Gilroy council selects Map F for district elections, sets sequencing and 30‑day residency rule

The Gilroy City Council on May 19 selected “Map F” as the city’s district map to replace at-large elections and set the sequence for the first district elections, voting 7‑0 to advance the ordinance that will put the new system into effect.

The council also decided that Districts 4, 5 and 6 will be the three districts on the ballot in November 2026 and adopted a 30‑day residency requirement for candidates seeking a district seat. The residency rule passed 5‑2. The council then voted 7‑0 to introduce an ordinance (read by title) that will formalize district elections and the sequencing the council approved.

Map selection and why it matters

Liz (staff member) presented two final draft maps — “Draft D” and “Draft F” — showing their population deviations and how they split neighborhoods. Draft D had a total deviation of about 7.5 percent and was drawn to keep many East‑side neighborhoods intact, while Draft F had a 9.9 percent deviation (under the 10 percent threshold the city used) and split some eastern neighborhoods while creating what staff said would still be four majority‑Latino citizen‑voting‑age districts. Liz told the council the maps used recognizable lines such as Hecker Pass and Monterey Road when possible.

Councilmember Klein moved to select Map F; Councilmember Fugazi seconded. The motion passed 7‑0.

The council heard extensive public testimony during the hearing. Supporters of Map D — including several East‑side residents and community advocates — argued the East Side is a distinct “community of interest” that should remain whole so residents there have an unbroken voice on the…