Manteca, Calif, — In a transformative move towards fiscal responsibility and resiliency, Manteca has embarked on a journey of financial revitalization under the leadership of City Manager Toni Lundgren, and Finance Director, Shay Narayan. Overcoming past challenges of late audits and financial uncertainty, the City of Manteca is now ushering in a new era of stability and prosperity.
“Upon my arrival, we faced significant hurdles, including overdue audits and a backlog of payments to vendors,” states Narayan. “However, through innovative solutions and harnessing the talents of the Finance team, we swiftly automated purchasing and accounts payable processes, using existing technology without the need for additional funding.”
Narayan emphasizes that the success achieved thus far has been a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Manteca finance team and support from the City Manager’s Office and City Council.
“Our focus extends beyond mere numbers; it’s about fostering collaboration among departments, engaging with auditors and the public, and building a foundation for sustained prosperity,” Narayan adds.
Recognizing the challenges stemming from organizational transitions and evolving practices, Narayan highlights the importance of leadership continuity and institutional knowledge.
“With nearly a third of our staff joining in the last two years, it was crucial to establish clear roles and responsibilities,” he explains. To this end, Narayan appointed Lana McBroom as Acting Budget Manager, ensuring streamlined operations and effective financial oversight.
McBroom echoes Narayan’s sentiments, emphasizing her role in driving sound financial practices and facilitating strategic planning initiatives. “Our focus remains on ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all financial endeavors,” states McBroom.
Under City Manager Lundgren’s guidance, Manteca has prioritized comprehensive policy reform, strategic utility rate analysis, and enhanced collaboration among the Senior Leadership Team.
“Our collective efforts are geared towards not only stabilizing our finances but also setting a solid foundation for sustained growth and prosperity,” states Lundgren.
The City’s commitment to transparency and accountability extends to its annual comprehensive financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and credit rating agencies.
“Our success is rooted in the Manteca approach – a blend of diligent work ethic, community engagement, and cohesive teamwork,” Lundgren concludes.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4% from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $118,814.
Manteca, Calif, — With a local government career spanning over three decades, Jose Jasso brings a wealth of experience and passion to his current role as Assistant City Manager for the City of Manteca.
Jasso’s journey began as a part-time employee with the City of Manteca in 1984 and later transitioned to full-time status in 1987. In 2016, he left Manteca and served several other cities, including Santa Clara as Assistant City Clerk and Rio Vista as Assistant City Manager and City Clerk. In 2022, an opportunity to return to the City of Manteca arose, and he was appointed Interim Assistant City Manager and later was appointed to the permanent position.
“I came back to work in Manteca because, for me, this is my home. My mom still lives here; my sister works for a local high school. I went to high school and grammar school here. I wanted to give back to the City that gave me so much,” says Jasso.
As Assistant City Manager, Jasso oversees key departments including Legislative Services/ City Clerk, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Recreation Services. His responsibilities encompass a wide range of projects and tasks, from ensuring the efficient operations of City departments to providing day-to-day administrative support to the City Manager.
Jasso has a deep-rooted connection to Manteca and enjoys working behind the scenes to help accomplish the City Council’s goals and priorities. He believes in the strength and capabilities of Team Manteca and is dedicated to implementing policies and procedures to help ensure Manteca’s success well into the future.
Beyond his professional endeavors, he is actively involved in various organizations, including serving as the Vice President – Northern California Cities Self Insurance Fund – A Joint Power Authority; Board Member – Community Action Partnership of Solano – A Joint Power Authority; City Clerks Association of California – Past President; City Clerks Association of California – Board Member (2011-2018); City Clerks Association of California where he served as Mentor to CMC candidates and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
Jasso holds an associate’s degree from Modesto Junior College and graduated with honors from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior in 1997.
