City Manager's Blog 

Safer City, Built Over Time: How Modesto’s Long-Term Strategy Is Delivering Results

The City of Modesto’s approach to public safety is guided by results. Hear from City Manager, Joe Lopez as he shares how the City's long-term strategy is making an impact, with 2025 crime trends showing significant reductions in both violent and property crimes. These improvements are driven by a commitment to data-driven policing, strategic investments in smart technology, and strong community partnership. The City of Modesto remains committed to continuing to improve safety for residents and businesses every day. 

Read the full City Manager Blog here.

Construction Underway on Tuolumne Boulevard for the River Trunk Pump Station Project

The City of Modesto has launched a major infrastructure project to protect the Tuolumne River and strengthen the reliability of the City’s wastewater system. The new pump station is designed to move critical equipment farther from the river and better manage wastewater during wet seasons, reducing the risk of sewer overflows and service interruptions for nearby neighborhoods and businesses.

Phase 1 of construction is expected to continue through the end of 2028, with full closure of the Tuolumne Boulevard required until mid-June 2026.

Please note the following road closures until mid-June 2026:

• Westbound Tuolumne Blvd Closed at Bridge – Access to Northbound Hwy 99 Only
• Eastbound Tuolumne Blvd Closed at Bridge – Access to Southbound Hwy 99 Only
• Neece Drive Closed to Through Traffic from Tuolumne Blvd to Fairway Drive

While temporary road closure impacts are expected, the coordinated effort will shorten construction time by up to eight weeks and save an estimated $1 million in costs. The City encourages residents to plan ahead and visit the City’s website for project detour maps and additional information as construction moves forward. For questions or comments, please call the Project Information Line at (800) 716-0310 and leave your name, phone number, and a brief description of your inquiry, and a member of the project team will respond within 24 hours weekdays, during normal weekday business hours.

Breaking Ground on Affordable Housing with 7th Street Village

Visionary Home Builders hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the newest affordable housing project in downtown Modesto.

Affordable housing continues to be among one our community’s top priorities. Through strong partnerships and regional collaboration, the City is making meaningful progress in creating sustainable, affordable, and inclusive housing solutions that meet the needs of residents in Modesto. Mixed-use developments contribute to smart growth and provide housing options that support livable environments that promote a vibrant community.

Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update

The City of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods team hosted a community workshop to discuss an update on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The presentation gave an overview of the project approach from the evaluation of the parks, to staffing, financial overview, and a summary of the results from the statistically valid survey conducted in the summer of 2025.

There are four goals the master plan will focus on with objectives identified to help Modesto reimagine the future of fun in our community.  

• Invest in current infrastructure and address aging facilities.
• Improve and enhance programming and service delivery.
• Improve organizational efficiencies.
• Diversify operational subsidy.

The next steps will be to complete the draft of the master plan and present the final version to the City Council for adoption. This 10-year Master Plan will serve as a clear, user-friendly framework to guide the planning, programming, operations, maintenance, and development of our parks, open spaces, trails, and recreational facilities.

Get more information on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan here.

Upcoming City Meetings

City Council Meeting

• Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

• Time:  5:30 pm

• Location:  Tenth Street Place in Basement Chambers

City Council Meeting

• Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

• Time:  5:30 pm

• Location:  Tenth Street Place in Basement Chambers

Safety & Communities Committee Meeting

• Date: Monday, March 9, 2026

• Time:  4:00 pm

• Location:  Tenth Street Place in the Del Puerto Room (2001-40)

If you are interested in attending a City of Modesto Board, Commission, or Committee meeting, visit the Agenda Center.