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City of Manteca
Economic Development Newsletter
March 4, 2026
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The City of Manteca team will be attending ICSC Monterey on March 24–25, 2026, and we’re looking to connect with innovative retailers, developers, and business leaders interested in growing in one of California’s fastest-growing communities.
Let’s schedule time to connect during the conference! Follow the link below to schedule a meeting with the City of Manteca team!
| | Entertainment Evolution Experience 2026 | |
The City of Manteca Economic Development Team recently attended the Entertainment Evolution Experience in search of new entertainment and experiential concepts to serve our growing community.
During the conference, our team connected with innovative operators and explored emerging trends that could further enhance Manteca’s retail and entertainment landscape.
Interested in expanding or learning more about opportunities in Manteca? Let’s connect — reach us at EconDev@Manteca.gov.
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Something’s Cooking in Manteca!
Get ready, aspiring culinary entrepreneurs! A new and exciting opportunity is on the way this March—this will be your opportunity to bring bold ideas, showcase your flavors, and take the first step toward launching your very own food venture. Stay tuned for program updates!
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The City of Manteca is proud to announce the launch of the Utility Box Art Program, a new public art initiative that transforms everyday utility boxes into vibrant works of art created by local artists.
The program aims to beautify the community, celebrate Manteca’s history and culture, and showcase local creativity. Selected artists will receive a stipend, and artwork will be installed in phases at City-designated locations.
Phase I Application Period:
- Opens: Monday, February 9, 2026
- Deadline: Thursday, April 9, 2026
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✨ Save the Date, Manteca! ✨
Join us for the 2026 State of the City Address on April 29, 2026 at 4pm, where Mayor Gary Singh, City Council, and community leaders will share updates, priorities, and the exciting road ahead for our city.
This year’s event will be held in the heart of Downtown Manteca at The Veranda Banquet Hall — a special opportunity to connect and celebrate our community’s momentum.
The City of Mantecais proudly partnership with the Manteca Chamber of Commerce to bring this event to life as we continue moving Manteca forward together.
Click the link below to learn more about tickets and sponsorships opportunities.
| | The City of Manteca is proud to welcome the following businesses to our community! | Manteca continues to grow and flourish as a city rooted in community and opportunity. These new businesses reflect the City's momentum, new jobs, services, and experiences that strengthen the local economy and enhance residents’ quality of life. We are excited to welcome these new businesses to the Manteca community! | | Commercial Shopping Centers | | Located along Airport Way and Highway 120, Manteca Crossing is already home to Pokemoto, Mountain Mike’s, Crumbl, 88 Bao Bao, Chick-fil-A, and more! Manteca Crossing continues to demonstrate strong retail momentum. With the addition of several upcoming retailers, like Food 4 Less, Jersey Mike’s, Nation’s Giant Hamburgers, and Paris Baguette, the center is further strengthening its tenant mix and expanding retail offerings for the Manteca community. | | | | |
Discover Opportunities at Manteca Marketplace!
Located at the busy corner of West Yosemite Avenue and North Union Road, Manteca Marketplace is a vibrant neighborhood retail center featuring popular tenants like Savemart, Planet Fitness, YOKLI Yogurt, Harbor Freight, and more. With high visibility at the crossroads of two major traffic corridors, the center offers a diversified mix of retail opportunities.
Two prime spaces are currently available for lease:
+/- 21,400 sf (former Rite Aid)
+/- 30,752 sf (former Big Lots)
| | Family Entertainment Zone (The FEZ) | |
Hunden Partners, on behalf of the City of Manteca Economic Development Division, has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify qualified developers for the commercial development of the Family Entertainment Zone (The FEZ) in Manteca. The FEZ includes 150 acres of City-owned land envisioned as a dynamic mixed-use destination incorporating entertainment, sports, retail, hospitality, residential, and public space uses.
The City is now accepting submissions in response to the RFQ, which can be accessed via the link below.
| Shop Local for the Holidays Campaign | | |
The Economic Development Division proudly wrapped up its annual Shop & Support Local Campaign, spreading holiday cheer while spotlighting Manteca’s small businesses.