In his leisure time, Jasso indulges his love for dogs by raising and showing miniature Schnauzers and spending quality time with family and friends.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4% from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price
MANTECA, CALIF. — In the City of Manteca, a new chapter of fiscal management has begun under the guidance of Shalesh (Shay) Narayan, who assumed the role of Finance Director just six months ago following an extensive nationwide search. Tasked with a robust agenda, Narayan has swiftly navigated the city’s financial landscape, ensuring that pending audits, budgeting initiatives, and policy revisions are not just addressed but set on a trajectory for success.
Narayan’s decision to join Manteca’s team stems from the city’s dynamic growth, offering a unique canvas for his expertise to flourish. His commitment to Manteca’s financial well-being is evident in his strategic approach, which has already begun to bear fruit.
Narayan states, “I am excited to participate in Manteca’s new leadership and community development initiatives. As a former Budget Manager for the City of Elk Grove, I have had the opportunity to witness many community priorities being realized in a city that has seen significant growth. I look forward to contributing to Manteca’s financial future and being part of the City’s progress.”
Under Narayan’s leadership, Manteca is witnessing a resurgence in fiscal stewardship, with a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability. His emphasis on collaboration and communication has fostered a culture of teamwork within the Finance Department, paving the way for smoother operations and enhanced productivity.
“It’s Manteca’s approach to reaching goals and priorities, it’s the team’s work ethic, community engagement, and staff collaboration. It’s the bold, present, persistent, strategic, and purposeful approach to serving the public. This approach is greatly attributed to the leadership style of the City Council and the City Manager, all of whom I admire and am grateful to work for,” states Narayan.
Moreover, Narayan’s dedication to community engagement is evident in his involvement in local boards, exemplifying his commitment to giving back to Manteca. As Manteca embraces this new era of financial stability and growth, Shay Narayan is helping to guide the city towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
Narayan holds a Master of Science in Economics from Portland State University, Graduating in 2011, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Mathematics from the same university in 2009.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4% from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $118,814.
Manteca’s Animal Shelter assists in placing animals into loving homes by removing adoption fees and covering the costs of spaying and neutering. “We recognize the financial challenges many face in caring for pets,” explains Chief Stephen Schluer. “Our goal is to remove barriers and enable every willing pet owner to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their companion.”
Manteca, Calif. – In a significant milestone, Manteca’s Animal Shelter proudly achieved no-kill status in 2023, marking a pivotal shift towards compassionate animal welfare practices. A no-kill animal shelter does not euthanize healthy or treatable animals based on capacity or time constraints but rather limits euthanasia to those with severe medical conditions or behavioral issues as a last resort.
Chief Stephen Schluer states, “We earned the no-kill distinction in 2023 because 91% of all animals that came into our facility were adopted into new homes,” Schluer explains. “Two years ago, 47% of the animals in our care had a live outcome; we increased that to 56%, then 65%, and now we have surpassed 90%.”
The shelter’s no-kill status was achieved through a multifaceted approach that includes proper medical care, housing, community partnerships, and proactive measures to reduce homeless animal populations such as the Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program for feral cats or free pet microchipping which is currently being offered.
The shelter’s collaboration with local volunteers, including high school students through the Regional Occupations Programs (ROP), highlights its community-driven efforts.
Events like “Clear the Shelter for Christmas” promote pet adoption and foster community engagement, furthering the shelter’s mission to find forever homes for our furry friends.
The Manteca Animal Shelter has pioneered programs to help promote pet adoptions. One such program is the Doggie Day Out Program where residents are encouraged to come into the shelter and foster a dog for a week or walk them.
The Doggie Day Out Program launched in January 2023, resulting in 761 Doggie Day Out. Of the 506 volunteers who participated, 82 adopted a pet. Volunteer Raquel Fresquez is dedicated to managing The Doggie Day Out Program.
Stephanie Sandoval, Animal Services Supervisor, states, “We have residents who foster a cat or a dog for 30-60 days until they find their forever home. Some foster newborn kittens until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered.”
