“We’re at a tipping point in the
preservation of ag and open space
lands. Once the bulldozers arrive,
it’s too late We have the means
to achieve climate resilience
and protect our farmland,
biodiversity, and critical wildlife
corridors. Nurturing our local food
economy is critical to future food
security. The question is, do we
have the will to make it happen?”
Julie Hutcheson
Director of Impact & Legislative Advocate
Committee for Green Foothills (CGF)
J
ulie Hutcheson is Director of Impact with the
Committee for Green Foothills (CGF), a non-
profi t with a 58-year heritage dedicated to ag and open space
preservation, climate resilience, and protecting biodiversity
in our region. Julie became a Legislative Advocate for CGF
in 2010, and in 2018 she took on leadership of the organiza-
tion’s marketing and communications efforts. In Julie’s time
with the organization, CGF has helped to protect thousands
of acres of land, successfully campaigned for Gilroy’s Measure
H in 2016, supported local grassroots groups including Gilroy
Growing Smarter, and created the Protect Coyote Valley cam-
paign, among other initiatives. Her extraordinary track record
of volunteerism and leadership includes: Commissioner on
the County›s Agricultural Implementation Task Force (2018),
Farm & Food Sector Technical Panel member for Santa Clara
30
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
Valley’s Agriculture Plan (2017), Advisory Committee member
during the City of Morgan Hill’s 2035 General Plan project
process (2013-15), Independent Monitoring Committee
member for Valley Water’s Safe Clean Water & Natural Flood
Protection Program, and Board member of the Santa Clara
County League of Conservation Voters (2011-16). In 2009,
she served as Treasurer of Morgan Hill’s Committee for
Measure A for a Vibrant Downtown. Prior to that she was IT
Manager for the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners in Washington D.C. (1999-2001). Currently,
Julie volunteers on the Friends of the Santa Clara Valley
Habitat Agency board and with the Santa Clara County Food
System Alliance. She is a graduate of Leadership Morgan Hill
(2015). Julie lives in Morgan Hill with her husband Tracy and
their sons, Kieran and Conall.
WINTER 2020
gmhtoday.com