Jimmy Forbis
City Administrator , City of Gilroy
Leading 220 public service employees and keeping a
city running would be challenging in the best of times . In 2020 , it would be ( was ) something altogether different . Jimmy Forbis was officially named Gilroy ’ s interim city manager … On March 12 , 2020 .
The next day , his first official day on the job , shelterin-place became the new normal . Since then , he has led city-wide efforts to keep pace with ever-changing mandates . He ’ s worked with city council , county and state agencies to keep city employees and the public safe . He has managed protocols and the city ’ s response to COVID-19 .
His normal duties include managing the city ’ s budget , public safety , public works and municipal services . 2020 was different . Hard decisions had to be made . “ Our income collapsed . We had to reel in spending .” Forbis says , proud of the efforts of city council . “ They faced it head on and dealt with it .”
Born in Wichita , the University of Kansas graduate moved to California in 2002 . He earned his master ’ s degree in public administration from San Jose State and has served the cities of San Mateo , Monterey , and Morgan Hill in various capacities . Since 2016 , he has served as Gilroy ’ s finance director . He became permanent city manager in November 2020 .
“ You think you ’ ve seen it all , then …” Forbis says , adding “ there ’ s no manual for these things .” citing the initial impact and accompanying uncertainties . By relying on his core principals and “ the basics ” he ’ s led the way . “ We got right to work . Everyone pulled together .” He describes those he works with daily as “ Great individuals deeply committed to public service and keeping the city running smoothly .”
He acknowledges there are many residents hurting due to COVID-19 yet remains optimistic . “ I have the rare privilege of being in a job where I can make a direct , positive impact every day . Who wouldn ’ t want a job like this ?”
His positive impact extends to his volunteer work in the community . He volunteers for youth sports organizations , roadside clean-ups and liter abatement . “ Every little bit helps make the community and world a better place , and many hands make light work .”
The avid runner and cyclist with self-described “ eclectic ” musical tastes is also a big-time fan of college hoops . He and wife of 16 years , Aryn Harris , moved to Gilroy in 2016 along with their three children — Ryan ( 14 ), Amelya ( 12 ), and Zackary ( 9 ). “ We came for the small-town community and will stay because of the people .”
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com
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