YOUR GUIDE TO CITY-RELATED NEWS AND EVENTS | | |
October 19, 2026 City Council Meeting Recap:
- Council declared October 19-25 as Stand United Against Hate Week and encouraged the community to renew our commitment to speak out against harassment and defend and protect those targeted by hate crimes.
- Council presented a Certificate of Commendation to Gilroy Fire Captain Casey Main for his extraordinary actions while deployed as a Fireline Paramedic to the Dome Fire. Following the crash of a helicopter assigned to the incident, Captain Main entered an extremely hazardous area in an effort to reach and rescue the aircraft's two pilots despite active fire burning around the wreckage. Throughout the incident, he provided steady leadership and served with exceptional composure and professionalism.
- Council continued the agenda item about a proposed ordinance amending the City Code to adopt the current Mobile Vending Pilot Program as a permanent program. Council provided feedback on the proposed ordinance and this item is anticipated to come back at the November 2nd meeting.
- Council unanimously approved the extension of the temporary moratorium on new data center development by an additional 10 months and 15 days, through September 3, 2027. This extension will provide time for the City to research and develop standards addressing issues specific to data centers. This work is already underway, with staff beginning to review how other California communities regulate data centers. Additionally, a more comprehensive review is anticipated to be incorporated as part of the comprehensive zoning code update, which will begin in the coming months. Community input will be an important part of this process.
- Staff provided the fiscal year 2025-2026 year-end financial report. Overall, the City's budget and financials are performing as planned, with General Fund revenues at 99% of projections and General Fund expenditures at 99% of projections.
- The Council considered creating a legislative action committee to help guide the City's positions on regional, state, and federal legislation. Instead, Council authorized the Mayor and/or City Administrator to communicate City positions on time-sensitive legislation. Any such communication must be documented with a written report to Council at its next meeting.
- The Council considered establishing a free community-wide Infant Swimming Resource pilot program. Council did not authorize the pilot program, but directed staff to work with community partners willing to have their instructors certified to offer the program. Staff will explore the potential ages and number of participants, along with the cost of providing the program.
| | Council Meeting Highlight: October 19, 2026 | |
Council Extends Temporary Moratorium on New Data Center Development | | |
At its October 19 meeting, the Gilroy City Council unanimously approved extending the City’s temporary moratorium on new data center development for an additional 10 months and 15 days, through September 3, 2027. The extension provides time to develop standards addressing issues specific to data centers, such as electricity demand, water consumption, backup generator emissions, noise, traffic, and neighborhood impacts.
The Council initially adopted a 45-day moratorium on September 14 in response to community concerns. During the moratorium, the City cannot accept, process, or approve applications for new data center facilities. The moratorium does not affect the previously approved Amazon facility already under construction.
Work on the new development standards is already underway, with staff beginning to review how other California communities regulate data centers. Additionally, a more comprehensive review is anticipated to be incorporated as part of the comprehensive zoning code update, which will begin in the coming months. The goal is to establish clear standards that reflect community needs and priorities while addressing public health, environmental impacts, and neighborhood quality of life.
Community input will be an important part of this process. Residents, businesses, and other interested community members will have opportunities to share their perspectives as proposed regulations are developed and considered by the Planning Commission and City Council.
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Ready to Travel Smart
Take the Necessary Steps and Be Prepared
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Traveling during a storm can be dangerous, bringing heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, road closures, and other hazards. As we anticipate El Niño, we encourage our residents to prepare, follow safety tips, and travel smart.
Here are some safety tips to remember while driving in bad weather:
- Take the first step by using the interactive map to check real-time travel updates and public transit status. 511 SF Bay - Map & Alerts | 511.org.
- Find out if your destination or cities you will be traveling to have emergency alerts. Emergency Alerts – Listos California.
- Check roadway conditions with Caltrans QuickMap.
- Monitor the weather when traveling.
- In case of an evacuation, learn a few routes you can use: it’s important to know more than one way to get to and from work, school, and other places.
And Remember: Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Sign up for the City’s alert system – Nixle, to receive emergency updates from the City of Gilroy.
Sign up for the county’s alert system, AlertSCC, to receive the latest, most accurate information on any weather-related event.
For more travel safety tips, visit the City’s Storm and Cold Weather Preparedness webpage.
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Voter Resources
What's on the Ballot?
