Hollister City Council repeals 2040 general plan after successful referendum petition

In a pivotal meeting on March 3, 2025, the Hollister City Council addressed significant community concerns regarding the city's growth and development plans. The council confirmed that a referendum petition had successfully gathered 2,846 valid signatures, surpassing the required 2,313, allowing discussions to move forward regarding the controversial 2040 General Plan update.

The council was presented with three options: rescind the resolution that adopted the 2040 General Plan, place the rescission on a future general election ballot, or call for a special election. The costs associated with these options varied significantly, with a standalone special election estimated to cost between $350,000 to $450,000, while consolidating the vote with a primary election could reduce costs to approximately $40,000 to $50,000.

Public comments during the meeting reflected widespread frustration among residents, many of whom felt that their voices had been ignored in previous decisions. Speakers emphasized the need to uphold the referendum and rescind the 2040 General Plan, which they argued would lead to unsustainable growth and strain on local infrastructure. Many residents expressed concerns about the potential annexation of 3,000 acres of agricultural land, fearing it would disrupt the community's character and lead to increased traffic and environmental degradation.

After extensive public input, the council unanimously voted to repeal the 2040 General Plan, signaling a commitment to prioritize community voices and slow growth initiatives. Council members acknowledged the importance of listening to constituents and expressed a desire to develop a new plan that reflects the community's needs and values.

The meeting concluded with a call for further direction on how to handle pending annexation and general plan amendment applications, as the city now reverts to operating under the previous 2005 General Plan until a new framework is established. This decision marks a significant shift in Hollister's approach to urban planning, emphasizing community engagement and sustainable development practices.