YOUR GUIDE TO CITY-RELATED NEWS AND EVENTS | | |
October 5, 2026 City Council Meeting Recap:
- The City Council adopted new development services user and regulatory fees based on findings from a recent fee study and report by an independent consultant. The study aimed to evaluate the true cost of providing services, target full cost recovery, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and update and simplify fee structures to improve permitting efficiency and cost transparency. The new fees will be effective January 1, 2027.
- The City Council adopted a resolution certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the 2026 update of the Gilroy Civic Center Master Plan, with a requirement that staff conduct a cost analysis of demolition versus restoration of Wheeler Auditorium before any additional work on the Master Plan.
- The City Council adopted a new Flag Flying Policy to replace the current one. The new policy establishes an updated process for reviewing, authorizing, displaying, and removing commemorative flags at City Hall.
- The City Council received the Gilroy Sports Park Ice Skating Facility Ad Hoc Committee report, which found that no economically feasible path currently exists to construct the Facility and recommended discontinuing active pursuit of the project. City Council directed staff to move forward with annexing the Gilroy Sports Park property through the Santa Clara County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), so that the site remains positioned for future development consistent with the Gilroy Sports Park Master Plan.
- The City Council approved a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The MOU makes several adjustments to terms and benefits, in addition to phased wage increases over the three-year term totaling 15%.
- The City Council unanimously adopted an Urgency Interim Ordinance temporarily prohibiting new detention and custodial facility development on public and private property within the City of Gilroy. This action follows a federal court order temporarily halting construction of the proposed federal detention facility outside Gilroy city limits in unincorporated Santa Clara County. This moratorium on detention and custodial facilities, adopted on Monday, takes effect immediately and remains in place for 45 days, with the potential for renewal for a total of up to two years.
| | Council Meeting Highlight: October 5, 2026 | |
Temporary Moratorium on New Detention and Custodial Facilities | | |
At its October 5 meeting, the Gilroy City Council unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new detention and custodial facility development on public and private property within Gilroy city limits. Effective immediately, the moratorium pauses the City’s acceptance and processing of applications for these facilities while it develops standards to address potential community impacts.
The action responds to concerns surrounding the proposed federal detention facility in unincorporated Santa Clara County, just outside Gilroy. In recent months, questions have been raised about whether a similar facility could be proposed within city limits. The Council’s decision reflects its commitment to hearing those concerns and taking action within the City’s authority to protect the community.
During the pause, the City will develop zoning, location, and operating standards for detention and custodial facilities. This work will address water and wastewater demands, traffic, security, and emergency response needs, giving the City time to evaluate how these facilities could affect residents and local services.
The moratorium builds on Council’s unanimous adoption in June of a resolution opposing the proposed federal detention facility outside Gilroy. It also sends a clear message that the City is taking action to protect the community and assert its authority over local land use decisions.
The moratorium does not apply to the proposed facility in unincorporated Santa Clara County because that property lies outside Gilroy’s city limits and jurisdiction. A federal court has temporarily halted construction of that facility, but the outcome of the litigation remains uncertain.
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Coffee with the Mayor
Saturday, October 10
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Join Mayor Greg Bozzo for coffee and conversation to discuss the future of Gilroy’s parks and recreation programs. He’ll be joined by the consultants working on the Recreation Division Assessment and the Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan.
There are few things that bring a community together quite like our parks and recreation spaces. They are where our children play, families spend time together, neighbors meet, and residents of all ages enjoy the outdoors. They are an important part of what makes Gilroy feel like home.
Learn about the investments we’re making today in our parks and recreation programs and the blueprints we’re creating for the future in this month’s Spotlight. Then join us for Coffee with the Mayor to provide your feedback on the activities and park upgrades you’d like to see in our community.
To ensure everyone can participate, we are offering automated Spanish-language interpretation services.
✅ Coffee with the Mayor
✅ Date: October 10, 2026
✅ Time: 9:30 AM
✅ Location: Council Chambers at Gilroy City Hall located at 7351 Rosanna Street
To learn more about the investments we’re making today in our parks and recreation programs and the blueprints we’re creating for the future, check out the Mayor’s Spotlight “Building the Future of Gilroy’s Parks and Recreation Together”.
| | Winter Storms Are Coming: Prepare Now | | |
Is your home ready for a strong storm? Severe weather can cause heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, landslides, and power outages. Getting your home ready helps protect you, your family, and your property.
Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing helpful information and resources to guide you through storm preparedness, everything from flooding zone maps, and emergency alert sign-ups to creating emergency and evacuation plans, and more.
Our goal is to make sure our residents feel ready for whatever the season brings.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as we head into winter weather:
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What You Need to Know About El Niño: El Niño warms the Pacific Ocean, and this year’s event is expected to be very strong through fall and winter. Its impacts will vary by region, but it can bring heavy rain, flooding, landslides, coastal damage, and changes in snow. Prepare for winter storms like you normally would, but with a little extra attention this year.
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Prepare Your Home: Trim trees and branches near your house. Before severe weather, tie down or remove loose items, close windows and doors, bring valuables inside, clear outside drains, seal cracks and holes, and clean out your gutters. For more information about preparing your home, view the Home Preparedness for Severe Storms Flyer.
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Know What Your Insurance Covers: Review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what types of water damage are included. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding. If you are unsure, contact your insurance agent and ask how flood insurance would cover what your current plan does not.
