News/Blog

January 05, 2023

Minimum wage increases to $15.50 regardless of employee count

By Brittney Sherman

Effective January 1, 2023, California’s minimum wage increases to $15.50. Where minimum wage has previously differed between employers with 25 employees and under and employers with 26 employees and over, in 2023 the wage rate is consolidated across the board. Most employers in California are subject to both the federal and state minimum wage laws. Although several cities across the state have adopted ordinances which establish a higher minimum wage rate for employees working within their local jurisdiction, the City of Morgan Hill follows the standard federal and state wage requirements.

Learn more about California’s minimum wage HERE.

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov

January 05, 2023

$120 million in tax credits now available

By Brittney Sherman

Has your company expanded or added quality, full-time jobs in California in the past year? If so, you might be eligible to receive a tax credit through Go-Biz and the Cal Competes program. A total of $304,727,233 in California tax credits has been allocated over three rounds during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This second round of credits represents the largest of the three, allocating up to $120 million. Applications for round two are now being accepted through Monday January 23. Learn more about the CalCompetes Tax Credit program HERE and start your online application HERE.

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov

January 04, 2023

MOHI Farms makes top (12) list

By Brittney Sherman

The Mercury News recently announced the top (12) most anticipated restaurant openings in the Greater Bay Area. Among those listed was Morgan Hill’s own MOHI Farm, a product of entrepreneur Frank Leal and the Live+Leal+Leal Hospitality brand. Read the full article HERE.

MOHI Farm is scheduled to open Spring 2023, at the corner of E. Third and Depot St in Downtown Morgan Hill. The restaurant will feature fresh and locally sourced ingredients, resulting in healthy and sustainable menu offerings. Learn more about MOHI Farm HERE.

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov

December 17, 2022

Safer air in, COVID out!

By Brittney Sherman

The County of Santa Clara Public Heath recently published three ways for small businesses to improve the quality of air inside their stores. Airborne viruses spread more easily indoors. Protect your employees and customers from the spread of viruses like COVID and the flu by taking these simple steps:

1. Open doors and windows- fresh air entering your store directly is best. Increase the circulation of air by placing a fan in an open window pointed outside to shift old air out and new air in.

2. DIY a filter-fan in just 10 minutes- all supplies can be purchased at a local hardware store for around $50. Follow the tutorial HERE.

3. Check and maintain HVAC systems- make sure air filters are clean and pointed in the right direction. Don’t forget to check that restroom and kitchen exhaust fans are operable.

Visit the SCCPHD website HERE to learn more about how you can protect yourself, your employees, and your customers during the winter months.

December 16, 2022

Seismic retrogrades to Anderson Dam are well underway

By Brittney Sherman

Progress is now visible at Anderson Dam, where crews have been digging a 24-foot high and 1,700-foot-long tunnel as part of an earthquake safety project estimated to cost $1.2 billion.

Federal dam safety regulators ordered Santa Clara County’s largest reservoir drained in 2020 for the purpose of reducing the risk of failure due to a major earthquake. The tunnel is projected to be completed in 2024 and will be followed by the construction of a new dam and spillway with the capacity to withstand a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

When Anderson Dam’s reservoir is full, it holds approximately 89,278 acre feet of water — more than the combined water storage of all other nine reservoirs in the district. For the past two years, the reservoir has been drained to 3% during a time when water is an expensive and scarce commodity. The retrofit project is estimated to be fully completed by 2032.

Read the Mercury Times article HERE.

December 15, 2022

2022 Economic Development Year in Review

By Brittney Sherman

Happy Holidays Morgan Hill Business Community! In lieu of a December eNewsletter, we have decided to produce a Year in Review. In this message you will find an overview of key Economic Development efforts, actions, and projects spanning the 2022 year. Thank you for your commitment to "Choose Morgan Hill!" We look forward to working with you and supporting your business in 2023.

Read the Year in Review HERE!

Matt Mahood and Brittney Sherman

Economic Development Team

City of Morgan Hill