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It Matters Who Leads!
Local Economy
Strong Local Economy
With 12 years of hands-on experience in economic development and working with the business community, I feel strongly that city needs to build on their partnerships with the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, Visit Morgan Hill, and the Morgan Hill Downtown Association to guarantee there is an environment where businesses can succeed.
We need to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities that come our way. While not every business opportunity is a perfect fit for our community, we are better served to be in a position to decide what’s best as opposed to missing opportunities due to poor decisions and a lack of planning.
I spend time with local business owners to discuss their plans for growth and expansion. I also talk with those who are interested in locating their businesses in Morgan Hill. I connect interested parties to city staff to determine if there is a fit, available space, and opportunity for these potential new businesses.
Below are a few of my efforts to help our local economy and businesses.
Morgan Hill’s Public Art Funding Policy
As Mayor of Morgan Hill, I’m proud to share one of our city’s most exciting milestones, an idea I introduced and championed: the passage of a new public art funding mechanism, now adopted as official policy by the Morgan Hill City Council. This initiative ensures that all new construction, residential and commercial, will contribute to a vibrant and growing public art presence throughout our community.
This policy is more than a funding tool; it’s a vision for Morgan Hill’s future. By integrating art into our built environment, we’re investing in beauty, culture, and connection. Public art has a profound impact on communities, it fosters civic pride, enhances public spaces, supports local artists, and creates a sense of identity that reflects who we are and what we value. Studies show that public art can even boost economic development by attracting visitors, increasing foot traffic, and elevating property values.
With this new policy, every new development will play a role in shaping Morgan Hill’s cultural landscape. Whether it’s a mural that tells our story, a sculpture that sparks conversation, or an installation that invites interaction, public art will become a defining feature of our town. This is how we build a city that’s not only functional, but inspirational.
I championed this initiative because I believe Morgan Hill deserves a public realm that reflects our creativity, diversity, and spirit. This policy ensures that as we grow, we do so with intention, embedding art into the very fabric of our community. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I’m committed to continuing the work of making Morgan Hill a place where art thrives and people feel at home.
Let’s keep building a city that inspires. Let’s keep moving Morgan Hill forward…together.
READ 20
One of the most urgent challenges facing Morgan Hill is the low reading proficiency among our students, far below the State Standard. As Mayor, I introduced the Read 20 initiative to help address this critical issue. The goal is simple but powerful: encourage students to read at least 20 minutes a day, and provide them with the support they need to build strong reading and comprehension skills.
Research shows that students who read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to graduate high school on time. Conversely, those who fall behind by third grade are significantly more likely to struggle academically and economically later in life. Reading is not just a skill, it’s a foundation for lifelong success.
We launched Read 20 at the Boys and Girls Club, where volunteers now show up weekly to read with students, offering mentorship and encouragement. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to former Mayor Steve Tate for taking the lead on this effort and for working closely with the Boys and Girls Club and our dedicated volunteers to make this vision a reality.
This is just the beginning. We plan to expand Read 20 to additional sites across Morgan Hill, creating more opportunities for students to receive the reading support they deserve. This initiative reflects the power of relationships, collaboration, and community-driven solutions. Together, we’re building a future where every child in Morgan Hill has the tools to thrive, and it starts with a book.
Healthy Morgan Hill
Healthy Morgan Hill focuses on four key pillars: Natural Movement and Exercise, Nutrition, Social Connections, and Self-Care. These areas are essential to building a thriving, resilient community. Whether it’s encouraging daily walks, promoting access to healthy food, fostering meaningful relationships, or supporting mental wellness, this initiative is about creating a culture of health that touches every corner of our city.
I’m honored to be working alongside a passionate group of volunteers, including Nick Gaich, President and CEO of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, health and wellness experts, a retired physician, and many others who share a vision for a healthier Morgan Hill. Together, we’re integrating wellness into city policy and infrastructure planning, ensuring that our efforts are sustainable and impactful. Our goal is to elevate Morgan Hill as a place where health and economic vitality go hand in hand. We’re building a city where parks, trails, community programs, and local businesses all contribute to a healthier lifestyle. And we’re doing it through ongoing engagement with our residents, listening, learning, and growing together.
Healthy Morgan Hill is more than a program, it’s a movement. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when we prioritize wellness, foster collaboration, and lead with heart. I’m excited to continue this work and build a future where every resident has the opportunity to live well.