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Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Stay informed about weather conditions. Sign up for Nixle and AlertSCC.
If you want to learn more or sign up for emergency alerts, please visit the Storm & Cold Weather Safety webpage.
| | Voter Resources: We've Got You Covered | | |
Whether you need language assistance, help at the polls, or want to ensure your vote is counted, we’ve got you covered.
Learn more about your rights as a California voter below:
Language Assistance: Need help with your ballot? Get assistance in your preferred language with translated election information.
Disability Accommodations: Need special support? Santa Clara County provides a variety of options to help those with accessibility needs, including audio recordings of the County Voter Information Guide, and accessible voting machines.
Track Your Ballot: To ensure your vote gets counted, you can track your vote by mail ballot. The online system will provide confirmation when election officials have received and counted your vote.
To learn more about these resources, visit vote.santaclaracounty.gov.
| | Help Shape the Future of Recreation, Parks and Recreational Trails in Gilroy | | |
The City of Gilroy is conducting a Recreation Division Assessment and preparing a Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan and we’re looking for your input to help shape the future of the activities and parks in Gilroy.
We want to know your ideas for new classes, events, or activities. And we want to know what you’d like to see in the future of our parks and trails.
Your feedback is essential in helping us understand our community’s recreation needs, priorities, and dreams for the future.
So, join us, get involved, and help guide the future of recreation, parks, and recreational trails in Gilroy!
Cafecito (Spanish Meeting)
Friday, October 9, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
San Ysidro Park located at 7700 Murray Avenue
Coffee with the Mayor
Saturday, October 10, 2026
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
City Hall Council Chambers located at 7351 Rosanna Street
To learn more about these two initiatives or to provide your feedback online, visit www.cityofgilroy.org/ParksandRec.
Official Flyer for the Assessment and Master Plan
| | Cafecito, Lotería, and More: Join Us This October | | |
Join us at Cafecito on Friday, October 9, at San Ysidro Park, 7700 Murray Ave from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Gilroy Recreation Division will be sharing information about the Parks and Recreation Assessment and inviting the community to share input on what they would like to see in Gilroy.
Cafecito is designed to connect local Spanish-speaking residents with community information and resources. It’s a great way to meet neighbors, learn about important topics, and access local support. All are welcome to attend, and dinner will be provided.
The South County Youth Task Force has a full calendar of family-friendly events this October.
Upcoming Events:
Cafecito (Spanish Meeting)
Friday, October 9
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
San Ysidro Park, 7700 Murray Ave.
Spirit’s Night
Friday, October 23
5:30 PM- 8:30 PM
San Ysidro Park, 7700 Murray Ave.
Loteria Night
Friday, October 30
6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
San Ysidro Park, 7700 Murray Ave.
Cafecito Flyer
Spirit’s Night Flyer
Loteria Night Flyer
| | Thank You, Water Professionals, for Serving Our Community | | |
We continue to celebrate our team’s outstanding efforts and unwavering commitment to serving Gilroy residents. From after-hours service requests to daily operations, this team consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service.
Before water reaches your tap, our dedicated team works hard to keep water flowing, maintain vital systems, and ensure it is delivered where it’s needed. Through thoughtful planning, innovation, and preparation, they are building resilient water systems that will support generations to come.
A big, heartfelt shout-out to all our amazing water professionals! Your dedication truly makes a difference in our community.
| | Now Hiring: Supervising Code Enforcement Officer | | |
The City of Gilroy is excited to announce an opportunity for a Supervising Code Enforcement Officer in the Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division.
In this role, the Supervising Code Enforcement Officer will be responsible for a wide range of highly complex and sensitive code enforcement activities. The Officer will supervise a small team, organize, coordinate, direct, and participate in the required enforcement job functions that include investigating conditions, coordinating and preparing documents for various departments, initiating procedures and providing educational programs to abate violations involving zoning ordinances, building codes, housing codes, property maintenance, and other issues relating to residential, commercial, and industrial building health and safety, and other code compliance matters.
To apply or learn more about this opportunity, visit www.cityofgilroy.org/jobs
Application closes Friday, October 30, 2026.
| | Santa Teresa Fire Station Staffing Report | | |
Between September 25 and October 1, 2026, our firefighters staffed the Interim Santa Teresa Fire Station for 4 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.
| | Good Books, Great Conversations at the Gilroy Library | | |
For all the reading fanatics out there... Book Discussions are happening at the Gilroy Library.
Last week, we had the wonderful opportunity to stop by during one of the sessions. The room was filled with thoughtful conversations, ideas, and community connection. If you’re looking for a way to share your passion for reading and meet other community members, this is a great place to start.
There is always something exciting happening at the Gilroy Library. From book club discussions and knitting classes to helping residents learn how to use a computer, the library offers many opportunities to learn and explore new things every day.
Visit the Gilroy Library webpage to discover upcoming book discussions and other events.
| | 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 Wireless Facility at 401 First Street
In June 2025, the City Council approved an Architectural and Site Review Permit and a Variance Permit for a new wireless communications facility operated by Crown Castle for T-Mobile. The project will replace an existing 35-foot monopole with a new wireless tower facility, antennas, and associated equipment on a 0.22-acre site in the Neighborhood Commercial (C1) zoning district. The new tower will be designed as a monopine—a structure resembling a pine tree—to better complement and preserve the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
For additional details, please visit the Wireless Facility 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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