"Ask Gilroy" Your City, Your Questions!

We're thrilled to unveil a new community engagement initiative aimed at addressing your questions and providing valuable insights about our city.Ask Gilroy

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!

ASK GILROY SURVEY FORM


Thank you to everyone who submitted questions this week!

We've provided answers to some of the questions below and we look forward to more questions this week! 

You Asked. We Answered. (Q&A)

Question Answer 
Week of March 13, 2026  
Which council members live in districts 4, 5, and 6?
Have those members indicated they will be running for election in these districts?
 Council Members and those wishing to run for office can file their intent to run, but they can’t be officially qualified to run for office until the nomination period opens on July 13, 2026. Once candidates are qualified, their names and the district they are running in will be posted to the City’s website: www.cityofgilroy.org/362/Elections-Voter-Information
For privacy and safety reasons, the City does not disclose the residential locations of Council Members or confirm the districts in which they currently reside. However, when individuals become qualified candidates, the district they are running in will be publicly available.
As a reminder, Districts 4, 5, & 6 will be on the ballot in 2026, and Districts 1, 2, & 3 will be on the ballot in 2028. The Mayor’s seat will continue to be elected at-large and will be on the ballot in 2028.
The Mayor and six Council Members remain committed to serving the entire community. Together, they set policies, goals, and direction for the City of Gilroy as a whole.
Week of March 6, 2026  
Has the power impacts of the upcoming data center been determined and mitigated with PGE? Over the last few years power outages have become the norm here in Gilroy and with the data center being approved for construction I'm hoping that our infrastructure is being upgraded ahead of it going online. Any type of proactive update would be greatly appreciated.   Thank you for your question and for sharing your concerns about power reliability in Gilroy. We understand how important it is for residents to feel confident that new developments, like the approved data center, will not add strain to the existing electrical system.
As part of the project’s first phase, a new, dedicated electrical substation will be constructed to supply the data center with the power it needs at full buildout (98 megawatts). This means the electricity delivered to the data center will come through infrastructure designed specifically for the project, rather than from the existing distribution system that serves Gilroy homes and businesses. This approach is intended to help ensure that the data center’s power needs do not reduce the electricity available to current PG&E customers.
More information about the project and its power infrastructure is available on the City’s project webpage, including a detailed fact sheet that outlines these points and other key considerations.
To learn more, please visit the project page and view the fact sheet here: www.cityofgilroy.org/1019/Gilroy-Data-Center-by-AWS
Week of Feb 27, 2026  
In a previous “Ask Gilroy” you mentioned that plans were under way to fix the fence along the 3rd street trail and the dog park. When do you anticipate the work to begin. The fence is continuing to deteriorate.  Last year, the City identified the need to repair the concrete fencing in and around Hecker Pass Park, including missing and broken rails and posts. Our team is currently preparing the required documents to formally solicit proposals from contractors this month (February). This work will include the removal and replacement of approximately 2,700 feet of precast concrete fencing, with the project anticipated to begin this coming summer. The City will make every effort to limit disruptions to park patrons throughout the project. 
Week of February 20, 2026  
In a previous “Ask Gilroy” you mentioned that plans were under way to fix the fence along the 3rd street trail and the dog park. When do you anticipate the work to begin. The fence is continuing to deteriorate.  Last year, the City identified the need to repair the concrete fencing in and around Hecker Pass Park, including missing and broken rails and posts. Our team is currently preparing the required documents to formally solicit proposals from contractors this month (February). This work will include the removal and replacement of approximately 2,700 feet of precast concrete fencing, with the project anticipated to begin this coming summer. The City will make every effort to limit disruptions to park patrons throughout the project. 
Week of Feb 13, 2026  
I live across the street from Crest Hill park. A lot of people walk around the park , some walking their dogs. Can anything be done to stop the kids on e-bike and e-scooters from flying around on the sidewalks? It's very dangerous for people walking and also scares the dogs. I think they should be limited to riding on the street. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns regarding e-bikes and e-scooters in the area of Crest Hill Park. We understand the safety concerns associated with riders traveling at higher speeds on sidewalks, particularly in areas with significant pedestrian activity, including families, individuals walking dogs, and other park users.
Under California law, motorized scooters (including most stand-up electric scooters) are generally prohibited from being operated on sidewalks pursuant to California Vehicle Code §21235(g). Electric bicycles are regulated differently and are typically treated similarly to traditional bicycles under state law; however, sidewalk use may be governed by local municipal code depending on the jurisdiction. Regardless of the device type, all riders are required to operate in a safe manner, yield to pedestrians, and obey applicable traffic laws.
From an enforcement standpoint, officers must rely on existing state law and local ordinances when taking enforcement action. While we recognize the desire to restrict riding on sidewalks, law enforcement cannot independently prohibit activity unless it is specifically addressed by statute or municipal code. In many cases, enforcement is based on observable violations such as unsafe speed, reckless operation, failure to yield to pedestrians, or unlawful operation of a motorized scooter on a sidewalk. Additionally, distinguishing between different classifications of e-bikes can be challenging in the field unless unsafe behavior is clearly observed.
Although this concern has been raised regarding the Crest Hill Park area, it is part of a broader city-wide issue related to the growing popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters. Our department continues to receive similar concerns from multiple neighborhoods, and we are addressing these issues through a combination of education, directed enforcement, and community engagement when staffing and call volume allow.
We will share this information with patrol staff for increased awareness and directed patrol when feasible. If there are specific days, times, or patterns you have noticed, that information is helpful in allowing us to deploy resources more effectively. If you observe behavior that presents an immediate safety hazard, please contact our non-emergency dispatch line so an officer can respond as available.
We appreciate you taking the time to report your concerns and for helping us maintain a safe environment for all community members. 
Week of Feb 6,2026  
When I pay my Utility Bill, I am charged a $1 fee for autopayment. Why is this $1.00 charge not included on the monthly utility statement? I understand there’s a higher processing fee for using a credit card. Thank you. The $1.00 fee is a fixed flat fee for all e-check/ACH payment transactions. The fee is assessed by the merchant processor for utilizing the online payment services, and the City does not retain any portion of these fees. Thus, the reason it is not listed on the Utility Statement.
Is there a city plan for a farmers market. I know through many conversations with people that a farmers market, possibly in gourmet ally would be a delight. A possibility could be Sundays to accommodate people who want to support Morgan hill and Gilroy.   As part of the City of Gilroy’s 2040 General Plan, Environmental Justice section 2.3, farmers markets are encouraged in Gilroy to improve access to healthy foods, health services, and resources to enhance quality of life. At this time, the City has received a special event application for a weekly farmers market, this is currently under review. 
Week of January 30,2026  
When is the next volunteer Gilroy trash clean-up? Could you provide a schedule?  The City of Gilroy offers regular volunteer trash clean-up opportunities throughout the year through the Love Gilroy program. These community clean-ups help keep parks, creeks, and public rights-of-way clean while supporting environmental stewardship and community pride.
2026 Gilroy Volunteer Cleanup Schedule
Las Animas Park Cleanup
Saturday, March 7, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Meet in the parking lot at the corner of Mantelli Drive and Floral Street.
National River (Uvas Creek) Cleanup Day
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Additional details will be shared in the weeks leading up to the event.
San Ysidro Park Cleanup
Saturday, July 11, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Meet at the park entrance near Murray Avenue & Chestnut Street.
Coastal Cleanup Day (Uvas Area)
Saturday, September 19, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Additional details will be shared in the weeks leading up to the event.
The City is happy to coordinate large group special clean-up events for neighborhoods, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, or other community groups. Requests may be submitted through the Volunteer Inquiry Form.
Additionally, community members interested in taking on a leadership role may apply to serve as a Volunteer Clean-Up Lead, helping support and coordinate clean-up efforts citywide. Interested individuals may apply directly through CivicRec.
Any updates on the Gilroy Ice Rink? Due to an increase in the estimated construction costs for the Gilroy Ice Center, as presented to the City Council in June of 2025, a funding gap currently exists. To address this funding gap, the Council formed an ad hoc committee to evaluate the project’s financial feasibility. The committee, City staff, and Sharks Sports & Entertainment are actively exploring solutions to close this funding gap and keep the project moving forward.
Week of January 16, 2026  
Is the Gourmet Alley for street vendors with permits to set up? Or only for business that are located there already? How about small business's to set up and sell small items that have permits?  Only those with approved special event permits may set up in Gourmet Alley. To apply for a special event permit, please visit Special Event Permits | Gilroy, CA - Official Website.
Week of January 9, 2026  
Can someone please give a concise explanation why they are not building the new business square and fire department in Glen Loma? I’m sure you can’t speak about it for legal reasons but there must be something you can tell the public that gives us answers and does not pose a legal quandary. Inquiring minds want to know. Thank You.  The City approved the Glen Loma Ranch Specific Plan in 2005 to establish a framework for a complementary mix of uses in the neighborhoods. While commercial uses were evaluated in the environmental assessment, they were not mandated by the Specific Plan. Instead, the Plan allowed flexibility by permitting a range of uses.