Sandoval adds, “Looking ahead, the Manteca Animal Shelter is working to launch initiatives like a mobile spay/neuter program to increase veterinary accessibility to all Manteca residents. Normally, the cost for spaying or neutering is $100, this will be significantly reduced if done through the mobile program. The target date for implementation is May 2024.”
Marketing efforts through social media and community events aim to boost pet adoption rates and reduce stray populations. To view the latest pets for adoption, the public can follow the Manteca Animal Shelter on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok or visit the shelter’s webpage.
“It brings me immense joy to see how many families in Manteca have found the perfect pet with our help,” Chief Schluer shares. “We are actively seeking funds to help expand our shelter, with plans to do so through grants and donations. Additionally, we welcome more volunteers and individuals looking to foster or adopt a cat or dog. Your support is greatly appreciated.”
Visit the Manteca Animal Shelter webpage to learn how you can become a volunteer. To adopt a pet, visit the shelter at 115 E. Wetmore Street in Manteca from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, call the shelter at (209) 456-8270, or visit https://24petconnect.com.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.
Manteca, Calif. – Meet Lana McBroom, Acting Budget Manager. With nearly 18 years of service to the City of Manteca, Lana brings a wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and passion to her new role.
Lana’s journey with the City of Manteca is not merely professional; it’s deeply personal. “I came to work for the City of Manteca because I grew up in this community and I love it,” Lana shares.
“My family moved to Manteca 40 years ago. Working in the City gives me a unique opportunity to make lasting positive impacts on the community in which I live.”
As Acting Budget Manager, Lana’s responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum of tasks, most notably ensuring sound financial management of City resources.
“My role includes supporting the development of our annual budget in collaboration with senior leadership and City officials, performing fiscal analysis, monitoring budget compliance, preparing financial reports, and contributing to strategic planning efforts.”
Beyond her professional duties, Lana remains deeply involved in the Manteca community. From her teenage years to adulthood, she has dedicated herself to various community activities and service projects.
Lana’s volunteer work includes initiatives with the Second Harvest Food Bank, Manteca Senior Center, and the Cpl. Charles O. Palmer III Memorial Troop Support Program, where she packed military care packages and donated essential items.
Lana also donates platelets and plasma for cancer treatment patients through The American Red Cross, exemplifying her commitment to helping others in need.
“Lana McBroom’s hard work, dedication, and leadership contributions are invaluable to the City of Manteca,” stated City Manager, Toni Lundgren. “We are fortunate to have Lana as part of Team Manteca, and we look forward to her continued service and impact on our community.”
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.
“Most parks are within a 10-minute walk from your home,” says Brandy Clark, Recreation and Community Services Manager. For a complete list of fun events and competitions for children, adults, and seniors check out the Recreation Activity Guide.
MANTECA CALIF. —The City of Manteca offers a total of 68 parks and community facilities, out of which 50 are exclusively designed to cater to children’s play and competitive activities. These parks offer a variety of programs throughout the year.
Furthermore, Manteca has 18 specialty parks and community facilities, including a skate park, pickleball courts, tennis center, Northgate Softball Complex, Lincoln Pool, the Senior Center, and Woodward Community Park. The BMX track, golf course, and Big League Dreams Sports Parks are all operated through contracts.
“Most parks are within a 10-minute walk from your home,” says Brandy Clark, Recreation and Community Services Manager. For a complete list of fun events and competitions for children, adults, and seniors check out the Recreation Activity Guide.
Creating programs for children of all ages and abilities to play and compete is the job of the City of Manteca’s seven-member Recreation and Community Services Department. Team Manteca has created sports leagues and educational initiatives that foster positive development, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide safe environments for children and teens in the community.
The current sports program features NFL Flag Football. Over 260 kids participated this season, playing under the lights at Northgate Community Park. The community turned out in impressive numbers to watch the children play, which led the department to add a second season in the spring. Clark expressed excitement over the opportunity for all girls and boys to play together. “It’s cool and the kids have fun!” she exclaimed.
