City of Santa Cruz City Council Councilmember Martine Watkins

Martine Watkins first ran for City Council in 2016 on a message of climate change resiliency for the community and a preventative approach to health and wellness issues. Watkins has worked for the Santa Cruz Office of Eduction for approximately 17 years, where she uses grant writing and community organizing skills to help students thrive. She also served on the city’s Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women for four years beginning in 2009. She was first re-elected to her second term in 2020, receiving the second highest number of votes of the nine candidates running for office. 

First elected: Nov. 8, 2016

Day job: Senior community organizer with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Alma maters: California State University, Monterey Bay/Leon Panetta Institute of Public Policy (master’s degree, public policy)

Notable quote: “The outcome of this election must affirm our commitment to responsive leadership. I will continue to lead with integrity with every policy decision I take.”

City Council Committees
Community Programs Committee
Public Safety Committee

External Assignments:
City-Santa Cruz City Schools Committee
Criminal Justice Council
Santa Cruz Community Farmers' Market
Visit Santa Cruz County