Mission

The Downtown Commission advises Council on all matters pertaining to the maintenance and management of Parking District No. 1, and the Central Business and Improvement District. The Downtown Commission was consolidated from two former City Council advisory bodies. One advisory body was established to manage the off-street public parking in the Parking District. The second advisory body was established to promote the Central Business District. The Downtown Commission united these two advisory bodies.

The Downtown Commission develops long-range plans and implementation programs to provide downtown public parking. The Commission may study traffic problems in the Districts. The Commission makes recommendations regarding the allocation of funds derived from revenues collected on behalf of these Districts. The Commission evaluates public and private activities in the Districts and recommends policies and programs to preserve, enhance, and advance the viability and attractiveness of the downtown. The Commission may also perform other functions and duties as directed by Council or prescribed or authorized by any City ordinance.

Meetings

Meetings are normally held on the fourth Thursday of the month, in January, March, May, July, September and November at 8:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA. Public comment can be submitted to the Commission via email, if submitted by noon on the meeting date, or live via phone during a meeting.

  * Date changed Due to Holiday.
       ** Meeting cancelled.

The September 26, 2024 meeting has been cancelled.       

 Time limits set by Commission Policy are guidelines. Unless otherwise specified, procedures for all items are:

• Oral staff report
• Public comment - 3 minutes each; maximum total time may be established by the Presiding Officer at the beginning of an agenda item
• Commission deliberation and action
• No action will be taken on items listed under Oral Communications, Announcements, Presentations, and Information Items

Membership

The Commission consists of seven members who are appointed by the City Council.

More Information

• Commission By Laws  Adopted 12/14/2021
• Commission Opening 
• Commissioners and Meeting Information [PDF}
• Meetings and Agenda
• Downtown Commission 2023 Workplan 

Signup to receive email notices for future Downtown Commission meetings. To get email about the DTC go to our e-Notifications page and check the Downtown Commission box.

Commission Business Staff Contact:

Gaven Hussey

809 Center Street, Room 201

Santa Cruz, CA. 95060

Accessibility of all online Advisory Body agenda packets, minutes and audio files is now available from any Advisory Body webpage to enable easier public access to posted meeting information. 

Should you have questions please contact City Clerk Administrator Bonnie Bush at (831) 420-5035. 

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