City Council adopted a local preference ordinance in 2012 to support the local business community by having the City buy more goods and services from Santa Cruz companies. Through this ordinance, the City is willing to pay up to 6% more than low bid to do business with local vendors.

Our local preference is tiered:
Tier 1: 2% preference for having a business location within city limits
Tier 2: Additional 4% preference when business owners live in Santa Cruz County

The preference is calculated when bids are evaluated.