Goal Setting Process

Ecology Action collected over 700 individual goal suggestions that were proposed by over 350 community members in focus groups and in on-line surveys. Staff organized these into main categories, and then took the top themes to create a short list of goals for voting on. The finalists were the13 top goals as listed below. Subsequently, over 1,000 community members voted on line or at tabling events for their top priorities among this short list to come up with the final 3 goals that will direct CAP analysis between 2005 and 2010. 

1. Health of rivers and ocean is improved by reducing erosion and chemical pollution. (Revised slightly by Sponsor Team Committee to become Goal #1) (427 votes)

2. More high density, "green", and affordable housing units are developed near transit and job centers. (Revised slightly by Sponsor Team Committee to become Goal #2) (377 votes)

3. Single passenger auto use is reduced by improving safety and miles of bike lanes and increasing bus route frequency. (Goal #3) (320 votes)

4. Greenbelts are preserved and urban growth boundaries are established. (283 votes)

5. Public transportation between north and south Santa Cruz County, and between Santa Cruz County, Monterey, and the Bay Area is increased. (268 votes)

6. Open space acreage is increased and includes the preservation of prime farmland. (217 votes)

7. Litter is decreased in our towns, along our rivers, and on beaches. (214 votes)

8. All community members have access to affordable organic locally  grown food. (198 votes)

9. A system of convenient fueling stations is established for alternative fuel vehicles. (183 votes)

10. Population growth is reduced in Santa Cruz County. (138 votes)

11. Overall water use by residents, businesses and farmers is reduced. (133 votes)

12. Curbside collection of organic waste for composting is established for all homes and businesses. (123 votes)

13. Environmental education for the public is increased by creating a central website and increased mainstream advertising. (108 votes)