Lodi Receives Receives Ninth Consecutive Distinguished Budget Award

The City of Lodi has earned the prestigious Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the ninth year in a row. This award recognizes the City’s commitment to the highest standards of budgeting, evaluating the budget as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool.



To receive the award, the City’s budget must meet rigorous national guidelines and be rated proficient in fourteen mandatory criteria. Lodi continues to set the bar for effective and transparent budgeting in local government.

Remembering Myrna Wetzel

Myrna Wetzel was one of those people who made Lodi shine. She loved her community and wasn’t afraid to speak up for it. Residents along Holly Drive would always see Myrna walking around Candy Cane Park with a sign calling for new playground equipment.

Thanks to her persistence and Measure L funding, the park got its much-needed update in 2019, with Myrna proudly cutting the ribbon at the park's grand reopening.

Myrna was cheerful, determined, and always kind. She never stopped caring about Lodi, from parks to safety efforts like pushing for a stop sign at Cross and Lockeford after her dog Blessing was hit there. Myrna passed away in June of this year, but her spirit lives on.

The City of Lodi will celebrate Myrna Wetzel Day on November 16, the anniversary of that joyful Candy Cane Park reopening she helped make happen.

Leading Public Works

This week, City Engineer Sean Nathan was appointed Interim Public Works Director, filling in after Charlie Swimley made his retirement official. Born and raised in Lodi, Sean started with the City as an Engineering Intern from 2000 to 2002 before heading to Fresno State to study Civil Engineering. After graduating, Sean returned to the City in 2012 as an Associate Civil Engineer, then promoted to Senior Civil Engineer in 2016, and then to Deputy Public Works Director / City Engineer in 2023.

Outside of work, Sean enjoys traveling, golfing and supporting his kids' sports activities.

Mayor for a Day: Georgia Merritt Visits City Departments

On Wednesday, October 29, the City of Lodi had the honor of hosting Georgia Merritt as our Mayor for the Day. Georgia kicked off her day with the Mayor’s State of the City address before embarking on a city-wide tour to explore the inner workings of local government. Throughout the day, Georgia visited several city departments, including Fire, Police, Community Development, and Parks. She had the opportunity to meet with dedicated public servants, learn about their roles, and ask insightful questions.



The day wrapped up with Georgia trying her hand at sitting on the dais in the Carnegie Forum Council Chambers. A big thank you to Georgia and her family for making this day so memorable!

It's Going to be a Winter Wonderland!

The holidays are upon us! Staring Monday, November 10, Downtown will be lit up thanks to a generous donation from Lodi Electric Utility. Don't miss all of the amazing festivities planned for this season!

City offices will be closed Friday, November 14