Public Works Department

Cheryl Schmitt

Transportation Coordinator

I am the go-to person for all things "sustainable transportation." Anything having to do with bikes, pedestrians, transit, carpooling, car-sharing or electric vehicles usually winds up on my desk. This runs the gamut from getting a broken sidewalk fixed, to putting on an electric vehicle car show, to buying discounted bus passes for employees, to talking to the community about bike projects.

I came to Public Works 27 years ago after working for the cities of Seaside and Monterey as an engineering tech. My archaeology degree from Chico State had given me a base in drafting and surveying. I had also learned about building plans, well-drilling, bringing in electricity, and installing a septic tank upon designing a passive solar adobe house in New Mexico.

I now get to bring together my knowledge of the Santa Cruz community and our transportation needs and efforts with my ability as a writer and researcher. I write grant applications to fund transportation projects and programs. It’s always a great feeling when we get the funding!

I enjoy the world of transportation which can be controversial—there's no shortage of opinions in Santa Cruz on how to solve issues! People here care passionately about environmental, social justice and peace issues—concerns that much of the rest of the country is just waking up to. Transportation touches on all of these issues. I feel honored to be able to engage in these conversations and help find solutions as part of my profession.

On the personal front, I am a certified doula and trained in birth hypnotherapy. I have been a volunteer at a shelter for pregnant women. I practice drought tolerant gardening and enjoy ocean kayaking and hiking with the dog. I am on the Board of Trustees of the Center for Spiritual Living and have two grown daughters who live in Santa Cruz.