As a small city operating with only 6.5% of its residents’ property tax revenue, Scotts Valley faces significant financial challenges in providing essential services. However, thanks to the support of our community, we are moving forward with renewed optimism.
The passage of Measure X in November modernized our business license fee, and we are committed to fulfilling our promise: you will see visible improvements to our city’s roads as a result.
It’s important to remember that the additional revenue enabling these infrastructure upgrades comes, in part, from our local businesses. To show our gratitude, I encourage everyone to shop local and support the businesses that make these improvements possible.
When you drive on newly repaired roads, take a moment to thank the local businesses that helped make it happen.
Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation
Our Public Works Department is fully staffed and making excellent progress on infrastructure projects. This year, we’re planning to resurface and stripe approximately 18 lane-miles of roads, with construction anticipated to begin this summer.
The roads included in this major project are:
- Hacienda Drive,
- Bean Creek Road,
- Whispering Pines Drive,
- Erba Lane,
- Victor Square,
- Granite Creek Road,
- North Navarra Drive,
- Glenwood Drive,
- Lockwood Lane,
- El Pueblo Lane,
- Janis Way, and others.
Additionally, our maintenance team has adopted the use of hot mix asphalt for pavement repairs, which allows for larger and more durable fixes. Last week, we completed significant repairs on Quien Sabe Road.
Mount Hermon Road Traffic Signal Timing
Many may be surprised to learn that Mount Hermon Road is the second most-traveled road in the entire county. Drivers along this busy corridor will be glad to hear about our upcoming traffic signal coordination project. By synchronizing the signals, we expect to reduce wait times at stoplights and improve traffic flow. This project is on track for completion this fall.
Scotts Valley Drive and Mount Hermon Complete Streets Projects
Both the Scotts Valley Drive and Mount Hermon Road projects are making excellent progress. These “Complete Streets” initiatives aim to improve safety and usability for all—drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
For Scotts Valley Drive, the design includes pavement treatment, lane striping diets and buffered bike lanes, as directed by the City Council last September. Staff is finalizing a geometric layout concept and conducting outreach with local businesses to ensure their concerns are addressed before moving into the full design phase.
Similarly, a preliminary geometric concept for Mount Hermon Road is being developed to assess the scope and limits of the project. We anticipate completing the design for both projects this year. These improvements are made possible through RTC grants and funding from Measure D.
Storm Damage Repairs
Recent storms have left their mark on Scotts Valley and the surrounding Central Coast, including two major landslides in our city that blocked critical roads. Despite these challenges, we’ve made significant progress. Both the Bean Creek Slide and Green Hills Slide repair projects have been successfully completed.
While these projects are federally approved for reimbursement, we are currently awaiting those funds. We hope these funds will not be in jeopardy due to the recent flurry of Executive Orders.
Transportation and Traffic Safety Action Plan
Looking ahead, Scotts Valley is collaborating with Santa Cruz County and Watsonville to develop a comprehensive Transportation/Traffic Safety Action Plan. This initiative will identify and address key traffic safety concerns across the region. The plan is still in its early phases, and we look forward to sharing more updates as it progresses.
Moving Forward Together
The improvements happening in Scotts Valley are a testament to what we can achieve when our community comes together. From modernizing our funding mechanisms to maintaining and enhancing our roads, we are building a city that will serve residents and businesses for generations to come.
Together, we’re paving the way—literally and figuratively—for a stronger, more connected Scotts Valley.
Citizens wishing to stay informed of these and other projects around town, be sure to follow the City’s social media accounts and sign up for our biweekly newsletter by visiting scottsvalley.gov.
Derek Timm is mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach Timm, email dt***@sc**********.gov or call 831-239-9203.
