CDBG Public Comments 05 06 2024 9.1.pdfMay 6, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting
Item 9.1 CDBG
Public Comments
From: Angelica Torres <angiemtorr2005@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 8:36 AM
To: Housing <housing@cityofgilroy.org>
Subject: EXTERNAL - comment to support childcare in Gilroy
Hello.
I am a single parent in Gilroy. I understand the struggle of finding affordable child care in
this city. It is very challenging to balance work and parenting responsibilities when reliable
child care options are limited. The lack of affordable daycare options affects my ability to
maintain stable employment and also impacts the well-being of my child.
It's sad to see the community becoming less family friendly because of the declining child
care resources. Other cities in Santa Clara are prioritizing childcare. What can we do to
support the struggling daycares in our city?
I understand Upwards could be a solution. I’ve done research on their impact in other
states. They are filling gaps in other cities' child care services, and it's frustrating to see
them not receive the support they need to expand their services in Gilroy.
Gilroy needs to prioritize funding and resources to support initiatives geared toward
supporting child care that are essential for the working families in our city.
Thank you.
Angelica Torres
Agenda Item 9.1
From: Linda Timmons <lindatimmons28@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2024 7:28 PM
To: Housing <housing@cityofgilroy.org>
Subject: EXTERNAL - public comment
To whom it may concern,
The lack of accessible and affordable childcare options in Gilroy is concerning. As a parent
of three, it's incredibly frustrating to struggle and see other families struggling to find
quality care for their children.
Having reliable childcare impacts one’s ability to maintain stable employment. Without
accessible childcare options for all, our community becomes less welcoming for families
and puts additional strain on working parents.
I would like to see more support for childcare and childcare workers from our city officials.
Childcare affects families, businesses and the overall future of Gilroy. This is an extremely
important issue and I expect our own city decision makers to realize this and do something
about it.
Sincerely,
Linda Timmons
From: Karin Brown <brownkarin416@outlook.com>
Sent: Friday, May 3, 2024 4:56 PM
To: Housing <housing@cityofgilroy.org>
Subject: EXTERNAL - Comment for 5/6 public meeting
Dear Gilroy City Council Members,
As a resident of Gilroy, a working woman, and a concerned citizen, I am writing to bring
attention to the critical issue of affordable and accessible childcare in our city.
One of the most pressing issues is the exorbitant cost of childcare in Gilroy. Many families
are struggling to afford the steep prices associated with quality childcare facilities. The
financial burden is significant and often results in a substantial portion of income going
towards childcare expenses, leaving little room for other essential needs.
The availability of childcare slots is severely limited, with long waitlists being the norm
rather than the exception. This situation leaves parents in a constant state of uncertainty
and stress as they try to secure a safe and nurturing environment for their children while
balancing work and other responsibilities.
The lack of childcare options with flexible or extended hours presents a significant barrier
for working parents. Many are faced with inflexible work schedules that do not align with
traditional childcare operating hours, forcing them to seek alternative, often unreliable
arrangements or make difficult decisions regarding their employment.
It is imperative that the City Council takes proactive measures to address these pressing
childcare challenges. Access to affordable and high-quality childcare is not only crucial for
the well-being of our children but also essential for the economic stability of families and
the overall prosperity of our community.
I urge the City Council to prioritize the development of initiatives that promote the
expansion of affordable childcare options, reduce waitlists, and support flexible hours to
accommodate the needs of working parents. By investing in childcare infrastructure and
implementing supportive programs, Gilroy can become a more inclusive and thriving city
where families can thrive without sacrificing their financial security or career
advancement.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing positive steps taken to
address the childcare crisis in Gilroy.
Sincerely,
Karin Brown
From: Emma Clark <emmaclarkwrites@outlook.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 5, 2024 10:37
To: Housing <housing@cityofgilroy.org>
Subject: EXTERNAL - May 6 - public comment
Dear Gilroy decision makers,
I am writing to you today to shed some light on the state of childcare in our city. I am very
concerned about the challenges young parents are being faced with these days. And you
should be, too!
It's clear that there is a significant service gap, with many daycares operating under
capacity and families struggling to find affordable childcare options.
I recently heard about Upwards from a daycare owner who has been using their services
for a few months and seeing a lot of success. Why can't the city help provide this business
support to its businesses? Upwards could address the childcare service gap in Gilroy and
it's essential that our city’s leaders support initiatives like this to ensure the well-being of
our families and the success of our community.
It is my understanding that Upwards works with childcare providers to improve their
operations and connect them with families in need, helping fill their open spots, creating
full daycares. Providers need this support! However, without proper support from our city’s
leaders, initiatives like what Upwards offers cannot reach the full potential. I urge you to
prioritize funding and resources to support organizations like Upwards that are essential
for the success of Gilroy's childcare ecosystem.
Kindly,
Emma Clark