YOUR GUIDE TO CITY-RELATED NEWS AND EVENTS | | |
September 14, 2026 City Council Meeting Recap:
- The City Council pulled Agenda item 8.4, regarding the Precast Concrete Fence Project, from the consent calendar and rescheduled it for the October 5 Council Meeting.
- The City Council proclaimed September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and encouraged our community to celebrate the courage of our children, honor the memory of those we have lost, and stand united as a community to ensure that no family faces childhood cancer alone.
- The City Council unanimously adopted a temporary citywide moratorium on new data center development while the City develops objective design standards. The interim urgency ordinance takes effect immediately and will remain in place for 45 days. Under state law, the Council may extend the moratorium in two phases, with a maximum total period of two years.
- Staff presented an update relating to Gilroy City Code and tobacco retailer permits, compliance, enforcement, and penalties. Staff introduced an ordinance focused on enforcement and compliance enhancements, which will return to Council for adoption at a future date.
- Staff presented the results of a fee study on the development services user and regulatory fees collected by the Community Development Department. The goal of the fee study was to (1) evaluate the true cost of providing services, (2) target full cost recovery, (3) ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and (4) update and simplify fee structures to improve permitting efficiency and cost transparency. Staff will schedule a public hearing for City Council to consider adoption of the updated fee schedule.
- Staff presented an update on the homeless encampment at Sixth Street and Camino Arroyo Drive. Since the last report to Council in May, conditions at the camp have deteriorated, both at the camp and in reported impacts to adjacent properties. Council directed staff to clean up the camp, develop a plan to manage it, and provide monthly reporting. This item will return to Council when the Ad-Hoc Homelessness sub-committee brings its report and recommendations to Council in November.
- Council approved a Future Agenda Item Request (FAIR) memo from Council Member Ramirez to agendize a future discussion on establishing a free, community-wide Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) pilot program.
- Council approved a (FAIR) memo from Council Member Ramirez to agendize a future discussion on establishing a Legislative Action Committee.
| | Council Meeting Highlight: September 14, 2026 | |
Council Adopts an Urgency Interim Ordinance Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on the Acceptance, Processing, and Approval of Applications and Entitlements for New Data Center Facilities Citywide, for a Period Not to Exceed 45 Days.
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At Monday’s City Council meeting, the Council unanimously adopted a temporary citywide moratorium on new data centers while the City develops a comprehensive set of standards and regulations for future data center development.
The moratorium immediately pauses acceptance, processing, and approval of new data center applications and will remain in effect for 45 days. Under state law, the Council may extend the moratorium if additional time is needed, for a maximum total period of two years. The moratorium does not affect the Amazon Web Services data center already approved and under construction in northeast Gilroy.
During this pause, the City’s Community Development Department and Planning Commission will lead an effort to study and recommend zoning, siting, development, and operational standards for future data center development. While the precise scope has not yet been determined, the review is expected to consider a variety of issues and potential impacts surrounding data centers, such as:
- Water use and cooling technology
- Electrical demand and grid capacity
- Backup generator emissions
- Noise levels
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Aesthetics and screening
The moratorium is part of a broader effort to increase public awareness and participation in decisions involving major development projects in Gilroy. In August, the Council approved expanded notification and community engagement requirements for large commercial and industrial projects, along with Planning Commission review for projects requiring an Environmental Impact Report.
Community input will be an important part of this process as the City develops objective design standards and brings them forward for Planning Commission and City Council review.
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Join Us: Community Meeting on Hecker Pass Residential Project
Monday, September 28
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The community is invited to provide comments on the Draft EIR at the Hecker Pass Residential project community meeting on Monday, September 28 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The City received an application for an architectural and site review and tentative map permit for a single-family residential development at 2480 and 2740 Hecker Pass Road.
The proposed project includes 116 single-family residences, with nine designated as extremely low-income units, and an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The Draft EIR is available for public and agency review from August 21 to October 5, 2026.
The meeting will be held at City Council Chambers, City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020. Automatic translation services will be available.
For additional details on the project, please visit the Hecker Pass Residential Project webpage.
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Planning a Fall Cleanup?
