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Gilroy issues Earth & Arbor Day proclamation; Sister Cities and Visit Gilroy share cultural and tourism updates
Summary
Mayor Greg Bozzo proclaimed April 22, 2026 as Earth and Arbor Day; Dave Peoples of the Gilroy Sister Cities Association reviewed exchange programs, ambassador travel and grant opportunities; Visit Gilroy reported website traffic up 55% and marketing wins including a platinum TV spot and expanded tourism listings.
The Gilroy City Council opened its April 20 meeting with a proclamation from Mayor Greg Bozzo declaring April 22, 2026 as Earth and Arbor Day and encouraging residents to participate in a tree‑planting event at Sunrise Park.
Public works staff noted the city maintains more than 16,000 trees and has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for 44 consecutive years; staff invited the public to a planting event April 22 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Dave Peoples, president of the Gilroy Sister Cities Association, gave an extended update on ongoing exchanges and the cultural ambassador program. He summarized recent delegations and visits (Azores, Takomachi, Japan), upcoming ambassador travel to the San Joaninhas Festival, and potential grant opportunities from FLAD for organizations with sister‑city ties.
"Our program in Gilroy, though it may be small, it is pretty dang mighty," Peoples said, listing recent student exchanges and conference participation. (Dave Peoples)
Frank Johnson of Visit Gilroy presented marketing results, including a 55% year‑over‑year increase in website traffic, more than 400 tourism listings and a platinum award for a new TV spot. Johnson described targeted influencer partnerships and a $14,000 advertising spend that the organization says yielded about $140,000 in hotel room sales.
"Our website is up 55% over last year," Johnson said, adding that Visit Gilroy is pursuing more video assets and partnerships to promote Gilroy as a value destination and regional hub. (Frank Johnson)
Both presentations were followed by applause from the council chamber and invitations for the public to attend the Sunrise Park event and Sister Cities activities.
What happens next: public works will staff the April 22 planting event; Sister Cities will proceed with ambassador and exchange planning; Visit Gilroy will continue marketing and report back on tourism outcomes.
