City Engagement

Dear Gilroy, 

The federal detention facility outside of Gilroy has been a hot topic over the last several months and clearly a portion of the Gilroy community has strong concerns. In June, the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the facility, acting early to put the City Council position on the record. Recently, a federal court temporarily halted construction of this particular facility. Although the outcome of litigation remains uncertain, some residents have raised questions about whether an alternative location could be proposed within city limits. I hear your concerns and, as expressed in the previous City Council resolution, we worry that a facility like this anywhere in or near Gilroy could cause real harm to our sense of community.
 

In light of these concerns, I have added an item to the October 5th City Council agenda so that we can continue to hear thoughts from Gilroy residents which Council can consider. 


Heading into the meeting, we know that whatever the City Council decides, Gilroy is subject to overriding laws of the Federal government. My goal is to encourage a conversation that manages our commitments to the community as well as expectations within the bounds of what we already have in place locally and where we may want to take further steps. 


I encourage you to take a moment to review the agenda materials and join us for the conversation at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5th, at City Hall Council Chambers, 7351 Rosanna Street. You may provide public comment in person, in writing to cityclerk@cityofgilroy.org, or remotely through Zoom.


You can find the agenda and supporting documents on the City’s website at https://gilroyca.portal.civicclerk.com.  

Sincerely, 

Mayor Greg Bozzo 

Join Mayor Greg Bozzo for coffee and conversation to discuss the future of Gilroy’s parks and recreation programs. He’ll be joined by the consultants working on the Recreation Division Assessment and the Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan. 

There are few things that bring a community together quite like our parks and recreation spaces. They are where our children play, families spend time together, neighbors meet, and residents of all ages enjoy the outdoors. They are an important part of what makes Gilroy feel like home.
 

Learn about the investments we’re making today in our parks and recreation programs and the blueprints we’re creating for the future in this month’s Spotlight. Then join us for Coffee with the Mayor to provide your feedback on the activities and park upgrades you’d like to see in our community. 


Coffee with the Mayor will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM in Council Chambers, located at 7351 Rosanna Street.  


To ensure everyone can participate, we are offering automated Spanish-language interpretation services.

✅ Coffee with the Mayor 

✅ Date: October 10, 2026 

✅ Time: 9:30 AM

✅ Location: Council Chambers at Gilroy City Hall located at 7351 Rosanna Street

To learn more about the investments we’re making today in our parks and recreation programs and the blueprints we’re creating for the future, check out the Mayor’s Spotlight “Building the Future of Gilroy’s Parks and Recreation Together”.

The City has received an application to build 116 single-family homes on Hecker Pass Road across the street from the Gilroy Golf Course.
  

The applicant has submitted the project under the state's "Builder's Remedy" provisions of the Housing Accountability Act. The Builder’s Remedy limits local control associated with the project, meaning there are many elements of the project the City cannot regulate. The State’s goal with these regulations is to encourage the construction of much needed housing. 


In addition to the housing units, other project components include nine homes deed-restricted for extremely low-income households; demolition of an existing residence, a barn, and accessory structures; and removing 22 trees on-site (the Deodar Cedar Trees along the highway will remain).
 

Typically, such a project would need to comply with the Zoning Ordinance, Hecker Pass Specific Plan, and the Gilroy 2040 General Plan. The applicant submitted this project under the Builder’s Remedy provisions of state housing law and has proceeded under those provisions.  


While Builder’s Remedy limits local zoning enforcement, it does not exempt the project from undergoing analysis in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 


We are sharing this information to clarify how the project is being processed. 
 

Community input still has a meaningful role.
 

Through the CEQA process, the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been available for public review since August 21. Thank you to everyone who has already submitted comments and to those who joined the September 28 community meeting.
If you haven't commented yet, there is still time. Comments will be accepted through Monday, October 5. Written comments can be emailed to CEQA@cityofgilroy.org.
Every comment received will be addressed in the Final EIR. 


More opportunities are coming. After the Final EIR is complete, the Planning Commission and the City Council will hear the project at publicly noticed meetings. We will publish those dates here and on the project webpage when they are confirmed. 

Project documents and the Draft EIR with appendices are available on the Hecker Pass Development Project webpage.

For questions, contact Senior Planner, Aaron Campbell, at (408) 846-0242 or aaron.campbell@cityofgilroy.org 

Every vote matters. But in order for your vote to be counted, you must be registered to vote.

Register online or check your voter status by visiting the California Secretary of State’s website: 

www.registertovote.ca.gov

November Election Dates: 

• The last day to register to vote is Monday, October 19, 2026 
• Vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed out starting on Monday, October 5. 
• Ballot drop-off locations will open starting on Monday, October 5. 
• In-person early voting locations will be open starting October 24. 
• Election day is Tuesday, November 3. 

For more information and voting resources, visit www.vote.santaclaracounty.gov

The City of Gilroy is conducting a Recreation Division Assessment and preparing a Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan and we’re looking for your input to help shape the future of the activities and parks in Gilroy.
 

We want to know your ideas for new classes, events, or activities. And we want to know what you’d like to see in the future of our parks and trails. 


Your feedback is essential in helping us understand our community’s recreation needs, priorities, and dreams for the future. 

So, join us, get involved, and help guide the future of recreation, parks, and recreational trails in Gilroy!
 

Outreach Events 

Community Open House 

Thursday, October 8, 2026 

9:00 AM and 6:00 PM (two sessions) 

Wheeler Center Multi-Purpose Room, located at 250 W Sixth Street 

Cafecito (Spanish Meeting) 

Friday, October 9, 2026 

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

San Ysidro Park located at 7700 Murray Avenue 

Coffee with the Mayor 

Saturday, October 10, 2026 

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 

City Hall Council Chambers located at 7351 Rosanna Street 

To learn more about these two initiatives or to provide your feedback online, visit www.cityofgilroy.org/ParksandRec.

Official Flyer for the Assessment and Master Plan 

During Water Professionals Appreciation Week, from October 3 through October 11, the City of Gilroy celebrates the exceptional work of our Water and Wastewater teams. Their commitment and dedication help keep Gilroy a safe, healthy, and thriving place to call home. 



From monitoring and testing to treating water, our water professionals consistently ensure safe, reliable water for our community and protect the vital water resources we all depend on. 

Thank you, team, for the amazing work you do every day.

Join us on Saturday, October 17 for the Great Garlic Halloween 5k Run, Walk, or Roll at the Gilroy Sports Park, 5925 Monterey Frontage Rd. 

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a morning of movement and fun family activities. Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite Halloween costume; judging begins before the run at 8:30 AM.

Register Today! 

• Online: www.cityofgilroy.org/reconline
• In person: Recreation Division Office, 7371 Hanna St., Gilroy. 

All participants receive a T-shirt, bib number, and a medal. 

Registration Cost 

• $30 for residents (price increased after Friday, Sept. 18) 
• Additional $10 for non-residents 

Start Times: 

• Rollers start at 9:00 AM 
• Runner/Walkers start at 9:15 AM 

For more information, visit the Recreation Catalog.