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Policy proposals

Ideas for a better Morgan Hill, on the record.

These are policy ideas I have formally asked the City Council to take up as future agenda items. Each one is listed with a plain-language summary and where it stands, from first request to final vote.

How it works

What is a “future agenda item”?

A future agenda item is a formal request by a councilmember or the Mayor to place a topic on an upcoming City Council agenda. It is how a new idea starts its path toward becoming city policy.

Making a request does not change any law. It asks the full Council to decide whether the topic deserves study. If the Council agrees, city staff research the issue, gather public input and return with options. Any new policy or ordinance is then discussed in a public meeting and adopted only by a vote of the Council.

In short: these are proposed future agenda items for City Council consideration and possible policy adoption.

  1. Proposed

    I have formally requested that the City Council consider this item at a future meeting.

  2. In Process

    The Council has agreed to move forward. Staff or a committee are researching, drafting and gathering public input.

  3. Adopted

    The City Council has voted to approve it, and it is now city policy or law.

Current list

Policy proposals and their status

Showing all 6 items

Business & downtown

Proposed

Review of the A-Frame Sign Ordinance

Review the city’s rules for A-frame (sandwich board) signs to better support local businesses while keeping sidewalks safe and attractive.

  1. Proposed
  2. In Process
  3. Adopted
Read the full proposal

What it would do

  • Evaluate the current A-frame sign regulations.
  • Identify ways to better support local businesses while maintaining public safety and aesthetic standards.
  • Explore possible amendments for City Council consideration.

Proposed next step

Form an ad hoc committee with representatives from the Morgan Hill Downtown Association, the Chamber of Commerce, downtown business owners, the Mayor and one additional City Council member to gather input and make recommendations to the Council.

Public safety

Proposed

Bicycle and E-Bike Takeovers

Make it a violation of city ordinance to take part in a bicycle or e-bike “takeover” that puts people or property at risk.

  1. Proposed
  2. In Process
  3. Adopted
Read the full proposal

What it would do

  • Covers organized, planned or spontaneous takeover events.
  • Applies to riding a bicycle or e-bike in a way that shows willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.

Neighborhoods

In Process

A Clear, Enforceable Blight Policy

Create a clear definition of blight, with fair and consistent standards for keeping up residential, commercial and industrial properties.

  1. Proposed
  2. In Process
  3. Adopted
Read the full proposal

What it would do

  • Set objective standards for property upkeep.
  • Address deteriorated or unsafe conditions.
  • Define expectations that may include landscaping, structural integrity, debris removal and overall appearance.
  • Provide a fair, transparent framework for enforcement.

Why it matters

A defined standard protects neighborhood quality, builds community pride, makes sure rules are applied equally, and guides future code compliance work.

Recreation & economy

Proposed

Indoor Sports and Recreation Complex

Explore how the city can start, encourage or support an indoor sports and recreation complex, on public or private land.

  1. Proposed
  2. In Process
  3. Adopted
Read the full proposal

What it would do

  • Evaluate options independent of current zoning constraints.
  • Expand year-round local recreation for residents.
  • Strengthen Morgan Hill’s position as a regional sports destination.

Why it matters

An indoor complex would attract volleyball, basketball and other tournaments, training events and year-round activities. Visitors stay overnight, eat in local restaurants and shop in town, which grows both hotel tax (TOT) and sales tax revenue.

Neighborhoods & business

In Process

Pop-Up and Street Vendor Standards

Set reasonable local rules for pop-up and street vendors selling food, flowers and other goods across the city.

  1. Proposed
  2. In Process
  3. Adopted
Read the full proposal

What it would do

  • Covers push carts, BBQ pits, grills, food trailers, food carts and other setups used to sell food, flowers, retail items and services.
  • Uses the regulations California law allows cities to set and enforce.

Why it matters

Street vending is legal under state law, but cities may set certain rules for health, safety and access. Clear standards protect customers, neighborhoods and the vendors themselves.

Arts & culture

Adopted

Public Art Funding Policy

A dedicated funding source so that new construction helps pay for public art across Morgan Hill.

  1. Proposed
  2. In Process
  3. Adopted
Read the full proposal

What it would do

  • All new residential and commercial construction contributes to public art.
  • Supports murals, sculpture and installations that reflect the community.

Why it matters

Public art builds civic pride, supports local artists, improves public spaces and can draw visitors downtown. Adopted as official policy by the Morgan Hill City Council.

Agendas, staff reports and meeting videos are posted by the City of Morgan Hill at morganhill.ca.gov. Status on this page is updated as items move forward.