City Manager's Weekly Update

Week Ending January 11, 2019

As many of your know, Governor Newsom's proposed budget was released this week. While the budget appears to be supportive of local communities, I am reminded of the advocacy work that occurs behind the scenes, thanks to the League of California Cities who provides a unified voice for local cities. Scotts Valley is one of nearly 500 cities who are members of the League of California Cities. The League serves as a conduit for City Managers and elected officials across the state to work together to protect and enhance communities.

This year, the League President of the Monterey Bay Division appointed me to the League Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee. It is an honor to serve on this committee as it has the lead responsibility for recommending policy positions on key state issues like tax reform and online sale tax reporting. During these times of cities’ doing more with less, it is important we have a voice in Sacramento to shape our fiscal well-being and quality of life.

Jenny Haruyama, City Manager

2020 Census

The City of Scotts Valley, along with the County of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Watsonville are actively working with the Census Office in preparation of the 2020 Census. The decennial census is the largest mobilization and operation conducted in the United States and requires years of research, planning and development of methods and infrastructure to ensure an accurate and complete count. And, because more than $675 billion in federal funding will be allocated to communities and families for employment, education, housing and other resources, counting everyone once, only once, and in the right place matters. Canvassing for the 2020 Census is expected to begin as early as Spring 2019.

Mobility GPAC Meeting Scheduled

The next General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting will be held on Monday, February 11, 2019 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Scotts Valley City Hall Council Chambers. The agenda includes a discussion about mobility issues and opportunities in Scotts Valley, and analysis methods to address traffic congestion (“Mobility 101”).

Groundwater Informational Meetings

The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) is planning to host a series of community meetings with a goal educate its stakeholders on various topics that are relevant and important as we are about to start the work on drafting a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Santa Margarita basin. Three consecutive events will be held on the second Saturday of each month from 9 am-1 pm at Felton Community Hall:

January 12 - Land Use and Water: How Much Does Growth Matter?
February 9 - Managing Groundwater: How Do We Balance Risks and Actions
March 9 - Climate Change: How Can We Prepare for an Uncertain Future?