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Morgan Hill receives two grants to bolster decarbonization plan

Morgan Hill receives two grants to bolster decarbonization plan

By Brittney Sherman

The City of Morgan Hill adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2021, which included a key central goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reaching carbon neutrality by 2045 and working toward this goal through several sub-goals, action items, and planning efforts. Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) awarded the City two grants, which strategically align with the CAP goals. 

The first grant will help fulfill the CAP goal of "converting all municipal buildings to "all-electric" by 2035" through the development of a new "all-electric" Fire Station and interpretive meeting area in the adjacent park space. The City's new Fire Station is anticipated to open in late 2024. The second grant will help implement the CAP's outreach, education, and engagement initiatives by supporting community activities related to climate change.

 
$4M grant awarded for Monterey Road improvements

$4M grant awarded for Monterey Road improvements

By Brittney Sherman

After a long and highly competitive process, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission awarded the City of Morgan Hill a nearly $4 million grant to improve Monterey Road. The grant is designed to support the resurfacing of the roadway, restriping of improved bicycle lanes, installation of missing sidewalks, upgrades to pedestrian ramps, and installation of new medians. The improvements aim to increase safety for all vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. 

The City of Morgan Hill has dedicated resources over the last several years to improving its roadways, resulting in a robust maintenance program and ongoing bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements. The City’s Vision Zero Policy is a core driver of these efforts. The City also continues to make distinguishable efforts in identifying and applying for competitive grants to ensure the residents benefit from Regional, State, and Federal transportation dollars. The improvements to Monterey Road are anticipated to begin in 2025. The City plans to establish and share a detailed schedule and list of impacts before construction commences. 

 
The rising trend of on-site daycare

The rising trend of on-site daycare

By Brittney Sherman

During the pandemic one-third of women left the workforce due to childcare challenges, and many have not yet returned. Providing on-site daycare has become the newest company benefit in an effort to entice workers back to the office. The Biden administration’s recent announcement requiring CHIPS Act funding recipients to provide access to high-quality and affordable childcare, is sparking a similar conversation in the private sector. Between April 2021- September 2022, the number of employers providing daycare services doubled when compared to pre-pandemic years. Companies now offering on-site childcare services are seeing an uptick in attraction and retention of employees, but state regulations and a six percent decrease in childcare workers pose challenges for many employers trying to implement the benefit.

 
How would you activate Downtown?

How would you activate Downtown?

By Brittney Sherman

In January 2022, the City Council approved the creation of a Downtown community parklet project to create additional community space. City staff would like to hear your thoughts about the ideas to program the community parklet, as well as explore other Downtown activation ideas. Please join us for a presentation at the Community and Cultural Center El Toro Room on Monday March 6, 2023. Meetings will be held in-person and via zoom from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. and from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. If you have questions, or would like to share feedback and ideas directly via email, please reach out to Brittney.sherman@morganhill.ca.gov

Join the webinar from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. HERE

Join the webinar from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. HERE

 
The state of Silicon Valley

The state of Silicon Valley

By Brittney Sherman

Even when considering the California exodus, tech sector layoffs, and headquarter relocations, the state of Silicon Valley is not all doom and gloom. Since June 2022, Silicon Valley has added 88,000 new jobs and has a current unemployment rate of 2%. Between 2020-2022, approximately 91,000 people left Silicon Valley, however 50% of them still live within driving distance. The recently announced 11,000 tech layoffs represent 0.7% of Silicon Valley’s total employment and experts predict the final layoff percentage to come in somewhere around 2%. Silicon Valley lost four major headquarters, but experienced 20,000 patent registrations: one of the highest numbers in the Valley’s history.

Every February Joint Venture Silicon Valley produces the Silicon Valley index, which measures the strength of our economy and the health of our community through research and indicator tracking. The index highlights challenges, celebrates wins, and provides an analytical foundation for decision-making. Go HERE to download your copy of the index or take a deep into the hard data and charts.

 
Makers Market opens for 6th season

Makers Market opens for 6th season

By Brittney Sherman

We are now accepting vendor applications for the Spring 2023 Sidewalk Saturday Season! Started in 2020 to support home-based and retail small businesses through the pandemic, Sidewalk Saturdays has morphed into a beloved community event embodying the Buy Local spirit. This popular maker’s market located on 3rd street in Downtown Morgan Hill, features anywhere from 15-25 vendors. The 12-week season occurs every Spring and Fall, between 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Learn more about Sidewalk Saturdays and submit your application HERE!

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Coordinator Brittney Sherman at Brittney.sherman@morganhill.ca.gov

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