Gilroy's Mayor Promises 'Rebuild' In State Of The City Address

GILROY, CA — In her 2021 State of the City address, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley pledged that the city will rebuild from back-to-back devastating events in the Gilroy Garlic Festival mass shooting in 2019 and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“We stand together, Gilroy Strong, as the damage from both events continues like a burning fire not yet contained,” Blankley said in the virtual speech on Mar. 4. “But from the ashes, we will rebuild.”

Blankley claimed that only supply limitations can constrain how quickly Gilroy residents are vaccinated against COVID-19, with a mass vaccination site at Gilroy High School up and running as well as mobile delivery of vaccines to those who are homebound.

“Support each other as we wait through this process, refrain from comparing who’s getting vaccinated first, and know that the unfortunate truth is that far more people have very valid reasons for needing to be vaccinated yesterday than there are vaccines thus far,” Blankley said.

The city has helped its hardest-hit residents and small businesses through general fund contributions, and it has assisted families who need help with rent and have food insecurities, the mayor said.

Gilroy’s city staff and service levels are expected to remain in place into the next fiscal year, though the city faces a roughly $3 million budget shortfall after using up its $5 million economic uncertainty reserve along with an increase in debt to CalPERS of more than $10 million.

Blankley ended her remarks by urging residents to remain civil and respectful during these uncertain and stressful times.

“Let’s remember that from our residents and small businesses, to our city employees, to our city council and school board members, we are all people — people trying to make ends meet, people doing our best with our own financial and emotional struggles, people trying to help one another, and people deserving of appreciation and respect no matter our diversity or our differing opinions,” Blankley said. “Remember to be kind.”

Read a full transcript of Blankley’s remarks in the Gilroy Dispatch and watch her speech here.