Donate or Schedule a Bulky Item Pickup
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As we head into the fall season, many residents may be planning some bulky item cleanups. Before throwing things away, consider donating usable items to friends, local charities, or nonprofits. It’s a simple way to support our community and keep good items out of the landfill.
For items that can’t be reused, Gilroy residents can schedule up to two free bulky item or excess garbage collections per calendar year (up to twelve 32‑gallon bags). Advance scheduling is required, and items must meet size and weight guidelines.
For details or to schedule a pickup, visit Recology’s webpage or call 408‑842‑3358.
To find local organizations that accept discarded items, visit Recyclestuff.org or speak with a recycling expert in Santa Clara County at 1-800‑533‑8414 for help finding reuse and recycling options.
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Suicide Prevention for Older Adults
Resources Available
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Suicide has become increasingly common among older adults, often linked to social isolation, physical challenges and financial stress.
Family members, friends, and caregivers play an important part in suicide prevention by helping older adults access resources and support. Check in with your loved ones, offer support, and seek help when needed.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, 24/7 support. Call or text 988 anytime.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health Brochure
For additional resources, visit County of Santa Clara's Behavioral Health Services webpage.
| | The Great Garlic Halloween 5K Run, Walk, or Roll is Back! | | |
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!
All participants receive a T-shirt, bib number, and a medal.
Registration Cost
- $25 for residents (price increases to $30 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.
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Attention Middle School Students: Sign Up Today
Beyond Gilroy Program Begins in October
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The City of Gilroy Recreation Division is once again partnering with Save Our Shores to offer eligible middle school students in grades 6 to 8 living within Gilroy Unified School District boundaries, a free opportunity to discover and explore oceanic and natural life in the Monterey Bay area. The program begins in October.
One student from last year’s program shared, “The most important thing I learned is that saving the world is possible,” highlighting how the program inspires environmental awareness.
A follow-up survey also showed that 73% of students wanted to spend more time outdoors after completing the program, highlighting the impact of hands- on environmental learning.
Register today!
Visit the Recreation Online Catalog to register and to learn more.
About Beyond Gilroy:
The Beyond Gilroy program is an interactive learning experience including eight classroom sessions at the Gilroy Senior Center and six Saturday field trips to locations such as Elkhorn Slough, Lover's Point, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
| | We're Hiring: Assistant Fleet Technician | | |
The City of Gilroy is seeking a part-time Assistant Fleet Technician to join the Fleet Division within the Public Works Department.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in fleet maintenance while working alongside experienced mechanics in a dynamic public safety environment.
In this role, you will assist with routine and preventative maintenance such as oil and filter changes, rotate and replace tires, replace batteries, support inspections and further repairs, and contribute to the upkeep of specialized public safety vehicles and equipment.
Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience with the technical, mechanical and electronic systems essential to keeping a safe and reliable municipal fleet operating smoothly.
Apply today! www.cityofgilroy.org/jobs
Application closes October 9, 2026.
| | Santa Teresa Fire Station Staffing Report | | |
Between September 4 and 10, 2026, our firefighters staffed the Interim Santa Teresa Fire Station for 7 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.
| | Remembering the Victims, Survivors, and First Responders of September 11, 2001 | | |
Our community came together to honor the lives lost and all those affected by the events of September 11, 2001.
With reflections, moments of silence, and heartfelt remarks from Fire Chief Fleeup, Police Chief Sanchez, the Mayor, and the City Administrator, the Gilroy community paid tribute to the victims and recognized the heroes of that day.
Thank you to everyone in our community who joined us.
We will never forget.
| | 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 Industrial Building at 201 & 210 Yamane Dr
On October 5, 2023, the Planning Commission approved an Architectural and Site Review permit to develop a 163,400 square foot, one-story, up to 40 feet tall light industrial warehouse building on a vacant 8.858-acre site at 201-210 Yamane Drive. The main building shell was completed in February 2026, and the developer is finishing out the remaining interior work.
For additional details, please visit the 201 & 210 Yamane Drive 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! | | Ask Gilroy is taking a brief break this week, but we'll be back soon with more resident-submitted Q&A. | 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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