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Council Elections for Districts 4, 5, & 6: Gilroy has transitioned from at-large elections to district-based elections. This November, Districts 4, 5, and 6 are on the ballot and registered voters living in these districts will vote for candidates running to represent their specific district.
Find out which Council District you live in.
Measure B - Gilroy’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) or Hotel Tax Increase Measure: This ballot measure, if passed, would raise the TOT rate from 9% to a maximum of 13%, set by Council resolution. The increase would create new revenue for essential City services without impacting Gilroy residents. The tax is paid by visitors who stay in our hotels and short-term rentals.
Find out more about Measure B.
Other County, State, and Federal Initiatives and Elections: To learn about other initiatives on the ballot, visit the County's website.
Find out more about County, State, and Federal Initiatives.
And remember: All registered Gilroy voters can vote at any polling location in Santa Clara County, even if you are participating in the Gilroy City Council District Election. And mail-in ballots can be returned at any ballot drop box in the county or mailed from any USPS location.
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Flying Commemorative Flags at City Hall in 2027
Application Opens Monday, October 26
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The application for flying commemorative flags at City Hall in 2027 will open on Monday, October 26, and close on Friday, November 6, 2026.
To ensure your application receives full consideration, please carefully review the Flag Flying Policy for detailed instructions on submitting a commemorative flag request.
In general, applications require the following:
🏴Applicant contact information
🏴Name and a full-color image of the commemorative flag
🏴A statement of explanation or purpose of the commemorative flag
🏴The month in which the commemorative flag is requested to be displayed
Online submission is strongly encouraged.
Applications may be submitted in one of the following ways:
Online: Complete the Online Flag Flying Application
By Email: Download and complete the Flag Flying Application and email it to Management Assistant, Akhill Miller at Akhill.Miller@cityofgilroy.org
In person or by Mail: Complete the application and drop it off at Gilroy City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St.
Please submit your completed application no later than Friday, November 6, 2026, by 4:30 PM. Please note that City Hall regular business hours are 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday.
For additional information or to apply, visit the Flag Flying Applications webpage.
If you have any questions, please contact Assistant City Administrator Harjot Sangha at harjot.sangha@cityofgilroy.org.
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Help Shape the Future of Recreation Activities, Parks, and Trails in Gilroy
Take the Online Surveys
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The City of Gilroy is conducting a Recreation Division Assessment focused on recreation programming, activities, and financials Whether you participate in current programs or have ideas for new classes, events, or activities, your input is essential in helping us understand our community’s recreation needs, priorities, and dreams for the future.
The City of Gilroy has also kicked off the Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan (PRTMP) to assess existing parks, recreation facilities, and trails. The PRTMP will help address infrastructure needs for current and future Gilroy residents.
Over the next few months, we’ll be gathering input through surveys, the project website, and pop-up events across the city for both of these efforts. This is your chance to let us know what you enjoy, what’s missing, and what you’d love to see offered in the future!
Your feedback will directly shape recommendations for recreation programming, parks, recreation facilities, and trails in the years ahead.
To learn more about the Recreation Division Assessment and Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan and to provide your feedback online, visit www.cityofgilroy.org/ParksandRec
Assessment and Master Plan Flyer
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Introducing AB 1572
New State Requirements for Nonfunctional Turf
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The City of Gilroy will be introducing California Assembly Bill 1572 (AB1572) at the November 2, 2026, City Council Meeting. This state mandate prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, including common areas managed by homeowners associations.
Nonfunctional turf refers to grass that is not used for recreation or community purposes.
The law does not apply to single family homes and cemeteries and does not require to replace the lawn by the mandated state dates; only to stop irrigating with potable water.
Adopted by the California State Legislature in 2023, AB 1572 includes the following compliance deadlines:
- January 1, 2027- Public properties owned or managed by state and local governments
- January 1, 2028- Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
- January 1, 2029 - Homeowner association common areas
- January 1, 2031- Properties owned by local governments in Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), contingent on available state funding for turf replacement
To learn more about Nonfunctional Turf (AB 1572), visit the City’s Nonfunctional Turf webpage.
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Watch the Progress
Pickleball Courts at Las Animas Veterans Park
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Construction continues on the six new lighted pickleball courts at Las Animas Veterans Park, and now you can watch the progress! A newly installed time-lapse camera provides live views of construction on the Pickleball Court Project webpage.
Thank you for your patience as we bring these new recreation opportunities to Gilroy.