Workforce Development Initiative
As Mayor of Morgan Hill, I’m proud to have introduced a workforce development initiative designed to identify, train, educate, and create meaningful pathway options for our city’s diverse emerging workforce, especially our high school students. This initiative reflects a deep commitment to preparing young people not only for college, but for life beyond the classroom, including careers in high-demand, high-opportunity fields.
Workforce development is essential to the long-term vitality of our community. By exposing students early to a wide range of career options, including non-traditional pathways such as advanced manufacturing, construction trades, healthcare, and other skilled professions, we empower them to make informed decisions about their futures. This initiative also emphasizes the development of critical soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are vital across all industries.
Equally important, this program serves as a bridge between our business and educational communities. By fostering collaboration between local employers, educators, and civic leaders, we can align curriculum with real-world needs, offer hands-on learning opportunities, and ensure that students graduate with both the knowledge and the confidence to pursue fulfilling careers.
This initiative is more than a policy; it’s a promise to our youth that their city believes in their potential and is investing in their success. I’m honored to be working alongside educational leaders, business professionals, regional partners, and non-profit organizations to bring this initiative to fruition. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive workforce and a brighter future for Morgan Hill.
South County Farm Tours
Morgan Hill’s agricultural heritage runs deep, from the orchards and vineyards that shaped our economy to the hardworking families who’ve cultivated this land for generations. As someone who values our community’s roots and future, I saw an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while creating a new experience for residents and visitors alike.
In early 2025, I approached Christina Perez and Heather Gallegos, owners of the Morgan Hill Wine Trolley, with an idea: let’s expand agritourism by offering local farm tours. They were immediately enthusiastic, recognizing the potential to connect people with the land in a meaningful way. With their support, I organized a meeting with half a dozen local farmers and pitched the concept. The response was overwhelmingly positive, every farmer loved the idea and wanted to be part of it.
Thanks to this collaboration, the Morgan Hill Farm Tours officially launched in September 2025. These tours offer families a hands-on experience, allowing children and adults alike to see farming operations up close, meet the farmers, and learn about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. It’s a chance to understand where our food comes from, appreciate the hard work behind it, and foster a deeper respect for farming.
This initiative not only honors Morgan Hill’s agricultural roots, it also strengthens our local economy, supports small farms, and builds community pride. I’m proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life, and I remain committed to finding creative ways to celebrate and support the people who make our region so special. Agritourism is more than a trend, it’s a bridge between past and future, and I’m excited to keep building it with you.
West Little Llagas Creek Tree Project
One of the most rewarding accomplishments during my time as Mayor has been helping bring to life a transformative tree planting project along the walking path adjacent to West Little Llagas Creek, between Watsonville Road and Middle Avenue. Thanks to a $25,000 grant I secured from the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill, and generous tree donations from Google, we’re turning this stretch of trail into a thriving green corridor that will benefit our community for generations.
Trees are more than just beautiful; they’re powerful allies in our fight against climate change. They improve air quality, reduce urban heat, support biodiversity, and create peaceful, shaded spaces for recreation and reflection. This project will not only enhance the natural beauty of Morgan Hill, but also contribute to a healthier environment and a more resilient future.
I’m deeply grateful to John Varela at Valley Water for his support in getting the project approved, and to the Rotary Club for funding the critical water line infrastructure that will help establish these trees during their first few years. I also want to thank Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo for his collaboration and advocacy, which helped secure a generous tree donation.
This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It’s the fulfillment of a vision rooted in partnership, community, and sustainability. By investing in our environment, we’re investing in our quality of life, and in the legacy we leave behind.
Together, we’re planting the seeds of a brighter future.
Wreaths Across America
Since 2014, I’ve had the honor of leading Wreaths Across America in South County, a mission close to my heart and rooted in deep respect for our nation’s heroes. Each December, with the help of dedicated volunteers, we raise over $15,000 annually to place memorial wreaths on more than 1,200 Veterans’ graves at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Morgan Hill, as well as Gavilan Hills and St. Mary Cemeteries in Gilroy. These wreaths are more than decorations; they are symbols of remembrance, gratitude, and the enduring legacy of service.
I first brought Wreaths Across America to South County while serving as President and CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. It was a way to honor the sacrifices of our local military families and ensure that our Veterans are never forgotten. This initiative has grown into a cherished tradition, uniting our community in a shared commitment to honor those who served.
My passion for this work is deeply personal. My father was a proud U.S. Marine, and he instilled in me and my brothers the values of love of country, respect for the flag, and unwavering honor for the men and women who wear the uniform. His example continues to guide me, and it’s why I remain committed to leading this effort year after year.
