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The first eight months of 2025 have been busy! With nearly 300 full-time staff and 60 part-time and seasonal team members, there are always many important projects in motion. While all are vital to the operation of our city, I’d like to share updates on five key initiatives:
City Administrator Search
In June, our City Administrator announced their retirement. Since late July, an Interim City Administrator has been serving in this role while we move forward with the recruitment process. The City Council is working with a nationwide search firm to find Gilroy’s next City Administrator. Proposals from search firms are under review, and we expect to be under contract in the coming weeks. The next steps will involve developing a candidate profile and beginning outreach before the end of September. Our goal is to have a new City Administrator in place by early January 2026.
Police Chief Search
The City has decided to reopen the Police Chief recruitment process, allowing the next City Administrator to make the final selection. Resumes are currently being accepted, with advertising and outreach efforts underway. Search firm interviews are scheduled for December, followed by the City’s interview process in January.
Economic Development Director
Economic Development remains one of the City Council’s top priorities. For the first time, the City has budgeted for an in-house, executive-level Economic Development Director. This role will be instrumental in developing strategic short and long-term plans to help Gilroy reach its full potential. A draft job description has been prepared and is under final review. The Personnel Commission will review the job description and salary range, and the recruitment process is expected to begin in September.
Recreation Division
The Council has directed staff to conduct a comprehensive review of Recreation services, including aquatics programming, staffing, the $1.5 million annual General Fund contribution, and resident program fees. Because these items are closely interconnected, the assessment will take a holistic approach. Staff will present an update and next steps at the September 15, 2025, City Council meeting. Once the project is fully underway, staff will provide regular updates to the City Council.
Civic Center Master Plan
The City is developing a new Civic Center Master Plan to better serve our growing community. This plan includes consideration of youth, arts, and recreation facilities, as well as the possibility of a new senior center and, in the future, a modern City Hall. A community-driven needs assessment was completed in April, and the conceptual master plan design was finalized in June. The plan is now in the environmental compliance phase, which is expected to be complete in spring 2026. The final phase will focus on financing options for these projects.
Finally, I invite you to join me for Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, September 6, at 9:30 A.M. in the Council Chambers. This is a great opportunity to hear more about these updates and share what’s on your mind. For those unable to attend, the meeting video will be posted to the City of Gilroy YouTube channel soon afterward.
I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Mayor Greg Bozzo
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