Visit www.cityofgilroy.org/Pickleball to check out the camera and follow along as the courts take shape!
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Community Information Meeting
HealthRIGHT 360’s Gilroy Residential Treatment Program
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HealthRIGHT 360 invites Gilroy residents, community-based organizations, service providers, businesses, and other community members to an information meeting about their planned residential substance use disorder treatment program at 8292 Murray Avenue in Gilroy.
The program will expand local access to substance use disorder treatment and will provide coed withdrawal management and residential treatment for adults.
The project is being developed in partnership with Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services and is supported through California’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP).
At the meeting, HealthRIGHT 360 will share information about the project, including the services that will be provided, anticipated timeline, program operations, and how the new facility will connect with existing community services. There will also be an opportunity for community members to ask questions and share their perspectives as the project moves toward construction and opening.
Community Information Meeting: HealthRight 360’s Gilroy Residential Treatment Program
When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Where: Gilroy Library Community Room, located at 350 W. Sixth Street
For more information, please email Gilroy@healthright360.org.
This meeting is being held as part of the City of Gilroy’s efforts to increase transparency about development projects and to provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the proposed project, ask questions, and share feedback.
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Gilroy to Central Valley Wye Project Segment
California High-Speed Rail Notice of Preparation of Public Scoping Meetings
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The California High-Speed Rail Authority invites you to participate in a public meeting, with an overview of the project and an opportunity to submit oral and written comments. In-person public meetings include an informational open house with staff to answer your specific questions.
- Wednesday, November 4 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm at Casa de Fruta (10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy., Hollister, CA)
- Thursday, November 5 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm at Los Banos Community Center (645 7th St., Los Banos, CA)
- Monday, November 9th, 2026, from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, virtual meeting. Register Here
What’s Happening?
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is issuing a Notice of Preparation (NOP) to solicit input on the development of the scope of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the San José to Merced Project Section. The focus of this environmental review process is on the segment through the Diablo Mountain Range, from southeast of Gilroy to a location northeast of Los Banos.
Why Now?
In 2022, the Authority approved the alignment to connect San Jose to the Central Valley in Merced County, which includes 15.1 miles of tunnels crossing the Diablo Range. With recent diminished reliability of federal funding and increased costs of delivering infrastructure, the Authority is considering alternative ways to deliver the service, including several new possible alignments.
How Can I Comment?
The Authority seeks written comments on the scope of the G-Y Project Segment SEIR no later than November 13, 2026. Public meetings are scheduled from November 4 through 9, 2026.
In Person:
At the in-person public meetings (see dates, times, and locations above)
By Mail:
Stefan Galvez-Abadia, Director of Environmental Services,
ATTN: G-Y Project Segment HSR Project SEIR Scoping Comment
California High-Speed Rail Authority
770 L Street, Suite 620, Sacramento, CA 95814
By Email:
gilroy_wye@hsr.ca.gov; use subject line: “G-Y Project Segment HSR Scoping Comment”
Visit the Project webpage at hsr.ca.gov/GY for more information and sign up to receive emails about the project.
Meeting Accessibility
Meeting facilities are accessible for persons with disabilities. All requests for reasonable accommodations and/or language services must be made three working days (72 hours) in advance of the scheduled meeting date. Please call (916) 324-1541 or the California Relay Service TTY/TTD number at 711 for assistance.
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Free Energy Savings Workshop
Monday, November 9
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The community is invited to join the Silicon Valley Clean Energy workshop on Monday, November 9. Learn about programs, rebates, and resources that could help lower your energy expenses. This free event is open to all community members.
Representatives from SVCE and Breathe California will be on-site to answer questions. Dinner will be provided, and attendees will have the chance to win raffle prizes.
Event Details
Date: Monday, November 9
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Gilroy High School, 750 W 10th St.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot by visiting Silicon Valley Clean Energy Workshop.
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Community Information Session
Water Heater and Furnace Rules
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Join the Bay Area Air District for a community information session and Q&A about proposed changes to water heater and furnace rules. Learn about possible exemptions, what the rules could mean for your home, and get answers to your questions.
The session will take place Wednesday, October 28, from 4:00 – 5:00 PM at the Gilroy Library Community Room, 350 W. Sixth Street.
The rules address air pollution from new water heaters and furnaces. They do not require residents to replace functioning equipment, and gas stoves, ovens, and dryers are not affected.