Wreaths Across America is a reminder that freedom isn’t free, and that our community stands together to remember, honor, and teach. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m grateful for the volunteers and donors who make it possible.
Fundraising and Helping Local Non-Proft Organizations
Since my time as Mayor, I have helped raise more than $850,000 for local non-profits and volunteered over 300 hours at various events. Giving back to our community through volunteerism and support for non-profit organizations has always been a core value of mine. Non-profits are the heartbeat of Morgan Hill, they foster civic engagement, strengthen our social fabric, and often serve as the first line of support for those in need. Whether it’s helping families, rescuing animals, supporting youth sports, or providing food, clothing, and school supplies, these organizations make a lasting impact.
According to TaxExemptWorld, Morgan Hill is home to more than 400 non-profit and 501(c) organizations, representing a wide range of interests including churches, schools, and community service groups. I believe strongly in supporting their work, not just financially, but by showing up, volunteering, and helping amplify their mission.
I’m proud to support organizations such as:
- Operation Freedom Paws
- The Morgan Hill Community Foundation
- One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding
- Susan and Chrales Berghoff Foundation
- Morgan Hill Historical Society
- Saint Louise Regional Hospital Foundation
- Morgan Hill Community Law Enforcement Foundation
- Wreaths Across America
- Edward Boss Prado Foundation
- Leadership Morgan Hill
- AAUW Wildflower Run
- Kiwanis Club
- Rotary Club
- Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce
- Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival
- Mt. Madonna YMCA
- Hope Services
These partnerships reflect the spirit of Morgan Hill, generous, engaged, and united. As your Mayor, I’ll continue to champion our non-profits and encourage others to get involved. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.
Guac-Walk
In 2024, I launched a flavorful and fun initiative to spotlight one of Morgan Hill’s most vibrant culinary communities, our local Mexican restaurants. The “Guac-Walk” was born out of a simple idea: create a campaign that promotes these beloved establishments to residents and visitors alike, while celebrating the rich food culture that makes our city unique.
Working with a few volunteers, we coordinated with 15 local Mexican restaurants to participate in the inaugural Guac-Walk, each offering their own signature dishes and festive atmosphere. The response was incredible. Not only did the campaign boost visibility and foot traffic for these businesses, it also brought our community together around something we all love: great food.
What started as a seasonal promotion quickly evolved into a year-round effort to support and celebrate our Mexican restaurants. At the heart of this initiative is the annual “Guac-of-Fame,” a guacamole tasting contest held throughout September in honor of National Guacamole Day. Guests sample and vote on their favorite guacamole, turning every bite into a ballot and every visit into a celebration.
The Guac-Walk has become more than a food tour, it’s a cultural experience, a boost for local business, and a delicious way to connect with our neighbors. I’m proud to have led this initiative and grateful to the restaurant owners, chefs, and volunteers who made it a success. As we continue to grow this program, I remain committed to finding creative ways to support our local economy and celebrate the flavors that make Morgan Hill so special.
Merry Morgan Hill
At the end of 2024, I introduced a bold and festive idea: let’s make Morgan Hill a true Holiday destination. What began as a conversation with a few interested volunteers quickly snowballed into a full-fledged community movement. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and together we invited key organizations to join the effort, including Visit Morgan Hill, Morgan Hill Downtown PBID, the Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerce, Edward Boss Prado Foundation, Kiwanis Club, the Morgan Hill Wine Trolley, and the Mushroom Festival, Inc. All agreed we should call this Holiday effort, “Merry Morgan Hill.”
Through this incredible collaboration, we coordinated a series of holiday events every weekend that transformed our town into a winter wonderland. From the Holiday Music Event and Bazaar to the beloved annual Holiday Parade, each event brought families together in celebration. We hosted a free Family Movie Night featuring The Grinch, welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus for a magical evening paired with a Makers’ Market, and filled the air with caroling and cheer. A local Holiday play added even more sparkle to the season.
Downtown merchants joined in the fun with a spirited Holiday Window Decorating Contest, drawing residents and visitors alike to stroll through our beautifully lit streets. Meanwhile, trolley tours carried guests through Morgan Hill neighborhoods participating in our Holiday Lights and Decorating Contest, showcasing the creativity and warmth of our community.
This initiative wasn’t just about decorations and events, it was about creating joy, strengthening community bonds, and supporting local businesses. I’m proud to have sparked this vision and grateful to the volunteers and organizations who helped bring it to life. Morgan Hill now shines brighter during the holidays, and I’m committed to building on this success in the years ahead.
Mark Turner
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