The City of Santa Cruz recognizes the important role The Catalyst has played in our music and cultural scene, and we understand why there is strong public interest in its future.

It is important to clarify the City’s role. The City is not involved in negotiations between the developer and The Catalyst, and the City cannot require that a private business remain in a specific location or be included in a future development. These decisions are governed largely by private negotiations, not City Council discretion.

Some have asked whether a historic designation could stop the proposed project. Under California law, it would not. Historic designation does not automatically prevent demolition, and in this case would not change the City’s authority over the proposal due to the project’s status under state law.

The Catalyst as a business is a cultural institution, but the building itself, is aging and in poor condition, as acknowledged by the venue’s management. The City’s Economic Development team is in communication with The Catalyst to explore ways to support the business and help it continue operating. The proposed project does show The Catalyst as a potential future tenant, should the developer and business reach agreement.

More information and updates are available at www.santacruzca.gov/1009pacific.