Modesto Development News
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6/23/2026 - City of Modesto Council Meeting
Published: Jun 23, 2026
Council Member Alvarez Proposes Streamlined Pop-Up Permits, Discusses District 2 Issues
Council Member Alvarez discussed the city's approach to pop-up events, proposing creative solutions for economic development. He suggested establishing a more flexible framework, including a lightweight permitting track for small, low-risk activations, and designating specific areas like downtown corridors or underutilized parking lots (e.g., former Orchard Supply Hardware, Toys R Us lots) where pop-ups could be pre-approved or allowed with minimal friction. This approach aims to reduce barriers for local entrepreneurs and community groups while maintaining safety and accountability. Alvarez also shared details of a tour in District 2 with Congressman Adam Gray, visiting Saigon Sandwich and Kesia Muakana, where issues like crime, homelessness, blight, and vandalism were discussed. He suggested utilizing mobile cameras as a deterrent and utilizing the 'chat team' (alternative response model) for individuals with mental health issues. Additionally, he highlighted the need for boxing equipment funding for Fourth Street Park's youth program.
Modesto Council Member Advocates for Flexible Pop-Up Permitting and Business Support
Council Member Alvarez proposed creating a more flexible framework for pop-up events in Modesto to foster economic development and entrepreneurship. He suggested a lightweight permitting track for small, low-risk activations and designating specific areas like downtown corridors or underutilized parking lots for pre-approved pop-ups. This approach would reduce barriers for local entrepreneurs and community groups while maintaining safety and accountability. Alvarez also shared his experiences from a tour of District 2 with Congressman Adam Gray, discussing business challenges and suggesting solutions like mobile cameras and the 'chat team' for mental health response.
Council Member Ricky Criticizes Animal Services, Proposes Event and Economic Development Changes
During the council meeting, Council Member Ricky expressed strong dissatisfaction with Stanislaus County Animal Services (Stanislaus Animal Services), criticizing its management, budget practices, and refusal to address challenges. He highlighted that hundreds have complained, yet the agency has not made significant changes, prioritizing 'government first.' Ricky stated that the agency is in violation of the Hayden Act but remains unresponsive. He vowed to continue efforts until the agency fulfills its responsibilities. Additionally, Ricky suggested changes to the Graffiti Parade, advocating for a later start time (8:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.) to avoid extreme heat and attract more tourists. He also emphasized the need for economic development programs focused on AI-proof jobs and supporting entrepreneurship, suggesting initiatives like a public community kitchen and a marketplace for local businesses.
Council Member Ricky Calls for Reform of Animal Services and Economic Development Strategies
Council Member Ricky criticized Stanislaus County Animal Services for alleged mismanagement, including budget practices that prioritize raises over services and a lack of responsiveness to public complaints. He claimed the agency is in violation of the Hayden Act but remains unresponsive. Ricky vowed continued advocacy until the agency fulfills its responsibilities. He also suggested changes to the Graffiti Parade, advocating for a later start time to mitigate extreme heat and boost tourism, and called for economic development programs focused on AI-proof jobs and entrepreneurship, proposing initiatives like a public community kitchen and a marketplace for local businesses.
Modesto Municipal Code Updated to Separate City Clerk and Auditor Roles
The City Council approved an ordinance to update the Modesto Municipal Code, separating the roles of the City Clerk and City Auditor into distinct standalone positions. This administrative cleanup aligns the code with the city charter and current business practices, as the roles have been combined for over 30 years. The change clarifies the City Clerk's role and enhances the independence of the City Auditor's position, supporting internal controls and best practices. A minor operational impact involves transferring the review of check and payroll registers from the City Clerk to the Finance Department, with the auditor's office now including regular sampling and testing of these registers in its annual work plan. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.
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