Council approves Encompass contract for downtown outreach workers with added outcome tracking and weekend coverage study

The Santa Cruz City Council approved a contract with Encompass Community Services to run a downtown outreach worker program, and added direction that the agreement explicitly recognize the program's dual purpose: serving people experiencing homelessness and supporting downtown employees, businesses and patrons.

The motion, moved by Vice Mayor Kalantari Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Sonia Bruner, authorized a contract in the amount of $175,928 and directed the city manager to execute the agreement in a form approved by the city attorney with three specific changes: (1) explicitly state the program’s dual purpose; (2) include clearer outcome tracking and reporting requirements; and (3) direct staff to explore expanding coverage to evenings and weekends and to evaluate future funding options. The director of homelessness response and community programs was authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.

Why it matters: Councilmembers said the outreach workers program is a tool both to assist vulnerable residents and to reduce impacts on downtown businesses and patrons. Vice Mayor Kalantari Johnson said during the discussion, “What we measure is what we change,” emphasizing stronger outcomes reporting would guide improvements and funding decisions.

Vote: The contract award passed by roll call with the following recorded: Councilmember Gabriela Triguero (Aye); Bruner (Aye); Newsom (Aye); Golder (Aye); O’Hara (Aye); Vice Mayor Kalantari Johnson (Aye); Mary Keeler (Aye).

Implementation: Staff will finalize the contract language with the city attorney, set reporting metrics, and return with options for weekend/evening expansion and funding. The authorized contract is a six‑month pilot; staff and council expect to evaluate performance and funding needs as the pilot progresses.