Basketball leagues will begin in January and the City is helping players prepare with basketball clinics and camps throughout the year. There are over 500 children signed up for the league this year. These clinics and camps are available during the summer and before the season.
“The clinics help prepare everyone to play,” Clark continues. “They provide children with more practice and one-on-one coaching time. This year there will be more basketball clinics and lots of youngsters are expected to participate.”
“Last year, over 500 children participated in the Jr. Giants program, which we organize in partnership with the San Francisco Giants baseball team during the summer,” Clark exclaimed.
The Recreation Department offers Tiny Tots sports programs for children aged 3-4 and 5-6; including basketball (twice a year), soccer (twice a year), flag football, and T-ball. The City also offers classes in baton twirling, art, dog obedience, tennis, Zumba, chess, and online Spanish classes.
The Department also offers Challenger Sports for participants with special needs; currently, we are offering kickball, basketball, and a division within the Jr. Giants program.
“For preschoolers, we have Art Exploration and Parent and Me. Additionally, in the youth area, we have Jr. Lifeguard Camps and Youth Summer Camps,” Clark continues.
Manteca offers various live entertainment events, including Movies in the Park and Music on Maple, both featuring live band performances, with food trucks on hand for refreshments.
Park-a-Palooza at Woodward Park is another popular event. Live bands perform and around 2,000 people attend. There is a Trunk or Treat event that involves 3,000 kids and 60 businesses and organizations.
“We just had Christmas at the Center, which included a tree-lighting ceremony, photo sessions with costumed characters, artificial snow, music, entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus,” Clark continues. Approximately 1,500 people attended this event.
“With the changes in the community and their preferences, we work hard to maintain the level of service that our residents expect,” said Clark. “Our coordinators serve many residents. They also work on special events and with local independent contractors to give us a little more offering in leisure programming,” Clark added.
“Serving a population that is nearing 100,000 with a team of seven is not an easy task for us; nonetheless, we have created safe fun for all,” said Clark.
“We are looking for volunteers to coach and help children advance,” said Clark. ”If you are interested in volunteering, please call (209) 456-8600”.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go to Manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4% from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $118,814.
MANTECA, Calif. — Cassandra Candini-Tilton joined the Finance Department of the City of Manteca in October 2014. After a year, she transferred to the City Clerk’s office as the Deputy City Clerk. Due to her hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Assistant City Clerk in June 2019. On February 1, 2021, Candini-Tilton was appointed the City’s Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk.
Candini-Tilton is a Manteca native. “Manteca is my hometown,” she explains, “and the opportunity to work within the City where I was born and raised held great significance for me. I wanted to contribute not only by leveraging my professional skills but also, by providing a unique perspective shaped by my intimate knowledge of the community”.
“The privilege of collaborating with a team of exceptionally dedicated and hardworking people, day in and day out, is what I like best about working for the City. My colleagues’ work ethic and commitment are inspiring, and so are the responsiveness and can-do spirit of other City departments, like Police and Fire,” she continued.
A typical day for Candini-Tilton varies day-by-day which includes administering democratic processes such as elections, access to city records, and all legislative actions ensuring transparency to the public. Candini-Tilton is the compliance officer for federal, state, and local statutes including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act.
The City Clerk manages public inquiries and relationships and arranges for ceremonial and official functions.” Legal matters requiring Candini-Tilton’s attention include accepting subpoenas and lawsuits for the City.
As the Director of Legislative Services, she is heavily involved in preparations for the upcoming 2024 elections. Candini-Tilton also oversees the organizing of the 2024 Youth and Government Day event.
Her additional responsibilities include working daily with the Mayor and City Council along with Department Directors. Other typical department functions include overseeing the City’s construction bidding process, recruiting board and commission members, coordinating proclamations and certificates, organizing ceremonial events, and administering the oath of office to new employees.
