Gilroy City Council establishes 30-day residency requirement for council election candidates

The City of Gilroy City Council meeting on May 19, 2025, focused on significant changes to the residency requirements for council members and addressed ongoing recruitment and retention efforts within the city.

One of the primary discussions centered around a proposed ordinance that would establish a residency requirement for council members seeking election in specific districts. The city attorney explained that California law allows cities to require candidates to reside in their district for a maximum of 30 days before filing nomination papers. The council debated whether to implement this maximum requirement or maintain the current standard, which does not specify a residency period.

Council members expressed differing opinions on the necessity of a 30-day residency requirement. Some argued that it would ensure candidates have a genuine connection to their district, while others felt that the existing process was sufficient and did not require changes. Ultimately, a motion was made to adopt the 30-day residency requirement, which passed with a vote of 5 to 2.

Following this decision, the council moved to read the ordinance by title only and waive further reading, which was unanimously approved. The ordinance will formalize the election of council members by six districts, establish boundaries, and outline the newly adopted residency requirement.

In addition to the residency discussion, the meeting included a public hearing on the city’s vacancies and recruitment efforts. The city staff presented information regarding compliance with Assembly Bill 2561, which mandates reporting on recruitment and retention strategies. This presentation aimed to address the city's ongoing challenges in filling positions and retaining employees.

The meeting concluded with a call for a break, after which the council resumed discussions on various city matters. The decisions made during this meeting are expected to impact the upcoming elections and the city's workforce management strategies.