The County of Santa Cruz invites community members to take part in a countywide effort to help shape the Measure Q Vision Plan, which will guide investments from the $89-a-year parcel tax in clean water protection, wildfire resilience, public access, and preservation of parks, beaches, and natural areas.
Santa Cruz County Parks is hosting a series of community open house meetings throughout the month of June, along with an online survey.
All residents are encouraged to participate and share their ideas for local investments in climate resilience, parks, trails, and natural lands.
Online Survey
An online survey is available from May 30 through July 3, in English and Spanish:
- English: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQVP_Eng
- Spanish: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQVP_Span
Community Meetings
Each meeting follows an open house format with interactive stations, maps, and bilingual materials. Community members are welcome to drop in at any time during the scheduled meeting times:
Monday, June 9 – South County
6–7:30 p.m., Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St., Watsonville (4th floor) — Bilingual staff in attendance
Tuesday, June 10 – San Lorenzo Valley
5:30–7 p.m., Highlands House, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond
Tuesday, June 17 – Mid County
5:30–7 p.m., Live Oak Community Center (Simpkins Family Swim Center), 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz — Bilingual staff in attendance
Virtual Meeting
For those unable to attend in person, a virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, June 26, 5:30–7 p.m.
Zoom link to be posted at www.santacruzcountyca.gov/MeasureQ.aspx
County staff say survey responses and feedback collected during the meetings will inform the Vision Plan, which will identify priority geographies, activities, and equity goals for Measure Q-funded projects.
Approved by voters in 2024, Measure Q, formally titled the “Safe Drinking Water, Clean Beaches, Wildfire Risk Reduction, and Wildlife Protection Act,” is projected to generate over $7 million annually to support local conservation and climate resiliency efforts.
This is a permanent parcel tax unless voters vote to end it.
The Vision Plan will help determine how these funds are prioritized over the next five years, ensuring they reflect the values and needs of communities across Santa Cruz County.
For info, visit: www.santacruzcountyca.gov/MeasureQ.aspx
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2025 Meetings
The Measure Q Citizens Oversight Advisory Board shall meet no less than quarterly on the third Wednesday of the month. The Board may meet at an alternate County location specified in the public notice. During the development period of the five-year vision plan, the Measure Q advisory board will hold special public meetings* to conduct timely business.
The May 21 minutes has a fund distribution overview.
Public Participation: Please check the meeting agenda to learn details about how to participate in the meeting. If you need special accommodations, call 831-454-2772 or TDD: 711 (California Relay Service) at least 48 hours before the meeting. To contact staff to the board, contact Alexis Rodriguez-Rocha, [email protected]
Meetings & By-Laws: Meetings are generally held in person at Simpkins Family Swim Center Community Rooms, 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz.. Please check the meeting agenda for the meeting location
See www.santacruzcountyca.gov/MeasureQ/AgendaandMinutes.aspx