Quick Take
A demographic survey of the people who serve on government boards and committees in Santa Cruz County found gaps in representation among Latine residents, renters, South County residents and young adults — all of whom make up a greater portion of the population than are represented in these appointed, volunteer positions.
A demographic survey assessing representation on boards and commissions in Santa Cruz County found the people who serve in these volunteer positions are not representative of the county’s population as a whole, but some progress is being made. Latine residents, renters, South County residents and young adults are less represented in these appointed, volunteer positions than they are in the county’s population, according to the report.
This latest report on representation builds on a previous survey conducted by the Santa Cruz County Executive Office and nonprofit Ventures in 2021. The follow-up was designed to track the county’s progress toward a “government that is reflective of everybody who lives and thrives in this county,” said Maria Cardenas, executive director of Ventures. The latest report builds upon the first survey, comparing commissioner demographics to the county’s population.
The 2025 survey went out to everyone who serves on a commission or advisory board in the county. 126 people responded, reflecting a 51% response rate.
According to the survey, Latine residents hold 16% of seats in 2025, compared to 36% of the county population, with minimal changes in representation since 2021.
The percentage of appointees on government committees who live in South County improved from 16% in 2021 to 27% in 2025, narrowing the gap compared to the 31% of the county population that lives in South County.
Representation improved from 7 to 15% for individuals with some college but no degree. Representation among commissioners with disabilities also improved, relative to the county’s 11% rate of disability.
Young adults ages 18 to 25 make up less than 1% of commissioners, compared to 14% of the population. Older adults comprise 38% of commissioners, nearly doubling their 20% share of the population.
Renters are only 13% of commissioners, widening the representation gap after a decline from 22% in 2021.
Most commissioners who responded said they were recruited through officials, organizations or personal networks. Only 7% of commissioners learned about board opportunities through public-facing information channels such as the county’s website, which the report said suggests an opportunity to improve community outreach.
The partnership is seeking ways to improve government representation through broader recruitment, understanding barriers to participation and community research. The county now provides a stipend of $75 per meeting to reduce financial barriers; 124 commissioners have opted in.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is poised to establish a youth commission on March 24, aiming to recruit members from local high schools. Applications for youth commission seats will open in April.
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