|
As the first quarter of 2025 nears the end, I’d like to update our community about three topics that will shape Gilroy’s future for years to come. While these three matters are quite different, they do have one thing in common: the amount of transparency associated with them. Each project is accompanied by multiple opportunities where input from the public is both wanted and needed.
The first is an update on our Strategic Plan Session/Budget, which I wrote about last month. With public input and staff support, on Feb 12th, council began in-depth discussions listing ideas that will determine what takes place in Gilroy over the next 2-5 years. On March 17th, at a regularly scheduled, council meeting, we held our second Strategic Plan session where we heard financial updates as well as a five-year forecast from staff. This financial information is crucial, for all of us to understand, as it will determine the limitations and possibilities of what we can expect as a community in the coming years.
The second project is Gilroy's transition from an at-large election to one of districts. A district-based election is one in which the city is divided into separate zones, with special care to keep “communities of interest” together, where possible. A candidate from that zone will be selected by voters in that particular district. On Monday, March 17, the City Council decided to move toward a system that will result in 6 districts. The mayor will continue to be elected, at large, by the entire community. The first election cycle that will include some district candidates will be 2026. It will take till the 2028 election to fully transition to districts. There are a total of 5 public meetings and 2 public workshops for community input. To see more about this process go to: www.cityofgilroy.org/districting
The third very important project currently being discussed is the Civic Center Master Plan. The public should consider this carefully as this is something that could be on the ballot as a bond measure that would be paid for by property taxes. Currently being discussed is a Rec center which may include exercise equipment, a gym, and a pool. An additional component to this project could also include a cultural center and theater to meet the wants and needs of the incredible arts community we have here in Gilroy. A rebuilt senior center, a parking structure as well as new city hall is also possible. Check out this link to see more: www.cityofgilroy.org/CCMP
As always, the public is encouraged to play a role in this process by contacting and/or writing to all Council Members. Contact information for each Council Member can be found on the Council page of the city website. Additionally, you can voice your opinions during the City Council meetings during the public comment portion. To discuss your priorities, in person, please attend one of the workshops or come chat with me at Coffee-with-the-Mayor on April 12th in Council Chambers. For those who can’t make it, a video of this meeting, and all future ones, will be posted to the City of Gilroy YouTube channel soon thereafter. Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Mayor Greg Bozzo
| 