Thanks to this effort, the team:
- Reached over 2,000 local businesses through a personalized email campaign
- Completed five Business Walks, connecting with 45+ businesses and welcoming three new small businesses to the community
- Drove an increase in 100,000 visitors to Manteca in December 2025 compared to the previous year
- Shared 15 engaging social media posts encouraging everyone to shop local
The campaign was a festive reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and the vibrant community they help create.
| | | The City of Manteca is excited to announce the installation of hanging planter in the heart of downtown! These vibrant addition brings a splash of color and natural beauty to the Downtown streetscape, enhancing the charm and welcoming atmosphere of downtown Manteca. This marks one of the city’s ongoing efforts to beautify public spaces and support a thriving, inviting Downtown for the community. | | | Downtown District Improvement District | |
The Downtown Manteca District is now recruiting a Downtown District Coordinator (independent consultant, ~20 hours per week). This role will serve as the on-the-ground liaison supporting board operations, events, marketing, and overall district coordination.
Qualified candidates with experience in community engagement, event coordination, and organizational support are encouraged to apply by March 15, 2026.
To view the full RFP and application details, you may email Charles Paz at info@downtownmanteca.com or click the button below to learn more.
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Have you seen the oversized teal chair in downtown Manteca?
Right next to the Manteca Library in the heart of downtown, this fun spot continues to bring charm and vibrancy to Manteca's Downtown.
Next time you’re downtown, stop by, take a seat, and take a selfie and don't forget to tag the City of Manteca!
| | | Acquisition of Real Property | |
In January 2026, the City Council approved the Sale and Purchase Agreement for the historic Manteca Bedquarters building and adjacent parking lots. This project is envisioned as a catalyst for downtown revitalization, incorporating concepts such as vibrant food halls, gathering spaces, and complementary uses that will energize the heart of the city.
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The City of Manteca is offering a one-year opportunity to bring existing unpermitted residential construction into compliance.
From January 1st through December 31, 2026, property owners can apply to legalize qualifying residential projects through a streamlined permitting process that includes:
- A temporary pause on code enforcement fines and fees
- Suspension of enforcement actions while permits are actively being pursued
- A clear pathway to meet current building and zoning requirements
This program is designed to help homeowners move forward with peace of mind while ensuring safety and compliance citywide.
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| FY25-26 Small Business Assistance Grant | |
The City of Manteca Small Business Grant offers businesses up to $50,000 in matching grant funds for a range of improvement projects, including façade upgrades, awnings, exterior signage, tenant improvements, and more!
The City has successfully completed three rounds of application reviews, awarding a total of 20 local projects. Applications are still being accepted and may be accessed by clicking the button below.
For program questions, you may reach Economic Development staff by calling (209)456-8520 or emailing EconDev@manteca.gov.
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| San Joaquin County Sparks Utility Relief Grant | |
The Sparks Relief Grant Program, managed by the San Joaquin County, supports small businesses that were negatively impacted by COVID-19 by helping to offset operational costs through utility expense reimbursements.
Eligible businesses may receive grants of up to $5,000. The business would need to have been in operation since January 1, 2020 and be a brick-and-mortar. If you have program related questions you may reach a County representative at SparkGrant@sjcworknet.org or by calling (209)468-3615.
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| The STAART Camera Grant is program is managed by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce offering free professional security camera installations for small businesses across San Joaquin County. If you have program related questions you may reach out via email at staart@stocktonchamber.org or by calling (209)547-2770. You may access the application, by clicking the button linked below. | | | Small Business Development Center (SBDC) | The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) San Joaquin provide support to entrepreneurs and small businesses through free workshops and no-cost, one-on-one consulting. Services include guidance on business planning, access to capital, marketing, and operations to help businesses launch, grow, and succeed. Learn more about SBDC by clicking the link below. | |
| Contact the Economic Development Team | | |
Vanessa Carrera
Interim Deputy Director, Economic Development
econdev@manteca.gov
(209)456-8520
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Joseph Viorge-Koide
Senior Economic Development Analyst
jvkoide@manteca.gov
(209)456-8014
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