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Our City team is hard at work around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, keeping our community running smoothly. These efforts are made possible by the commitment of more than 300 full-time employees, over 50 part-time and seasonal team members, and those who serve through city-contracted vendors. Together they form the backbone of the services our community counts on every day.
The City Administrator, in turn, leads the organization, ensuring that Council direction, provided through majority consensus, is carried out through effective programs, services, and long-term planning. This partnership between the City Council, the City Administrator, and dedicated City staff creates a system of collaboration and accountability that keeps Gilroy moving forward. At its core, this structure ensures that voices of residents are heard, that policies reflect community priorities, and that resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of all who call Gilroy home.
Effectively leading such a large and complex organization requires an experienced City Administrator, someone who brings not only strong leadership qualities such as integrity and collaboration, but also the technical expertise to manage resources, implement policy, and navigate the complexities of municipal operations. One of the most critical processes this Council will undertake in the coming months is the hiring of our next City Administrator, someone with the leadership and skills to guide our City through today’s challenges, plan for tomorrow’s opportunities, and strengthen the trust and connection between local government and the community we serve.
To assist in finding our next City Administrator, an Ad-Hoc Committee, composed of three Council members, including myself, will collaborate with a professional recruiting consultant to conduct a nationwide search. As an Ad-Hoc Committee, our primary purpose is to ensure administrative efficiency and keep things moving forward. Throughout this process, every Council Member will have an equal opportunity—and obligation—to play an active role in selecting our next City Administrator.
Community input is both welcome and essential. I encourage fellow Council Members and interested residents to connect and engage in meaningful dialogue, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are considered during this process.
While the search for a permanent City Administrator is underway, our Interim Administrator, Brad Kilger, continues to work closely with staff—not only managing daily operations but also advancing several long-term initiatives. Some of these were discussed during last month’s Council meeting.
1. Economic Development. One of council's main priorities is Economic Development! A nationwide search will begin for an Economic Development Director in the coming days.
2. Sharks Gilroy Ice Center: The proposed facility with two NHL-sized ice rinks is designed to be built at the Gilroy Sports Park located off of the south portion of Monterey Road. A Sharks Gilroy Ice Center Ad-Hoc committee comprised of three Council Members, key City of Gilroy executive staff, and representatives from Sharks Sports & Entertainment LLC have begun meeting to explore final plans and updates to the feasibility. For more information about the project, please visit www.cityofgilroy.org/1010/Gilroy-Ice-Center.
3. Recreation: Council directed staff to review Recreation services relating to the aquatics programming, including staffing, the annual General Fund contribution of $1.5 million, and the cost of fees for residents to participate in recreation programs. Per recent council guidance, staff is now beginning the process of industry outreach to obtain options for a full recreation assessment.
4. Civic Center Master Plan: The City is developing a new Civic Center Master Plan to better serve the growing community. The concept plans include a new community center, recreation and aquatic center, civic park, and city hall. For more information about the project, please visit www.cityofgilroy.org/1063/Civic-Center-Master-Plan.
5. Construction of Our 4th Fire Station: Council recently awarded a contract for construction management and master architectural services for the City’s fourth fire station: The Santa Teresa Fire Station. Design and construction of a firehouse this size is typically a 2-3 year process. For more information about the project, please visit www.cityofgilroy.org/961/Santa-Teresa-Fire-Station-Update.
6. Police Chief Search: A decision was made to reopen the search for a new Police Chief and allow the next City Administrator to make the final selection. Resumes are currently being accepted.
To have direct input in the selection of our next City Administrator—and to hear more about what’s happening at City Hall—please join me for Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, October 4th at 9:30 AM in Council Chambers.
If you’re unable to attend but would like to share your thoughts specifically regarding the City Administrator selection process, please email all members of the City Council prior to the October 4th meeting at allcouncilmembers@cityofgilroy.org.
A video recording of Coffee with the Mayor—and all future meetings—will be posted shortly afterward on the City of Gilroy YouTube channel.
I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Mayor Greg Bozzo
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