I have lived in Gilroy for 30 years and have watched its population double. During that same time, the number of unhoused residents has nearly quadrupled.
Building new houses alone will not be enough to solve this problem. That is why it is important to have a Displacement Prevention Strategy in the current Housing Element that is meaningful and realistic.
The city’s current Housing Element has a Displacement Prevention Strategy now that identifies possible policies such as Just Cause Evictions, Relocation Assistance and Tenant Opportunity to Purchase. I encourage the city to evaluate these and other best practices to create a strong Displacement Prevention Strategy.
I hope that the city will conduct outreach to residents such as renters, farmworkers, seniors, people with disabilities and low-income multifamily households that are the most likely to be affected. I hope that communication is two-way and meaningful between the residents and city officials.
The Housing Element is commonly thought of only as a plan for housing production for different levels of income in our city. The goal of building new homes and the prevention of someone losing their existing home goes hand in hand.
A healthy housing system will have both strategies working together. It is important that Gilroy residents who are concerned about displacement prevention or housing issues in general communicate with the city council on this issue.
Gilroy’s strength comes through its people. We can protect the long-term residents by preventing displacement before it happens and preserve the uniqueness of Gilroy.
Joanne Fierro
Gilroy Housing Coalition
Before asking taxpayers to fund another study or outreach campaign, the city should focus on the facts and on its core responsibilities. Gilroy has already spent years studying housing issues, and more taxpayer-funded research is unlikely to produce new solutions. Instead of expanding government programs and encouraging continued high-density growth, the city should prioritize preserving Gilroy’s small-town character, protecting existing infrastructure, and maintaining public safety. Rapid growth places greater demands on roads, schools, water, police, and fire services, and many residents are concerned that unchecked development can strain these resources and reduce quality of life. Rather than spending more tax dollars on additional studies, the city should focus on responsible fiscal management and ensuring that any future growth is sustainable and supported by adequate infrastructure. Gilroy is a bedding community for the Bay Area and nobody takes pride in their city anymore.