In November 2024, Santa Cruz County voters approved Measure Q, the Santa Cruz County Safe Drinking Water, Clean Beaches, Wildfire Risk Reduction, and Wildlife Protection Initiative. Measure Q funds local projects that protect water, reduce wildfire risk, restore habitat, and expand access to parks and open space.

Measure Q is funded by an $87 annual parcel tax. It is expected to raise more than $7 million each year.

What Measure Q Funds

  • Water conservation and quality: Protect rivers, creeks, and groundwater. Improve watershed health and reduce erosion.
  • Wildfire risk reduction: Build shaded fuel breaks, reduce fuel loads in forests, and maintain defensible space around communities.
  • Wildlife and habitat protection: Restore habitat, protect wildlife corridors, and conserve coastal and forest areas.
  • Clean beaches and coastal protection: Reduce pollution, improve beach access, and protect marine life.
  • Safe, resilient and accessible parks and open spaces: Reduce climate risks, improve recreation, and expand fair access to parks, trails, and open space.

How Funds Are Shared

Share Estimated Annual Amount Recipient Use
40% About $2.8 million County grant program Competitive grants for projects that meet countywide needs
20% About $1.4 million Cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola Local projects. Shares are based on population, with at least $200,000 per city each year.
20% About $1.4 million Unincorporated county Projects in areas outside city limits
20% About $1.4 million Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County and a land stewardship partner Projects on private land with public benefits, like cleaner water and fire resilience

Amounts are estimates based on about $7 million in yearly revenue. Actual amounts change each year.

Funding Priorities

Projects are prioritized when they offer:

  1. Other funding: They bring in matching funds from state, federal, or private grants.
  2. Equity and access: They serve disadvantaged communities or expand fair access to nature.
  3. Multiple benefits: They solve more than one problem, such as lowering climate risk while improving water quality or public access.
  4. Greatest need: They address urgent risks, like wildfire-prone forests or flood-prone watersheds.

Oversight

A Citizens Oversight Advisory Board (COAB) keeps Measure Q transparent and accountable. The COAB:

  • Holds public hearings and gathers input on funding priorities.
  • Reviews annual reports from agencies and groups that receive Measure Q funds.
  • Helps develop and approves the Five-Year Vision Plan, which guides investments.

See COAB Agendas & Minutes for upcoming meetings.

Questions? Email MeasureQ@santacruzcountyca.gov