On January 8, 2024, the County Human Services Department launched a county-wide Community Needs Assessment, or "CNA" as part of the Age Well Santa Cruz County initiative, to collect community feedback focused on aging in the county. The CNA survey was a collaboration between community members, elected officials, County and City leadership throughout the region, the Seniors Council, and other community-based organizations. The result is a framework and call to action to prioritize age-friendly policies, both locally and statewide, with the goal of creating a cohesive landscape of systems and supports. Over 3,200 residents 40 and older throughout the county participated in the survey.
Our comprehensive Santa Cruz County Master Plan for Aging CNA report, released in August of 2025, culminates 18 months of data collection and analysis. It reveals the needs and gaps that culminate in a crucial blueprint to promote healthy aging in every capacity, for all residents of Santa Cruz County.