As City Clerk, she handles the filings for the Fair Political Practices Commission, overseeing Conflict of Interest and Campaign Disclosures, while also facilitating personnel ethics training requirements, as required by California law AB 1234.
“I am committed to customer service and ensuring the smooth functioning of the City Clerk’s office as an integral part of the City’s organizational framework,” she stated.
Candini-Tilton is an active member of Soroptimist International of Manteca and serves on the Membership and Mentoring Committee of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
She represents Region 3 (Central Valley) for the City Clerks Association of California as the regional representative on the Association’s Regional Committee.
In policy and community services, she serves as the City Clerk Appointee of the League of California Cities Policy Committee–Community Service. “This enables me to participate in meaningful discussions and decisions that shape policies impacting our region and City.
“I am committed to professional development, bettering our community, and actively participating in the growth of our region,” said Candini-Tilton.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go to Manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4% from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $118,814.
Manteca-PR-129.3 Candini-Tilton MTT
MANTECA, CALIF. Manteca’s Fire Chief, David Marques, has been working for the City of Manteca for nearly three decades, since 1996. “Back in the late ’90s, competition for firefighter jobs was so fierce that young firefighters like me would take the first job they were offered,” Marques recalls; however, I’ve stayed in Manteca because I truly love my job and the people I work with.”
Marques worked his way up through the ranks, serving as a Battalion Chief from 2011 until November 2021, when he was chosen as the City’s new Fire Chief.
Chief Marques began his career in the South Placer Fire District in 1991 as a Reserve Firefighter. In 1993 he earned his associate of arts degree in Fire Science at American River College. He then obtained his Paramedic license in 1995 and was hired as a full-time Firefighter in South Placer.
Toward continuing his professional development, Marques obtained his Chief Officer Certification from the State of California and completed the Fire and Emergency Services Program Management course at the National Fire Academy in 2016; he then enrolled at Columbia Southern University, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Services Administration, in 2020.
Chief Marques attributes his continued success to the dedication, professionalism, and work ethic of the men and women he works with. “I take great pride and satisfaction in hearing people from other cities and organizations speak highly of the Manteca Fire Department, which happens often,” said Chief Marques.
For Chief Marques, a typical day starts at 7:00 a.m. in his office at Fire Station 2. After meeting with his command staff to review any overnight events, he checks his daily calendar for meetings and events. On any given day he will attend several meetings, some with the public and some with other city staff.
Much of his morning is spent answering and sending emails, after which he usually spends time attending to ongoing projects such as annual/monthly reports, budget preparation, staffing issues, and analyzing response effectiveness.
“A particular priority for the Chief is planning for the future growth of the City and how the Manteca Fire Department will handle the increased call volume,” said Chief Marques.
While his job consumes the lion’s share of his time, Chief Marques also makes time to be actively involved in the community. For example, he belongs to the Manteca Afternoon Rotary Club and sits on the Board of the Second Harvest of The Greater Valley Food Bank.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Manteca Police Department will be expanding by five new officers,” said City Manager Toni Lundgren.
Manteca, Calif. The City of Manteca is a winner! “On behalf of United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, it is my pleasure to inform you the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (the COPS Office) has approved the application submitted by the City of Manteca for the 2023 FY23 COPS Hiring Program. The approved award amount is $625,000 for five new police officers” said Hugh Clements, COPS Director, Office for Civil Rights United States Department of Justice.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Manteca Police Department will be expanding by five officers,” said City Manager Toni Lundgren. “With Manteca’s population growing at an accelerated pace of 24.4 percent from 2010-2020, we recognize the need for additional officers to ensure the safety and security of our community. This grant provides us with the necessary funds to commence the expansion of our Police Department.”
“Thank you Ninth District Congressional Representative Josh Harder for supporting these grant funds,” said Manteca Mayor Gary Sing.
There are currently 78 officers in the Police Department’s budget. Of those, 76 are on the job with another two in the process of being hired. The plan is to hire two of the five officers this year, one in 2025 and the other two in 2026.
