Measure Q, approved by voters in November 2024, is a special initiative to protect and enhance Santa Cruz County's natural resources. Its goals include ensuring safe drinking water, keeping beaches clean, reducing wildfire risks, preserving wildlife and habitats, and addressing climate challenges. It provides funding for local projects to achieve these objectives.

Measure Q is funded by an annual $87 per parcel tax, which will appear on property tax bills starting in December 2025. Properties owned by public agencies or designated as agricultural land are exempt. The tax will generate more than $7 million annually.

Funds will be allocated as follows:

  • 40% for a County-administered grant program for projects that address environmental needs across the county.
  • 20% to incorporated cities for local environmental projects, with a minimum of $200,000 annually per city.
  • 20% to unincorporated areas for targeted environmental improvements.
  • 20% to the Resource Conservation District and a land stewardship partner for projects on private lands that deliver public benefits

Measure Q will fund a wide range of projects to address critical environmental and community needs, including:

  • Water Conservation and Quality: Protecting and replenishing water supplies by improving watershed health, managing erosion, and safeguarding creeks, rivers, and groundwater resources.
  • Wildfire Risk Reduction: Developing shaded fuel breaks, conducting controlled burns, managing forests, and maintaining defensible spaces to reduce wildfire risks.
  • Habitat and Wildlife Protection: Restoring critical habitats, creating wildlife corridors, reducing invasive species, and protecting biodiversity.
  • Clean Beaches and Coastal Protection: Preventing pollution, cleaning beaches, and ensuring public access while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
  • Community Resilience: Enhancing parks, trails, and open spaces, supporting climate risk-reduction projects, and providing equitable access to recreational opportunities.

These projects are designed to meet overlapping goals of protecting the environment, enhancing community resilience, and improving quality of life across Santa Cruz County.

Measure Q establishes robust accountability measures, including:

  • Citizens Oversight Advisory Board: This nine-member board represents expertise in areas such as water quality, wildfire management, and environmental justice. The board holds public hearings, reviews funding allocations, and approves five-year Vision Plans to guide project selection and expenditures.
  • Public Reporting: Annual reports on Measure Q-funded projects and expenditures are published, providing transparency on how funds are used.
  • Independent Audits: Funds are subject to regular audits to ensure compliance with the measure’s goals and to prevent misallocation.
  • Geographic and Needs-Based Equity: Funds are distributed to benefit both incorporated and unincorporated areas, with specific allocations for disadvantaged communities and areas with urgent environmental challenges. 

Projects are prioritized to maximize their environmental and community impact, with specific criteria including:

  • Matching Funds: Priority is given to projects that can leverage state, federal, or private funding, effectively multiplying the impact of local investments.
  • Equity: Projects that benefit disadvantaged communities or improve access to natural spaces are given special consideration, ensuring that the initiative supports those who need it most.
  • Multiple Benefits: Initiatives addressing overlapping goals, such as reducing wildfire risk while improving water quality or public access, are highly prioritized.
  • Urgency and Need: Areas with pressing challenges, such as flood-prone watersheds, wildfire-vulnerable forests, or ecosystems affected by climate change, are targeted for immediate action.
    These criteria ensure that funding is allocated efficiently and equitably while addressing the most significant needs in Santa Cruz County.

Measure Q explicitly prioritizes projects that address the needs of disadvantaged communities. This includes improving access to parks and recreational spaces, enhancing water quality, and reducing the impacts of climate-related risks. These efforts aim to ensure equitable distribution of resources and create opportunities for all residents to benefit from the county’s natural environment.

Measure Q funds a range of projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks, including:

  • Developing shaded fuel breaks and creating defensible spaces.
  • Conducting controlled burns and managing forests to reduce hazardous fuel loads.
  • Clearing debris from emergency access routes to ensure safe evacuation and firefighting capabilities.
  • Supporting community preparedness and resilience through proactive land management practices.
    By reducing wildfire risks, Measure Q helps protect homes, businesses, and natural ecosystems.

Twenty percent of Measure Q funds are dedicated to projects on private lands that provide public benefits, such as improving water quality, fire resilience, and habitat restoration. These projects are managed by the Resource Conservation District and a land stewardship partner to ensure alignment with public goals. Examples include reducing erosion, creating wildlife corridors, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.

Measure Q provides direct and long-term benefits to families and future generations by ensuring a healthier, more resilient environment and improved quality of life in Santa Cruz County. Key benefits include:

  • Safe Drinking Water: By protecting and replenishing local water sources, Measure Q ensures families have access to clean and reliable drinking water, even during droughts.
  • Wildfire Risk Reduction: Proactive wildfire prevention measures, such as defensible spaces and forest management, safeguard homes and neighborhoods, protecting lives and property.
  • Recreational Opportunities: Funding for parks, trails, and open spaces offers families more places to enjoy outdoor activities, fostering physical and mental well-being.
  • Cleaner Beaches and Oceans: Pollution reduction projects keep beaches safe and enjoyable for recreation while protecting marine ecosystems that future generations will depend on.
  • Habitat Protection: By conserving wildlife habitats and restoring critical ecosystems, Measure Q ensures that the county’s natural beauty and biodiversity remain intact for years to come.
  • Climate Resilience: Investments in projects that address flooding, erosion, and extreme weather help mitigate the impacts of climate change, making communities safer and more sustainable.

By addressing these critical areas, Measure Q creates a legacy of environmental stewardship, ensuring that future generations inherit a vibrant and thriving Santa Cruz County.