YOUR GUIDE TO CITY-RELATED NEWS AND EVENTS | |
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May 4, 2026, City Council Meeting Recap:
- Council proclaimed May 17-23 as National Public Works Week.
- Council proclaimed May 18 as Resource Family Appreciation Month.
- The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce provided its annual presentation highlighting its retail recruitment successes, marketing and advertising, and workforce development.
- The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) provided a presentation on local investment and plan framework. The VTA Board voted unanimously to join the 5-county regional sales tax measure to raise sales tax by 1/2 cent.
- Staff presented a report on the renewal of the Gilroy Tourism Business Improvement District (GTBID) for another 10-year term. The GTBID is a collaborative funding mechanism voluntarily approved and paid for by local lodging establishments to create a dedicated, locally controlled revenue stream to support programs that increase overnight stays and strengthen the city's tourism economy. The existing TBID is set to conclude on December 31, 2027.
- Staff presented a report on city vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts. Gilroy's vacancy rate is currently 8.36%, similar to that of other agencies.
- Council considered proposed regulations for downtown plywood use and vacancies and directed staff to move forward with adjusting the vacancy registration and renewal fee structure and removing the 35% reference inclusion for determining a vacant building. These changes are part of the Council's overall efforts to enhance and revitalize Downtown Gilroy. An ordinance codifying these changes will return to Council for consideration of adoption.
- Staff presented options for the placement of a third flagpole for displaying commemorative flags as well as possible revisions to the City Flag Flying Policy. Council directed staff to install the third flagpole alongside the currently existing flagpoles at City Hall. Additionally, Council directed staff to prepare revisions to the City Flag Flying Policy, removing the application fee and signature requirements.
| | Council Meeting Highlight: May 18, 2026 | |
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Consideration of Options for Displaying Commemorative
Flags at City Hall or the Civic Center Complex
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At Monday’s meeting, the City Council reviewed options for installing a third flagpole somewhere at or near City Hall to support the display of commemorative flags. This discussion followed a FAIR Memo submitted earlier this year by Council Member Ramirez requesting that staff evaluate possible locations and costs for a new flagpole, as well as potential updates to the City’s existing Flag Flying Policy. The current policy, originally adopted in 2021 and updated in 2022, outlines the process for considering commemorative flag applications, which the Council has used annually for four consecutive fiscal years.
During the meeting, staff presented several potential placement options for the new flagpole along with preliminary cost estimates. Staff also outlined policy changes for Council consideration. These proposed updates focused on simplifying the application process and supporting future commemorative flag displays in a consistent manner.
Following the presentation, the City Council provided clear direction to move forward. Council directed staff to install the third flagpole alongside the two existing flagpoles at City Hall, creating a unified display area for the United States, State of California, and City flag, along with commemorative flags when approved. Council also directed staff to prepare revisions to the City Flag Flying Policy that remove both the application fee and the signature requirements, making the process more accessible to the community.
Next steps include staff initiating planning and cost development for the installation of the new flagpole. Any required budget adjustments will return to the Council for approval. Staff will also prepare and return with the revised Flag Flying Policy for Council consideration at a future meeting.
| | | | City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 26. | | Mayor’s Spotlight: Building a Healthier Gilroy and Promoting Responsible Firework Use | | |
The Gilroy Blue Skies Initiative is highlighted in this month’s Spotlight, providing background and a high-level overview of the project's importance in providing a guide for Gilroy’s long-term growth. Residents are encouraged to take the Gilroy Blue Skies Survey to provide their input on opportunities, priorities, and concerns as related to air quality, transportation choices, energy efficiency, community health, economic opportunity, and hazard response measures.
Additionally, the Spotlight highlights the community's shared responsibility in helping eliminate the use of illegal fireworks. Making a real difference will require each of us to take responsibility and encourage our friends and neighbors to prioritize safety and look out for one another.
For more information on these two topics, check out this month’s spotlight.
Join Mayor Bozzo for Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, June 6, at 9:30 AM in Council Chambers to discuss these topics, provide your feedback, and more.
Mayor’s Spotlight
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Are You Slowing Down in School Zones?
20 MPH Coming Soon
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School may be almost out for summer, but responsible driving is a daily commitment. As a reminder, a new California law is lowering default speed limits in school zones to 20 miles per hour, and in some residential areas as low as 15 miles per hour. We encourage you to start reducing your speed now.
The City Council will consider a resolution on June 15, 2026, and with this new change, new speed limit signs will be installed over the summer and ready for the new school year. Until then, please slow down and help keep children and families safe. Please share this new change with friends, family, and neighbors.
Driver Safety Tips
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Stay alert and stay off your phone.
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Give yourself extra time and reduce your speed as you approach crosswalks and intersections.
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Affordable Housing Month Workshop Series
Wednesday, May 27
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Join us for the final two Affordable Housing Month events on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Developer Roundtable Meeting
The Developer Roundtable Meeting will be held from 10:30 AM to noon at Council Chambers, 7351 Rosanna St. Hosted by the City of Gilroy, this meeting brings together city staff, developers, residents, and stakeholders for networking and discussion on important topics related to industrial, commercial, and residential development in Gilroy.
