District Five Opportunity Listing: Apply for an Open Commission Seat

Dear District 5 Resident,

Are you interested in participating in local government and making a difference in your community? Do you want to provide direct input on issues you care about to County leaders?

One way you can do this is to apply for an open seat on a Santa Cruz County Commission, a type of advisory body that provides community input and expertise to help shape and inform policy making.

The County of Santa Cruz has more than 40 standing committees, commissions and advisory boards (referred to as advisory bodies) that span a range of topics and policy issues such as arts, the environment, health care, housing, gender, race, and land use, to name a few. Each committee, commission and advisory board has its own mission, purpose, and function.

There are currently open District 5 seats on the following commissions:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
First 5 Commission
Housing Advisory Commission
Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission
Latino Affairs Commission
Mobile and Manufactured Home Commission
Women’s Commission

What is the role of Santa Cruz County advisory bodies?
The Santa Cruz County committees, commissions, and advisory boards were created by the Board of Supervisors to represent the interests, needs, and preferences of the community. While some were created as a result of state legislation, most were established to facilitate citizen involvement in government and ensure that residents’ perspectives inform the Board of Supervisors in its decision-making process.

Who are the members?
Members are residents of Santa Cruz County just like you. Board of Supervisors appoint residents to vacant seats for their district. In an effort to make commissions accessible to those for whom donating time is not economically feasible, most commission and board members are now eligible to receive a $75 stipend for each public meeting attended.

How does it work?
Generally, during public commission meetings, members discuss and analyze issues on the agenda, taking into consideration any input gathered from residents, interest groups, community members, or others. As a group, commission members work to create reports and recommendations for the Board of Supervisors to consider. Recommendations approved by the commission are then shared with the public and the Board of Supervisors to consider and act upon at a public Board of Supervisors meeting.

Why should I apply?
Serving as a commissioner allows you to advocate for issues that you care about, directly influencing local government decisions. By sharing your valuable skills, experiences, and perspectives, you will help ensure that policymaking reflects the needs of the community. Not only is participating on a commission a rewarding personal experience, but it is also key to a healthy democracy.

How do I get involved?
Visit the Santa Cruz County website (and see below) to learn more about the commissions with open seats for District 5. Applicants are required to submit an application to the County. I strongly encourage those from historically marginalized communities and young people to apply to ensure all voices are represented. Please note the meeting times and locations listed below before applying.

I hope you will explore the opportunities available, and, if interested, apply for a seat on one of the seven commissions currently accepting applications. Your public service will strengthen the Santa Cruz County government and our community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions.

In community,

[officialname]

Santa Cruz County Commissions with Open Seats for District 5

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEO) takes an active role in developing the EEO/Cultural Responsiveness Plan and monitors and advises the County on EEO goals, objectives, and equity improvements to County systems, policies, procedures, and activities. To learn more, visit their website.

Meetings typically occur quarterly on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Building. See the 2025 meeting schedule for more information.

First 5 Commission

The First 5 Commission consists of nine members authorized to administer and allocate Santa Cruz County's Prop 10 funds. The intent of Prop 10 is to create and implement an integrated, comprehensive, and collaborative system of information and services to enhance optimal early childhood development and ensure that children are ready to enter school. Commissioners represent county government, health, social services, early care and education, and communities across the County. To learn more, visit their website.

Meetings typically occur from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Capitola every few months. See the 2025-2026 meeting schedule for more information.

Housing Advisory Commission

The Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) helps shape housing policy in Santa Cruz County. HAC advises the Board of Supervisors on a range of housing policy issues. Their most significant responsibility is reviewing and making recommendations to the Board on the Housing Element Update, which happens every eight years. The Commission’s purview includes assessing housing needs in the County and making recommendations on public programs to meet those needs, including deliberating on housing problems and potential solutions. For the HAC’s detailed work plan, visit their website and the HAC Work Program 2024–2025.

Meetings typically occur from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every other month at the Santa Cruz County Government Center. Regular meeting times may change following the restructuring of the HAC, which is currently in process. See the 2025 meeting schedule for more information.

Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission

The Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission advocates for and protects the safety and well-being of dependent and delinquent youth, and promotes intervention and prevention services and programs in Santa Cruz County. The Juvenile Justice mandate of the Commission is to conduct a yearly inspection of the Juvenile Hall. After the investigation is complete, the Commission makes recommendations to the Chief Probation Officer and the Board of Supervisors for changes which are deemed beneficial. To learn more, visit their website.

Meetings typically occur from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in various locations in Santa Cruz County. See the 2025 meeting schedule for more information.

Latino Affairs Commission

The Latino Affairs Commission is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors established to ensure that the interests of the County’s Latino population are protected and promoted. To fulfill their mandate, the Commission monitors matters impacting the Santa Cruz County Latino community and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on their behalf. For a full list of activities, visit their website.

Meetings typically occur on the first Wednesday of every other month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Capitola at the United Way. See the 2025 meeting schedule for more information.

Mobile and Manufactured Home Commission

The Mobile and Manufactured Home Commission is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors on matters impacting mobile and manufactured home residents in Santa Cruz County, including issues related to SCCC Chapter 13.32, the County’s mobile home rent stabilization ordinance. To fulfill their mandate, the Commission monitors such matters and advises the Board of Supervisors on behalf of the mobile and manufactured home community. For a full list of activities, visit their website.

Meetings typically occur on the third Thursday of every other month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Capitola at the United Way. See the 2025 meeting schedule for more information.

Women's Commission

The Women’s Commission is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors established to advise and assist the Board of Supervisors in its efforts to achieve a parity of equal rights and opportunities on behalf of all people of Santa Cruz County. To fulfill their mandate, the Commission monitors matters impacting Santa Cruz County women and girls and advises the Board of Supervisors on their behalf. For a full list of activities, see their website.

Meetings typically occur on the third Thursday of every month (except July and December) from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Government Building. See the 2025 meeting schedule for more information.