Hollister · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollister public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cal Fire Airtac base ground lease negotiation
The airport is renegotiating the Cal Fire air attack base lease for 16.23 acres, asking the state to pay 3.5 cents per square foot — up from the 2 cents a previous city administration approved. The deal would also add 1.23 acres for helipads and clear the way for future hangar development.
WISC vertiport completion and Joby Aviation startup
The airport is part of a $7.4 million state grant effort to build flight corridors between four regional airports and is seeking FAA Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program designation through a Caltrans-led consortium.
West-side commercial development (Quick Quack & McDonald's)
The west side of Hollister has long lacked commercial services and jobs. This $10 million project with a new traffic signal, roughly 65 jobs, and two well-known tenants could kickstart more investment in the corridor — the developer already owns nearby apartment-retail projects.
Making downtown a fall destination
Speakers say downtown Hollister is underperforming: slow permitting (one project took 3½ years), restrictive noise enforcement, and not enough events. They want an entertainment district, grant-funded programming, and a city that actively helps entrepreneurs.
2026 Hollister Independence Rally improvements
Business owners want hard numbers on whether the rally made or lost money, and they want the promoter accountable. The proposed RFP offers two funding models — one with no city funding and one where the operator seeks city money — and speakers questioned what Hollister gets out of each.
Downtown lighting as top priority
Carol Lenoir asked the city to fix burnt-out downtown and tree lights and to take up the parklet issue for clarification.
Tourism and wayfinding signage
Hundreds of thousands of visitors pass by or bypass Hollister on Highway 25. Commissioners want better signage and a welcome presence at the bypass corner to route tourists into historic downtown.
BAC bylaws amendments and reporting structure
The City Council amended the Planning Commission bylaws so commissioners can formally recommend items for future council agendas through a request form process. Commissioner Hernandez also asked for closed-session briefings on the development project queue to help troubleshoot recurring issues.
Joby Aviation tour and regional workforce opportunities
Hollister airport is becoming a hub for electric aircraft and drone tech — Joby, WISC Aero, NASA Ames research, a $7.7 million regional corridor grant, and high school internship potential.
Grocery Outlet Type 21 alcohol license at 550 Tres Pinos Road
The Grocery Outlet spirits approval reignited debate over how many liquor licenses one corridor should hold and who pays when police respond. One commissioner pushed for a one-year review condition to track police callouts, but the commission approved under standard conditions instead.
Airport economic impact study results
A resident raised concerns about high hangar rental costs and asked for an update on the long-pending Airport Rent Study, which could affect what hangar tenants pay.
Downtown revitalization and parking
The city manager wants $2-6M for economic development and $3M for beautification, arguing Hollister has a revenue problem only investment can fix. Morales called it a 10% budget bite without a plan.
uAvionix avionics sensors at the airport
uAvionix wants to install advanced avionics sensors at two spots at the airport, bringing in about $3,600 a year and supporting companies like Reliable Robotics — a step toward attracting more tech aviation businesses.
Vacant commercial buildings
An outdated car wash in the North Gateway area will be transformed into a modern laundromat with large-capacity machines, new landscaping, and ADA parking. The owner committed to starting construction within six months of building permits — commissioners pushed hard on keeping the timeline tight since the property has sat vacant.