The County provides a wide range of government and safety net services, including operating Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest county-operated, award-winning health system with three hospitals and a network of primary and specialty care clinics. Other major services provided include law enforcement, corrections, social services, and general government programs such as tax collection and vital records. The County also operates 28 parks covering more than 50,000 acres; 62 miles of expressways, which average 1.5 million vehicle trips per day; two general aviation airports; branch libraries in eight cities; three fire districts; and a state-of-the art animal services center.
The County of Santa Clara was established in 1850 and is one of the original twenty-seven counties in the State of California. The County operates under a charter adopted by the voters of the County and is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors. The members of the Board are elected by district on a non-partisan basis for four-year staggered terms, with a limit of three terms. The Board is responsible for passing ordinances, adopting the budget, appointing committees, and appointing the County Executive, County Counsel, Clerk of the Board, and Public Defender. With the exception of these appointed officials and three other elected offices (the Assessor, District Attorney, and Sheriff), the County Executive appoints all other agency and department heads. Under the Charter, the County Executive is responsible for the administration of the County organization, the preparation of the Recommended Budget, coordination of work across all County departments (including those led by elected or appointed officials), and many other responsibilities associated with the operation of the County government.