Picture of Zach Hilton

Councilmember Zach Hilton


First elected: November 2020


Gilroy City Councilmember Zach Hilton had two clear areas of focus as he begins his first term. First and foremost, he is a passionate advocate of making Gilroy a safe place for cyclists and pedestrians, and he’s spent several years on the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission in pursuit of that goal. And second, on his campaign site he envisions a “livable Gilroy for all,” focusing on affordable housing, safe communities. economic development and quality education.


Day job: Firefighter/paramedic for Oakland Fire Department, IAFF AFL-CIO Local 55


Alma mater: Chabot College (fire science)


Other offices held: Chair, Gilroy Bicycle Pedestrian Commission


Notable quote: “While we have had many accomplishments that directly benefit the community on the Bike/Ped Commission, I have seen many missed opportunities pass us by on the city council level. This is due to lack of relationship building, the willingness to have an open mind, and the lack of continuing education/training.” —Interview by the Gilroy Dispatch


Commission and board assignments:


• South County United for Health


• The Unhoused Task Force (limited-term task force)


• Visit Gilroy California Welcome Center Board


• Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority JPA Board


• Gilroy Economic Development Partnership (Alternate)

Related News

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Gilroy Dispatch logo From Gilroy Dispatch...

07/26/2023
Image for display with article titled Hilton Announces Reelection Campaign for Gilroy City Council

Councilmember Zach Hilton announced he will be seeking re-election in 2024. Hilton, a firefighter/paramedic for the Oakland Fire Department, was first elected to the council in 2020.

Gilroy Dispatch logo From Gilroy Dispatch...

07/13/2023
Image for display with article titled Guest View, Zach Hilton: Making steps toward housing for all

In the past year, Gilroy has made strides to plan and promote more affordable housing opportunities for our residents. This is needed now more than ever before. According to the State’s recently released new income guidelines, a household of one whose income is $96,000 is considered low income in Santa Clara County. The same is [...]

Gilroy Dispatch logo From Gilroy Dispatch...

06/01/2023
Image for display with article titled Guest View, Zach Hilton: Biking for a vibrant city

Whose town has the true Pedal Power? Meaning, the most people with wind in their hair, and with wheels turning. With young people and adults rolling in the open air. Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition invited cities across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to a friendly competition. And the winner is…Gilroy! The more people who [...]

Gilroy Dispatch logo From Gilroy Dispatch...

04/27/2023
Image for display with article titled Housing Crisis Deepens Under Current Process

Gilroy Councilmember Zach Hilton writes, “I have spent hours listening, reading legislative files, all while writing letters of support and testifying myself.”

Gilroy Dispatch logo From Gilroy Dispatch...

02/15/2023
Image for display with article titled Zach Hilton: How Our Electricity Provider Benefits the Community

What makes Gilroy strong is our community. And there is one member of our community that may surprise you: Silicon Valley Clean Energy, our community choice energy provider.

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