Developer Roundtable Flyer
First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Workshop
Later in the evening, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and Guild Mortgage will hold a First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Workshop, co-hosted with the City of Gilroy, at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth Street from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
CalHFA Flyer
For more information, visit the Housing and Community Services webpage.
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Developer Roundtable Meeting
Wednesday, May 27
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Join the conversation! As part of Affordable Housing Month and Building Safety Month, the Community Development Department is hosting a Developer Roundtable on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 10:30 AM to noon in the Council Chambers at 7351 Rosanna Street.
This roundtable brings together Gilroy staff, developers, residents, and community stakeholders to network and discuss key topics related to industrial, commercial, and residential development in Gilroy.
This collaborative forum will cover a range of key topics, including the ongoing fee study, Blue Skies Initiative, ADU permitting, significant code changes, the use of AI in plan review, and an opportunity for participants to share their suggestions.
Light refreshments will be served.
No RSVP is required. We hope to see you there!
To learn more about the Developer Roundtable or to sign up to receive updates, visit the Community Development webpage.
Official Developer Roundtable Event Flyer
| | Amazon Gilroy Data Center Open House | | |
Amazon Web Services (AWS) will be hosting an open house to share information and answer questions about the data center currently under construction on the southeast end of Arroyo Circle in Gilroy.
The project has completed the full environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and meets all CEQA standards. We know residents have raised questions about water use and air quality. Current analyses show that the City’s infrastructure, along with upgrades planned as part of the project, can support the data center’s needs.
To reduce reliance on potable water, Amazon is building new infrastructure to bring recycled water to the site, thereby nearly eliminating the site’s reliance on potable water.
Air quality has also been a topic of interest. Environmental analysis shows that the project’s estimated emissions fall below the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s CEQA thresholds, meaning the project is not expected to create significant air‑quality impacts.
The upcoming open house is an opportunity to learn more about these topics, speak directly with project representatives, and get answers to your questions.
Event: Amazon Gilroy Data Center Open House
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Gilroy High School Cafeteria/Student Center, 750 W. Tenth Street, Gilroy, CA
Format: Drop in anytime between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
More information: Visit the Amazon Project Website or view the City’s Gilroy Data Center Project Website.
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Gilroy Voting Center and Drop Box Locations
Statewide Primary Election June 2, 2026
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The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters will hold the Statewide Direct Primary Election on June 2, 2026. Voting begins as early as 10 days before Election Day.
Residents can drop off their ballot at the outdoor drop boxes located at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street or the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth Street.
If you prefer to vote in person, the following voting center locations will be open in Gilroy:
Gilroy Library - Meeting Room, 350 W. Sixth St.
May 30–June 1, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Election Day, June 2, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Gilroy First Baptist Church - Fellowship Hall, 8455 Wren Ave.
May 30–June 1, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Election Day, June 2, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Gilroy Police Department- Community Room, 7301 Hanna St.
May 30–June 1, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Election Day, June 2, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
South Valley Middle School – Practice Room J17, 7881 Murray Ave.
May 23–June 1, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Election Day, June 2, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Gilroy Veterans Hall, 74 W. Sixth St.
May 30–June 1, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Election Day, June 2, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey Rd.
May 30–June 1, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Election Day, June 2, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Please note that voting center locations may change.
For more information on voting centers, visit Registrar of Voters County of Santa Clara.
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LAFCO Community Meeting - June 8
Countywide Water and Wastewater Service Review
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The community is invited to participate in the Countywide Water and Wastewater Service Review on June 8, 2026. This meeting will be hosted by the Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Clara County (LAFCO) at the Morgan Hill City Council Chambers,17555 Peak Avenue.
In partnership with the cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill and Valley Water, LAFCO will present a comprehensive review of water, wastewater and storm water management in Santa Clara County. Community members will have the opportunity to share feedback and learn about services in their area. For additional meeting dates and locations, visit Santa Clara LAFCO.
This meeting will be offered both in person and by zoom.
Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Location: Morgan Hill City Council Chambers, 17555 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Zoom Link: sccgov-org.zoom.us/j/88309725387
Meeting ID: 883 0972 5387
Share your feedback:
Complete a 5-minute survey and evaluate water and wastewater services in your community: bit.ly/scc-water-survey. Available in English and Spanish.
Spanish language interpretation is available upon request. Please contact the LAFCO office at 408-993-4705
For more information about the Countywide Water and Wastewater Service Review, visit the Santa Clara LAFCO website.
Official LAFCO Community Meeting Flyer
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Spring Webinar Series
Love It or Lose It Rethinking Your Lawn
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As part of Valley Water’s Spring Webinar Series, “Love it or Lose it: Rethinking Your Lawn,” discover how to transform your lawn into a sustainable landscape. Learn practical tips for removing and replacing your lawn, and for creating an eco-friendly outdoor space.
Register for the Webinar Online
Webinar Details:
Topic: Love it or Lose it: Rethinking your Lawn
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Time: 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM
| | Santa Teresa Fire Station Staffing Report | | |
During the week of May 8, 2026, our firefighters staffed the Interim Santa Teresa Fire Station for five 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 winter-season 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.
