gmhTODAY 01 gmhToday Mar Apr 2015 | Page 64

morgan hill demographics Ethnicity T (Source: US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, January 2015) Fast Facts Population Census 2010 Total 2013 Estimate (7/1/13) 2013 ACS 5-Year Estimate Median Age Number of Companies Education — HS Grad or Higher Total Housing Units Median Household Income Foreign Born Population Individuals Below Poverty Level 37,882 40,836 38,832 37.5 3,964 87.1% 13,133 $85,531 7,343 9.9% (Source: US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, January 2015) Most Common Occupations (%) (Source: CityData.com) 64 G M H T O D A Y M A G A Z I N E MARCH / APRIL 2015 he town of Morgan Hill incorporated in 1906, on a vote of 65 to 36! Today, it is the first city south of the continuous cities to the north. Its open spaces, hills and lakes are a welcome break from the northern congestion. Today Morgan Hill is a thriving city of 40,836 (American Fact Finder, 2013 estimate.) The 2010 census had the population at 37,882. The City Council has four members (four-year terms) and a mayor (two-year terms.) The City has an operating budget of $140.2 million with a General Fund budget of $31.9 million. According to American Fact Finder, which is based on US Census data, Morgan Hill has a median age of 37.5. There are 13,133 households with a median household income of $85,531. There are 15,178 (32.9%) people identified as Hispanic or Latino. Several key issues seem to characterize and identify Morgan Hill. There is a connection to activity, fitness and open spaces. The City through RDA (Redevelopment Agency) funding was able to develop the Outdoor Sports Center, the Aquatics Center and the Centennial Recreation Center. Specialized Bike is located in Morgan Hill. Surrounding Morgan Hill are parks, county roads and open spaces that invite outdoor activity. The mammoth Henry Coe Park is just east of Morgan Hill; Calera and Uvas are east and north. On the outskirts of Morgan Hill are numerous horse related facilities. Good weather and the abundance of opportunities bring locals and many out of town visitors to the Morgan Hill recreation areas. Downtown Morgan Hill is the city hub. A combination of restaurant entrepreneurs, RDA funding, community events and potential have created a downtown that is the envy of many nearby cities. According to Meet Morgan Hill, a City produced insert in the Silicon Valley Business Journal, there are 123,000 square feet of retail space, 30 plus restaurants, 300 multi- family housing units, 1,502 parking spaces, five development opportunity sites and $25 million in downtown improvements coming soon. The Morgan Hill Community Cultural Center, another RDA project, is the southern end of the Downtown. The Cultural Center is another major location for activity and events. gmhtoday.com