 
Currently, the Glen Loma Ranch development is building out at a lower intensity than originally anticipated, with residential uses and no commercial uses in the Town Center Flex area. The current proposal remains consistent with the Specific Plan, as the Plan permits a range of uses and does not require commercial development in the Town Center Flex area.

As for the fire station, the proposed Santa Teresa Fire Station will be located on a 1.36-acre parcel at the southeast corner of West Luchessa Avenue and Miller Avenue in the Glen Loma Ranch Area. On August 18, 2025, the City Council approved entering into an agreement with Griffin Structures, Inc for Construction Management with Master Architectural Services for the station. The project is currently in the design phase and is anticipating ground-breaking by December 2026.
Week of December 12, 2025   
Why does the signal light at Santa Teresa Blvd and Day Rd West ALWAYS take SO LONG in the southbound direction especially in the afternoon commute? It also takes a long time making the left from eastbound Day Rd to northbound Santa Teresa Blvd. It has been like this for several weeks now

The traffic signal at Santa Teresa Boulevard and Day Road recently experienced an equipment failure with the video detection system. Due to the failure, the signal has been placed on a timer, resulting in less-than-desirable signal timing and traffic congestion.
City staff are actively working with the traffic signal maintenance contractor to address this issue. Replacement parts are on their way, and installation is anticipated to be completed by mid-December.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your continued patience as we complete this work.