/H1HXJnU

🎨 Calling All Artists! 🎨 Monarch Services and CPVAW are hosting an Art Contest to highlight the critical issue of domestic violence. The theme: What is the # 1 thing we can do to end domestic violence, individually and collectively as a community? 🏆 Win Cash Prizes and have your artwork showcased in a public art show this October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Plus, your art could be featured in print! 📅 Deadline to submit artwork: September 3. -Open to all mediums -Youth and Adult categories -Art materials available Ready to make a difference through your art? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gGPQW7YD

📣 Exciting News! The City of Santa Cruz is proud to announce the approval of a new Stipend Program for our advisory body members, starting in January 2025! 🌟 This program, approved by the City Council on August 27, 2024, is designed to enhance diversity and representation in our City’s decision-making processes. Advisory body members will now be eligible to receive a $75.00 stipend per public meeting they attend. Learn more about City of Santa Cruz Advisory bodies today! https://lnkd.in/gnvw_y95

📢 We Want to Hear From You! The City of Santa Cruz is crafting its 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area, and we need your input! Your feedback will help us allocate federal HUD funds, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds, which support affordable housing, community programs, and infrastructure improvements. 🏘️ Let us know your thoughts! Take the survey today: https://loom.ly/H1HXJnU 🏘️We’re also hosting two community feedback meetings: 👥In-Person: Wednesday, September 11, 5:30–6:30 PM at the London Nelson Community Center (301 Center St). 💻Virtual: Friday, September 20, 12:00–1:00 PM on Zoom. Please join us to learn more and share your thoughts. 🌟

🌟 Calling all Santa Cruz High School students! 🌟 Are you passionate about making a difference and connecting with community leaders? Apply to be a Youth Liaison with the City of Santa Cruz! As a Youth Liaison, you can earn stipends or community service hours while connecting Santa Cruz Youth and City Council. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to have your voice heard and make a positive impact. Apply today! https://loom.ly/n29inV8

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 The City of Santa Cruz has been recognized for the first time with an Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award by the National Procurement Institute. This prestigious award celebrates organizational excellence in public and non-profit procurement, evaluating innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity, and leadership attributes. We are one of only 72 cities in the U.S. and Canada to receive this honor in 2024. We couldn't be prouder of our incredible procurement team. Keep up the outstanding work! Learn more about the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement: https://lnkd.in/gBSTnfsX