City Council

Closed Sessions are not open to the public and held only on specific topics allowed by State Law. An announcement regarding the items to be discussed in Closed Session will be made in the City Hall Council Chambers prior to the Closed Session. Members of the public may, at that time, address the City Council on closed session items only. There will be a report of any final decisions in City Council Chambers.

In May 2016, the City Council adopted Administrative Policy I-35 outlining the process for the public to request City proclamations. 

Attending Public Meetings

The City Council meets regularly, generally twice monthly on the second and fourth Thursdays with one meeting in July, August, and December. Additional budget workshops are scheduled in the spring. Public meetings, including City Council meetings, are listed on the City website. For a full view at upcoming meetings, please view the City's website calendar.

The City Council is committed to ensure that the citizens of Capitola are entitled to have fair, open, ethical, efficient, and accountable local government and that City officials should continually strive to earn the public's confidence. Toward that end, the Council adopted higher standards of conduct for members of the City Council and members of City boards and commissions than are currently required under the laws of the state of California. 

Core Values:

General Information about the Council

The purpose of the City Council is to establish local laws, set policy, reject or approve programs, allocate funds, and provide direction through the City Manager to City staff.  The City Council is composed of four Council Members and the Mayor, all of whom are directly elected by the people. The Mayor and Vice-Mayor are selected annually by the Council and the Council Members serve four-year staggered terms. Although not granted special decision-making powers, the Mayor does represent the City in all ceremonial and official affairs.

Eligibility

Any person is eligible to hold office as an elected Council Member if the person is:

• A citizen of the United States of America; and
• A resident and registered voter in the City of Capitola.

What You Can Do to Prepare 

If you aren't sure if you are registered to vote in Capitola, contact the Santa Cruz County Elections Department at 831-454-2060.