The City of Stockton has big plans for the downtown core with the Thrive Downtown effort, which seeks to develop a comprehensive vision for the future of downtown Stockton.

Thrive Downtown is advancing a comprehensive revitalization strategy for the downtown core, beginning with an in-depth analysis of existing conditions within the study area. The effort will outline a vision for renewal that includes encouraging infill housing, evaluating priority sites for redevelopment or adaptive reuse, and strengthening mobility and connectivity in the public realm. 

In May, Ricardo Noguera stepped in as director of economic development with a vision of downtown Stockton as an “18-hour community.” Currently, downtown has considerable daytime foot traffic with more than 8,000 public and private employees in the area, offering an opportunity for a vibrant and active nightlife after work and through the evening with people enjoying dining, drinks, entertainment or sports.

“There is so much opportunity in Downtown Stockton that it deserves every effort to bring it to its full potential by creating a vision and reducing barriers to investment and redevelopment.”— Christina Fugazi, Mayor, City of Stockton

“Thrive Downtown is about inspiring Stockton’s future while honoring its rich heritage,” says Jordan Peterson, deputy director of redevelopment. “Through this effort, our goal is to encourage development while also ensuring that the development of public spaces and local business districts directly reflects the diverse needs and voices of our community.”

One of the main focus areas for Thrive Downtown is the north shore area, already featuring the Stockton Ballpark, Adventist Health Arena and the Arena Garage. The city is in the final stages of upgrading the ballpark with modernized and expanded team facilities, player and staff amenities, training spaces, field infrastructure and parking lot expansion. The city also has recently issued an RFP for design services to turn the vacant 15,000-square-foot ground floor of the Arena Garage into a public market, making a vibrant community-driven space from underutilized spaces.  

Next steps include continued outreach and adoption of the Thrive Downtown Plan, more sporting events with the addition of new professional sports teams and upgraded facilities, and the development of more housing, businesses and third spaces. Noguera concludes, “We see a bright and vibrant future for downtown Stockton.”