Residents are encouraged to attend and learn more before the Air District Board considers amendments to the water-heater rule on November 4.
Visit the Air District’s project webpage for more information.
| | We're Hiring: Four Full-Time Utilities Maintenance Workers I/II | | |
The City of Gilroy is excited to announce the recruitment of four full-time Maintenance Worker I/II positions in the Water section of the Utilities Department.
The candidates must have knowledge and related experience in municipal water maintenance including water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, wells and related infrastructure. From maintaining water lines to supporting emergency repairs, this work directly impacts the daily lives of all our residents.
The Water Section personnel are responsible for planning, operation, and maintenance of the City’s wells and water distribution system, ensuring a safe and reliable supply of drinking water.
To apply or to learn more about this career opportunity, visit www.cityofgilroy.org/jobs
Deadline to apply is October 28, 2026.
| | Santa Teresa Fire Station Staffing Report | | |
Between October 9 and October 15, 2026, our firefighters staffed the Interim Santa Teresa Fire Station for 4 days.
We will staff the station as often as available personnel and responsible overtime practices allow.
When we have enough staffing, we will place the station in service with either:
- A Type 1 engine with three firefighters, or
- A Type 6 engine with two firefighters, depending on daily personnel availability.
On days when we do not have qualified personnel, we will leave the station unstaffed. This approach aligns with our seasonal operations.
We will continue to staff the station whenever heightened public safety concerns arise, including:
- State of emergency declarations
- Red Flag Warnings
- Fourth of July and surrounding weekends
- Potential flood conditions or other disasters
- Public events or gatherings where increased risk is identified
This weekly report is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency regarding the staffing status of the Santa Teresa Fire Station.
| | The Great Garlic 5K Was Great! | | |
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Great Garlic 5K this past weekend! The morning was full of energy as walkers, runners, and cyclists kicked off their 5K adventure.
Participants were welcomed back at the finish line with medals, Halloween-themed activities, and a chance to visit local vendor booths. It was a great morning, indeed.
We hope you had as much fun as we did!
Stay tuned for details on the 2027 Great Garlic Halloween 5K.
Looking for more fall activities? Visit the Recreation Division webpage to explore upcoming events.
| | Development Activity in Gilroy | | Over the next few months, we're highlighting various development projects currently underway in Gilroy. For additional information about development activity in Gilroy, visit the Development Activity Projects webpage. | | |
New Homes on Royal Way
On November 21, 2022, the City approved an Architectural and Site Review Permit, Tentative Map, and a Rezoning Amendment to build 45 two-story townhomes at 6630 Royal Way. Each townhome ranges from 1,200 to 1,300 square feet and will include a two-car garage, front yard, and private patio. The new residential community will also offer a playground, guest parking, landscaping, pathways, fencing, and a courtyard. Construction has already started.
For additional details, please visit the Royal Way Townhomes Project webpage.
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Have you noticed any potholes, water leaks, streetlight outages, tree issues, or have a neighborhood or city-related concern?
Our online service request portal and mobile app (available for download in the App Store and Google Play), GilroyConnect, makes it easier than ever to report city-related concerns.
With just a few simple steps, you can submit your request, track your service request, and view other resident requests.
Once your request is submitted, you will have the option to create an account, which will give you access to additional features and to receive updates on your service request.
| | | Ask Gilroy: Your City, Your Questions! | | |
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions!
We've provided answers to one of the questions below, and look forward to more questions this week.
❓When I go to work, there is a traffic jam on Santa Teresa Boulevard caused by drivers going to US 101 and drivers going to the high school. Some drivers use Day Road to get to Monterey Road and then on to US 101. But there’s no traffic signal at this intersection to aid in the left-hand turn. Is there a signal planned for this intersection?
The City is planning for the eventual installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Day Road and Monterey Road. This signal would provide controlled left turns onto Monterey Road from Day Road as you suggest. This traffic signal is planned to be constructed by the builder of a residential project at 315 Las Animas Drive.
| Have a question about Gilroy’s services, projects, or community happenings? Submit it through the "Submit a Question" button above. Each week, we'll answer one or two in our newsletter so you can stay informed and connected. | |
City of Gilroy
Office Hours
Gilroy City Hall is open to the public Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, and on Friday by appointment only.
City of Gilroy
(408) 846-0219
7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020
www.cityofgilroy.org
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