News/Blog

News and thoughts from our staff

January 28, 2026

Morgan Hill Destination Guide Launches!

By Brittney Sherman

Visit Morgan Hill has officially launched its first Destination Guide, a new print and digital publication designed to showcase what makes Morgan Hill a year-round destination. Covering food and wine, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, festivals, and the downtown experience, the guide highlights the depth and variety of experiences available across Morgan Hill.

The 2026–2027 Destination Guide features original storytelling, local perspectives, and professional photography developed in partnership with Wanderlust Content Studio. It is being distributed throughout Santa Clara County and the greater Bay Area, including hotels, welcome centers, and major travel gateways, and is timed to reach visitors during peak travel and major regional events.

The guide reflects the growing interest in Morgan Hill as a place to visit, stay, and explore, while spotlighting the local businesses and amenities that make the city distinctive.

To view the digital guide or learn more about Visit Morgan Hill, click HERE!.

January 19, 2026

Trump administration sues Morgan Hill

By Brittney Sherman

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against Morgan Hill and Petaluma, challenging local ordinances that restrict natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The lawsuit argues that the cities’ all-electric policies are preempted by federal law, which governs energy standards for appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves.

Federal officials contend the ordinances limit consumer choice and increase costs, while the cities have said the policies were adopted to reduce emissions and are not currently being enforced as the legal issues play out.

Read more HERE!

January 15, 2026

Mega events, supply growth and pricing power to shape western U.S. hotel scene

By Brittney Sherman

Hotel performance in the western U.S. is increasingly diverging, shaped by event-driven demand on one hand and new room supply on the other. Gateway markets with global connectivity are expected to continue outperforming, led by San Francisco–San Mateo.

San Francisco is positioned for another year of solid hotel growth in 2026, supported by a recovering convention calendar, major events, rising international visitation, and limited new hotel supply. While growth is expected to moderate from the strong rebound seen in 2025, gains in occupancy and average daily rates are projected to support continued improvement in revenue per available room.

Other large markets, including Los Angeles, are seeing similar dynamics as major sporting events help offset new supply. By contrast, secondary California markets such as Sacramento and Oakland face headwinds, with new hotel deliveries outpacing demand growth and putting downward pressure on occupancy and pricing.

Read More HERE!

January 12, 2026

VTA approves design contract for Coyote Valley wildlife crossing

By Brittney Sherman

Planning is underway for a new wildlife crossing in Coyote Valley, with construction potentially beginning around 2028.

In January, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority approved an $8.7 million design contract for the U.S. 101/Monterey Road Wildlife Crossings Project. The proposed crossing, located near Fisher Creek and Monterey Road, would allow wildlife to safely cross Highway 101, Monterey Road, and the Union Pacific rail line.

Coyote Valley serves as an important habitat corridor for species such as deer, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Increased traffic has led to more wildlife-vehicle collisions, creating safety risks for both animals and motorists.

The project, long supported by conservation groups including the Peninsula Open Space Trust, aims to improve roadway safety while preserving ecological connectivity in southern Santa Clara County.

January 08, 2026

US office leasing up in past year

By Brittney Sherman

Office leasing activity improved in 2025, with tenants signing an estimated 410 million square feet nationwide, a modest rebound from 2024’s 15-year low. Leasing gained momentum over the course of the year, closing with three consecutive quarters above 100 million square feet for the first time since 2022, signaling gradual recovery from post-pandemic weakness.

Despite the increase in total volume and a high number of transactions, the recovery remains uneven. Roughly 30,000 lease deals were signed in 2025—above pre-pandemic norms—but average lease sizes continued to shrink, at about 3,500 square feet, well below late-2010s levels. This combination of higher deal counts and smaller spaces reflects ongoing caution among office tenants and a fragmented recovery across markets.

Read more HERE!

January 01, 2026

Morgan Hill community helps budget shortfall with new app

By Brittney Sherman

The City of Morgan Hill has introduced an online budget simulator to involve residents in addressing a $4 million structural deficit. Launched in late November, the tool allows users to test different combinations of service changes and revenue adjustments to balance the General Fund budget.

In its first two weeks, the simulator drew more than 400 users. City finance staff say the tool is designed to educate the public about how the city’s budget works, highlight the limited share of local tax revenue the city receives, and gather community input on potential solutions. The simulator presents a range of options—from significant service reductions to more moderate changes paired with tax increases—each with explanations of their potential impacts.

Participate HERE!