The Santa Cruz County Government meeting on August 1, 2025, featured a compelling dialogue led by Deputy County Manager Chris Young. He was greeted warmly at the beginning and expressed appreciation for the chance to connect with the community through a podcast, which is a collaboration with the Communications Department and local school officials.

Young outlined his main responsibilities, emphasizing his commitment to public services, specifically within the community development department. He mentioned ongoing enhancements in planning, zoning, and building services, including upgrades to software and staff aimed at improving service for builders and residents alike.

Moreover, Young spoke about conducting internal audits of non-financial processes to streamline workflows among departments under county management. He also touched on his role in managing grants for local communities and seeking further funding to back local initiatives.

The discussion naturally moved to Young’s personal background, where he shared his journey from a small town in Colorado to his current position. He described his educational experiences, which included secondary education degrees and MBAs, as well as his extensive background in educational management, particularly in Mexico. Following his time as county chief, he transitioned to the assistant county manager role, reflecting his dedication to public service and community growth.

The meeting clarified the differences between the roles of assistant county managers and county managers, indicating that assistant county managers primarily handle operational duties, while county managers focus on leadership and organizational culture.

In summary, the meeting offered valuable insights into the functioning of Santa Cruz County and the leadership’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community service and engagement.