Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano delivered her State of the City address, commemorating Milpitas’s 70th anniversary and shedding light on the city’s progress and future plans. The address, held at City Hall, was attended by numerous residents and regional dignitaries.
Mayor Montano began her speech by sharing her family’s long-standing connection to Milpitas, emphasizing their commitment to the city’s growth and prosperity. She then delved into the various development opportunities that have recently emerged in the area.
One significant aspect highlighted by Montano was the allocation of millions of dollars from the city’s budget towards enhancing city-owned parks. The funds, sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), have been utilized to improve eight parks, with an additional $3.5 million from the general fund dedicated to upgrading 14 more. The improvements include the addition of permanent pickleball courts, maintenance and repair services for parks and street landscape areas, and the rehabilitation of turf fields.
The mayor also highlighted the influx of major tech companies, such as Amazon, Corsair Gaming, and BD Biosciences, which have recently relocated their operations to Milpitas. This influx has prompted the city to establish a new Business Innovation District spanning 74 acres west of Interstate 680. The district aims to attract office and research buildings, focusing on artificial intelligence, automotive technology, and biotechnology science developments. Infrastructure plans for the district include bike paths, sidewalks, and social gathering spaces.
Montano emphasized the importance of revitalizing Milpitas’s Main Street along Calaveras Boulevard, which was once a vibrant hub of local activity. The city has initiated a planning process to revitalize approximately 600 acres around I-880, the Great Mall Parkway, and Great Mall shopping. The council is set to adopt a finalized plan later this year, with the goal of rejuvenating this historically significant area.
In her address, Mayor Montano expressed the city’s commitment to supporting new businesses, streamlining the permit process, and creating an environment conducive to economic growth. The presence of established companies like Cisco and Apple has also expanded, further contributing to the city’s economic vitality.
The $248.4 million budget, funded by ARPA, has allowed Milpitas to implement numerous programs aimed at improving community services, economic vitality, infrastructure, public safety, and technology. The city must utilize these funds by December 2024 to avoid potential repayment.