Santa Cruz County Deputy Manager Discusses Workforce Development

In a recent meeting, Chris Young, the Deputy County Manager of Santa Cruz County, highlighted the critical importance of workforce development, especially with new industrial opportunities on the horizon due to incoming mining companies. He noted that although the area has strong K-12 schools with impressive graduation rates, options for secondary education are a bit limited.

To tackle this issue, Young mentioned potential partnerships with local educational institutions, including Pima Community College and the University of Arizona Santa Cruz Center. These collaborations could help create pathways for students to transition into the workforce. He also stressed the significance of workplace training programs and initiatives like Arizona.

Young was candid about some of the hurdles he encounters in his role, particularly the frustrations tied to the slow pace of governmental processes, which often clash with the need for timely results. He recognized that managing public feedback, especially from disgruntled community members, can be challenging, but he is committed to listening and using that feedback to enhance public services.

Additionally, Young expressed appreciation for the community’s trust and support for the county leadership. He aims to inject new energy into the county government, focusing on positive initiatives and essential services. Currently, he oversees several projects dedicated to boosting economic development and improving public access to information, particularly in areas like community development and housing planning. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to ensure that Santa Cruz County continues to grow and prosper in the coming years.

Converted from Chris Young’s Deputy County Manager Meeting held on August 1, 2025.