Role of the Office for Economic Development

The Office for Economic Development (OED) is tasked with creating jobs and enhancing the economy of Santa Cruz County. We are committed to working with you to achieve these goals, promoting prosperity and an improved quality of life for all County residents and businesses.

OED has a large network of partners available for clients depending on their needs. We also work with the local real estate and development community to assist projects through the County approval process, helping applicants with projects in the pre-development phase before transitioning them to the Planning Department for final approval. OED strives to answer questions in a positive, stress-free environment. Once you have made the decision to obtain approvals for your project, OED can assist you in navigating through those requirements.

Please consider OED as your project ombudsman and make us your first stop for retail/commercial, hospitality, multi-family, light industrial or manufacturing projects. We are your go-to office for anything business or development-related.

Please call or click on the “Contact Us” button with any questions.