News/Blog

December 20, 2024

2024 End-of-year eNewsletter

By Brittney Sherman

As we close out another busy year, the Economic Development team would like to wish all of our businesses a happy and prosperous holiday season. We are grateful for the community’s continued support of the Economic Blueprint workplan, engagement during the Economic Mobility and Art Symposiums, and willingness to take the time out of your busy schedule to host us for a business visit. This final newsletter of the 2024-year highlights just a few of our accomplishments. 

We look forward to the New Year and our work ahead to support the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability and increase the number of local business services and job opportunities for all Morgan Hill residents.  

Read the eNewsletter HERE.

December 17, 2024

Federal dollars support crucial flood control project

By Brittney Sherman

Valley Water received a major boost for their Llagas Creek Flood Control Project, thanks to an $80 million grant from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The project is crucial to Morgan Hill in protecting homes, businesses, and farmland from flooding.

Construction on the final phase of the project is set to begin later this year and wrap up in March 2027. The project will involve channel widening, bridge modifications, and vegetation management. This project will not only provide much-needed flood protection but also restore the Llagas Creek ecosystem and enhance recreational trails.

Read the full article by Calvin Nuttall HERE

December 13, 2024

Early holiday retail sales exceed expectations

By Brittney Sherman

Despite the early arrival of major shopping holidays like Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday in December, November retail sales remained robust, according to the NRF/CNBC Retail Monitor. This activity indicates that consumers are still eager to spend, with online sales leading the charge. While some categories such as electronics and appliances experienced declines, overall retail sales are on track to meet 2024 holiday shopping predictions.

The NRF's optimistic forecast for the holiday season suggests a 2.5% to 3.5% increase in retail sales compared to the previous year. As the holiday season progresses, it will be interesting to see how consumer spending evolves and whether retailers can capitalize on the remaining shopping days to drive sales.

Read the full press release HERE

December 12, 2024

Grocery sales hit record number in November

By Brittney Sherman

Online grocery shopping continued its upward trajectory in November 2024, with sales surging 17.8% year-over-year to reach $9.6 billion. This growth was fueled by a significant increase in the number of households actively shopping online, as well as a surge in delivery sales, driven by aggressive promotions and subscription offers. While pickup and ship-to-home options also experienced growth, delivery remained the dominant force in the online grocery market. To retain customers and drive long-term growth, retailers are focusing on enhancing the online shopping experience through personalized recommendations, user-friendly interfaces, and loyalty programs.

Read the full article by Sommer Stockton HERE

December 05, 2024

California launches new framework to increase jobs

By Brittney Sherman

Governor Newsom has unveiled a new economic framework, California Jobs First, aimed at creating more jobs and driving sustainable economic growth throughout the state. This initiative emphasizes a bottom-up approach, involving input from local communities and experts in each of California's 13 economic regions.

The framework will guide investments in key sectors, categorized as "Strengthen," "Accelerate," "Bet," and "Anchor," to foster growth and create good-paying jobs for Californians. The state will invest $120 million over three years to support "ready-to-go" job-creating projects aligned with these priorities. This initiative builds upon previous efforts like the Community Economic Resilience Fund and leverages input from diverse stakeholders, including labor, business, and community organizations, to ensure a more inclusive and equitable economic future for all Californians.

Read the article HERE

November 19, 2024

By Brittney Sherman

Morgan Hill currently has 3,138 apartment units citywide, of which approximately 1,900 are affordable. Blieu Companies will hold a grand opening on Wednesday November 20 for their 73-unit multi-family affordable farmworker housing development called Royal Oak Village, which is the 4th affordable housing community the company has built-in Morgan Hill. Royal Oak Village consists of 73 affordable apartment units, with 30 units dedicated for farmworker families, 18 units set aside as Rapid Rehousing (RRH) units for homeless individuals and families, 24 units designated for individuals and families earning up to 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), and one on-site manager unit.

Read the full Press Release HERE.