The COPS Hiring Program (CHP) is a competitive award program designed by the Department of Justice to provide funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire additional career law enforcement officers to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.
Manteca Police Chief Stephen Schluer said the CHP award will put five new police officers on the street. The Department also will increase involvement in community policing, and community partnerships, and allow him to implement changes to personnel and Department management that support community policing.
“These five new officers are permanent additions to Manteca’s Police force totaling 83 by 2026 and we plan to add more officers in the future,” explained Chief Schluer.
The COPS Grant funds the officers for 36 months and the City is required to maintain the positions for an additional 12 months. This is in addition to the number of locally funded sworn officer positions that would have been available had the award not been granted.
“We continue to seek additional funding to grow our Police department to meet the needs of our growing City,” declared Chief Schluer.
The COPS Hiring Program award requires the City to contribute a match of 72.5 percent of the award. The local match must be a cash match from funds not previously budgeted for law enforcement purposes and must be paid during the award period. The match must be made on an increasing basis during each year of the three-year award period, with the federal share decreasing accordingly. Total cost is projected at $2,252,385 with the DOJ contributing $625,000 and the City contributing $1,627,385 from Measure M reserves and general fund vacancy surplus funds.
Manteca will maintain the positions of the five newly hired officers for at least 12 months after the completion of 36 months of federal funding. This is in addition to the number of locally funded sworn officer positions that would have been available had the award not been granted.
If you have any questions please, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email Feedback@manteca.gov, or go to https://www.manteca.gov.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 86,928. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 25,670 households with a median home price of $432,100. The median annual household income is $82,538.
While Barbara Harb has been serving the City of Manteca as its Economic Development Manager for only a year and a half, she has lived in south San Joaquin County for more than 25 years and, as a result, knows a great deal about Manteca’s strengths and opportunities.
Asked why she wanted to work for the City she said, “With all of the housing interest in the area, I felt I could help Manteca leverage its premier, Central California location and the City’s significant growth to attract higher-quality retail and entertainment businesses, and higher-paying jobs to our community.
She points out that she also has a passion for serving small businesses, such as those in Manteca’s historic downtown. “I truly have a passion for revitalizing downtowns to become destinations for families and friends to gather, enjoy great food, and shop…while simultaneously preserving its rich history, cultural value, and unique charms.“
Harb continues, “I knew Manteca was a special community even before being employed by the City; and now, as the City’s Economic Development Manager, I am privileged to work alongside an enormously dedicated team of professionals who share the same customer-focused, outcome-driven approach to serving our community.”
“I think what I enjoy most about the City of Manteca is working with our development team to streamline the development process for new developments coming to Manteca,” Harb says that she understands that the permitting process can be confusing and complicated; and that wasted time is wasted money.
“Therefore, one of our top priorities in Economic Development is to help businesses navigate through the process and open up as quickly as possible. In fact, she feels her experience working with new businesses allows her to observe the process from the customers’ perspective and recommend improvements,” Harb observes.
A day typically begins with Harb managing her email. After that, she works with the individuals who contact the City to ask about available properties, renewing a business license, permitting process and requirements, local and regional grant funding, and attending collaborative meetings with local and regional agencies.
There are also meetings to discuss new developments and marketing meetings. “On the best days, I’ll attend a Chamber coffee or ribbon cutting for a new business,” Harb adds. “The very best day will be when I finally get that call from Trader Joe’s!”
In addition to all that, the Economic Development team works on gathering and compiling data to help promote the value of a Manteca location.
They secure information from several data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, ESRI, Placer.ai, University of the Pacific, San Joaquin County, California Department of Finance, Employment Development Department, and other independently commissioned studies.
“We use these data to design advertisements and marketing materials for promoting the City. It all helps us put together a compelling story as to why Manteca is a smart investment and a great place to live,” Harb concludes.
Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.
Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.