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Popular Makers Market returns for a 4th season

Popular Makers Market returns for a 4th season

By Brittney Sherman

What started out as a way to support local home-based makers and brick n mortar retailers during the pandemic, has since morphed into a beloved community event embodying the Buy Local spirit. The Grand Opening of the 4th season of Sidewalk Saturdays will kick-off on Saturday April 1 and feature over 20 vendors. The 2023 Spring season will take place every Saturday between April 1-June 24, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., on 3rd street in Downtown Morgan Hill. To learn more about the event or become a vendor, visit the Sidewalk Saturday’s website.

 
Morgan Hill receives two grants to bolster decarbonization plan

Morgan Hill receives two grants to bolster decarbonization plan

By Brittney Sherman

The City of Morgan Hill adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2021, which included a key central goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reaching carbon neutrality by 2045 and working toward this goal through several sub-goals, action items, and planning efforts. Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) awarded the City two grants, which strategically align with the CAP goals. 

The first grant will help fulfill the CAP goal of "converting all municipal buildings to "all-electric" by 2035" through the development of a new "all-electric" Fire Station and interpretive meeting area in the adjacent park space. The City's new Fire Station is anticipated to open in late 2024. The second grant will help implement the CAP's outreach, education, and engagement initiatives by supporting community activities related to climate change.

 
$4M grant awarded for Monterey Road improvements

$4M grant awarded for Monterey Road improvements

By Brittney Sherman

After a long and highly competitive process, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission awarded the City of Morgan Hill a nearly $4 million grant to improve Monterey Road. The grant is designed to support the resurfacing of the roadway, restriping of improved bicycle lanes, installation of missing sidewalks, upgrades to pedestrian ramps, and installation of new medians. The improvements aim to increase safety for all vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. 

The City of Morgan Hill has dedicated resources over the last several years to improving its roadways, resulting in a robust maintenance program and ongoing bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements. The City’s Vision Zero Policy is a core driver of these efforts. The City also continues to make distinguishable efforts in identifying and applying for competitive grants to ensure the residents benefit from Regional, State, and Federal transportation dollars. The improvements to Monterey Road are anticipated to begin in 2025. The City plans to establish and share a detailed schedule and list of impacts before construction commences. 

 
The rising trend of on-site daycare

The rising trend of on-site daycare

By Brittney Sherman

During the pandemic one-third of women left the workforce due to childcare challenges, and many have not yet returned. Providing on-site daycare has become the newest company benefit in an effort to entice workers back to the office. The Biden administration’s recent announcement requiring CHIPS Act funding recipients to provide access to high-quality and affordable childcare, is sparking a similar conversation in the private sector. Between April 2021- September 2022, the number of employers providing daycare services doubled when compared to pre-pandemic years. Companies now offering on-site childcare services are seeing an uptick in attraction and retention of employees, but state regulations and a six percent decrease in childcare workers pose challenges for many employers trying to implement the benefit.

 
Startup applications have jumped steadily since 2020

Startup applications have jumped steadily since 2020

By Brittney Sherman

Approximately 430,000 new employer identification numbers were applied for nationwide during the month of February. The number of business startups jumped in 2020, as employees left larger companies to focus on the development of their own companies. The number of February nationwide startups grew 1.9 percent over last month, with Western states leading the application growth at 8 percent compared to January. The largest gains in startups can be seen in the healthcare, wholesale trade, and professional services sectors. Over the next 8 quarters, the Census Bureau projects another 4.2 percent increase in U.S. business formations.

 
From office to housing in one step

From office to housing in one step

By Brittney Sherman

The “Office to Housing Conversion Act” is a state bill that would limit and potentially block a City’s ability to delay conversions from office-to-housing. The Act would block unnecessary review requirements, eradicate City zoning restrictions not supporting the conversion, and require 10% of the project to be affordable. To further spur conversions, the Act would also provide a grant funding mechanism through the "California Downtown Recovery Catalyst Fund.” In 2022, California approved a budget of $400 million to incentivize developers, however the combined challenges of labor shortages, materials, and retrofitting challenges have kept conversion projects to a minimum……for now.

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