HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2026-08 | Resolution to Suspend Enforcement on 6th Street Encampment | Adopted 02/09/2026
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF GILROY TEMPORARILY STAYING THE
ENFORCEMENT OF CHAPTER FIVE OF THE GILROY
CITY CODE FOR THE 6TH STREET ENCAMPMENT
LOCATED ON ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER: 841-180-89
WHEREAS, 959 unhoused individuals in the City of Gilroy were counted in the 2025
Point-in-Time report issued by Santa Clara County, which is an 8% decrease from the 1,048
individuals counted in 2023, yet continues to reflect a significant unmet need for shelter and
housing resources; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy adopted a resolution endorsing the Santa Clara County
Community Plan to End Homelessness (2020-2025), which has guided the City and other
nonprofits, government entities, and community members as they work to address the needs of
unhoused individuals and is currently being updated; and
WHEREAS, the South County is currently served by two shelters: the Gilroy Armory
Shelter, a year-round shelter with a capacity of 100; and an inclement weather shelter, also
known as the Ochoa Center which operates mid-December through mid-March, with capacity to
accommodate 35 to 40 households with at least one minor dependent; and
WHEREAS, The City of Gilroy acknowledges the lack of shelter beds and housing
currently available regionally and recognizes the systemic lack of state and federal investment in
shelter and public health services for those experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy has two Quality of Life Officers in the Police
Department who among other duties assist in connecting unhoused individuals with service
providers and resources offered by the County of Santa Clara and nonprofit organizations and
assessing and mitigating health and safety concerns of the unhoused; and
WHEREAS, after two encampments were cleared on property belonging to the Santa
Clara Valley Water District, and Santa Clara County in November 2025, some unhoused
individuals encamped on City property abutting the 6th Street Bridge, just north of the Miller
Slough; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy and local service providers have supplied needed
services for unhoused individuals at the 6th Street Encampment since formation; and
WHEREAS, the 6th Street Encampment abuts the 6th Street Bridge and Chapter 5 of the
Gilroy City Code bans the use of bridges and certain other public rights-of-way for camping,
sleeping or living accommodations: and
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Resolution No. 2026-08
Resolution to Suspend Enforcement on 6th Street Encampment
City Council Regular Meeting | February 9, 2026
Page 2 of 4
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy issued a cleanup notice scheduled to occupants of the 6th
Street Encampment for February 3, 2026 (since extended to Feb. 18, 2026) in alignment with the
no camping provisions contained in Gilroy City Code Chapter 5; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy recognizes that the events that cause people to enter into
homelessness are complex, while also acknowledging that the Santa Clara County is not
equipped to provide living or sleeping opportunities for unhoused individuals in South County
that will remain secure, sanitary and safe; and
WHEREAS, Inhabitants of the 6th Street Encampment have attempted to self-govern so
as to minimize adverse impacts on their neighbors and the environment; and
WHEREAS, following issuance of notice of a planned February 3, 2026 clean-up,
several individuals and organizations spoke to the Council during public comment on January
26, 2026; and
WHEREAS, several individuals and organizations requested the City delay encampment
closure; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GILROY:
SECTION A. Based upon the facts stated in the recitals above, the City Council of the City of
Gilroy agrees that the encampment should be permitted to remain open for a period not to exceed
ninety (90) days from the adoption date of this resolution; and
SECTION B. Based upon the facts stated in the recitals above, the City Council of the City of
Gilroy hereby directs staff to temporarily suspend the abatement of the 6th Street Encampment
for a period of 90 days, during which time City staff will continue outreach, sanitation efforts,
and facilitate coordination with County and nonprofit service providers; and
SECTION C. This temporary delay is made without prejudice and with no guarantee that the
City, County, or any other agency or nonprofit organization will be able to provide supportive
living or safe sleeping opportunities for unhoused individuals in Gilroy (including those in the 6th
Street Encampment) in this time period or thereafter. It does not constitute a waiver of the City’s
right to enforce its ordinances to require clearance of the 6th Street Encampment or any public
property on which an individual or group may be violating Chapter 5 of the City Code. This
suspension may be ended at any time by the City Administrator if he determines that there is an
increased risk to public health or public safety that requires immediate enforcement; he has that
authority.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of February 2026 by the following roll call vote:
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Resolution No. 2026-08
Resolution to Suspend Enforcement on 6th Street Encampment
City Council Regular Meeting | February 9, 2026
Page 3 of 4
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BRACCO, CLINE, FUGAZZI, HILTON,
RAMIREZ, BOZZO
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MARQUES
APPROVED:
Greg Bozzo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kim Mancera, City Clerk
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Resolution No. 2026-08
Resolution to Suspend Enforcement on 6th Street Encampment
City Council Regular Meeting | February 9, 2026
Page 4 of 4
CERTIFICATE OF THE CLERK
I, KIM MANCERA, City Clerk of the City of Gilroy, do hereby certify that the attached
Resolution No. 2026-08 is an original resolution, or true and correct copy of a City Resolution,
duly adopted by the Council of the City of Gilroy at a Regular Meeting of said Council held
Monday, February 9, 2026 with a quorum present.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of the
City of Gilroy this Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
____________________________________
Kim Mancera
City Clerk of the City of Gilroy
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