Open city council seats

What they are: Bodies that govern cities, including local taxes, spending and staffing. Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Capitola city councils include an appointed mayor position that rotates between council members.

Why they matter: City councils must take on some of Santa Cruz County’s largest challenges, including housing, homelessness, transportation and adaptation to climate change. City leaders must also have to contend with federal funding changes as they trickle down to state and local governments.