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Close to 134 Pounds of Trash Collected during National Creek Cleanup Day!
Thank you Volunteers
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Your hard work made a real impact. Together, you removed approximately 134 pounds of trash from our local waterways, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Your efforts were part of a much larger countywide effort. Across Santa Clara County, more than 730 volunteers cleared approximately 14,000 pounds of trash along 67 miles of waterways at 47 cleanup sites. Your participation helped make this possible.
Let’s keep making a difference.
For upcoming cleanup opportunities, visit Love GIlroy Help Keep Our Community Clean.
| | Gilroy Celebrates Bike to Wherever Days | | |
Thank you to everyone who rolled through our annual Bike to Wherever Days Energizer Station!
Each year, the Gilroy Parks and Recreation Commission sets up an energizer station by the Christmas Hill Park levee to cheer on cyclists as they ride by. Riders stopped by for swag, morning snacks, and conversation, adding great energy to the day.
Bike to Wherever Days is a wonderful reminder of how biking brings people together, whether you’re commuting, heading to school, or simply enjoying the ride. It is also a good way to connect with nature and stay active.
A big shout-out to our City staff who stopped by to show their support. We loved seeing all of you, and we hope to welcome you back again next year!
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Making it Happen
Stories from City Hall
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Celebrating Building Safety Month
Spotlight on Our Building Division
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Behind every safe, successful project in Gilroy is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to make sure buildings meet safety standards and support the needs of our growing community. This Building Safety Month, we’re proud to recognize the incredible work of our Community Development Department Building Division, whose expertise, collaboration, and problem‑solving made the new Intuitive Surgical facility possible.
Last week, Gilroy staff toured Intuitive Surgical’s newly completed space in the McCarthy Business Park, a project our Building Division has been hands‑on with from the very first plan submittal to the moment the lights came on.
A Project Years in the Making
- Building permits for two industrial shell buildings were issued at the end of 2022, kicking off construction in 2023 and completion in 2024.
- In spring 2025, Intuitive Surgical, a global leader in robotic‑assisted, minimally invasive surgery, leased the 198,965 sq. ft. facility at 6503 Cameron Blvd.
- Tenant improvement plans followed soon after, and that’s where our Building Division truly shined.
Throughout 2025, staff partnered closely with the developer, architect, engineer, contractor, and the Intuitive team to streamline plan review and permitting, facilitate timely inspections, and keep the project moving, even when deadlines were tight. Their commitment ensured the project stayed on track, enabling Intuitive Surgical to complete their buildout in January 2026 and move in by the end of February.
Professionalism That Makes a Difference
The development team shared enthusiastic praise for our Building Division’s responsiveness, collaboration, and ability to problem‑solve quickly, from expediting critical permit documentation to coordinating final inspections. Feedback like this reflects what our staff does every day: protect the safety of our community while helping businesses succeed.
A Win for Gilroy’s Future
Intuitive Surgical’s new facility brings approximately 100 local jobs in office, assembly, testing, and warehouse operations. As a leader in medical robotics, best known for the da Vinci Surgical System, Intuitive’s presence strengthens Gilroy’s economy and contributes to innovation that impacts patients around the world.
We’re proud to welcome Intuitive Surgical to Gilroy, and even more proud of the Building Division team whose dedication made this milestone possible.
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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 app store), 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 some of the questions below, and look forward to more questions this week.
❓Most of the primary grocery stores are on First Street (i.e. Safeway, Nob Hill). Will we get a new grocery store near 10th and Auto Mall?
The City has not received any application for a new grocery store near Tenth Street and Automall Parkway. There are currently three grocery stores near this intersection. Arteaga’s Food Center is in the commercial center southeast of this intersection. Smart & Final is in the commercial center southwest of this intersection. And Grocery Outlet is in the commercial center northwest of this intersection. While there are currently no plans by any applicant to develop additional grocery stores, those interested may contact the Community Development Department's Planning Division at planningdivision@cityofgilroy.org.
❓Looks like PG&E is under grounding power poles on the corner of Santa Teresa and First Street where the big vacant lot is. I believe at one time townhomes were going to be built in this location. What is the current state of this site?
The City Council approved the Final Map and Property Improvement Agreement for the proposed project at the southeast corner of the Santa Teresa Blvd. and First Street intersection at the March 16, 2026, Council Meeting. The project includes 40 multifamily condominium parcels for up to 202 townhome units. To learn more about the project, you can view the staff report and Final Map in the Agenda Portal on the City’s website.
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Have you ever wondered about Gilroy's infrastructure, upcoming developments, municipal services, or important community events? Your curiosity fuels our mission to provide you with answers.
📢 How It Works:
Ask Away: Drop your questions in the “Ask Gilroy” survey form
We Answer: Each week, we'll pick a question and provide a detailed answer in our weekly email
Stay Informed: Sign up for our emails to access our answers and stay in the loop.
It's time to unlock the mysteries of Gilroy together! Let's dive into the heart of our community and discover what makes our city tick.
👉 Ready to ask? Drop your questions in the survey form linked below and let’s go! 🚀
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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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