City of Manteca Updates the Downtown with New Programs and Property

A city’s downtown area has an important and unique role in economic and social development. Downtowns create a critical mass of activities where commercial, cultural, and civic activities are concentrated; hence, the City of Manteca deemed it as important to revitalize its Downtown area by implementing new and updated programs, acquiring additional property, and approving ordinances to grant the changes.

“The City of Manteca had to pivot when the pandemic hit to be able to allow restaurants and businesses to provide their retail and personal services to the community in a safe way. Due to the hard work and dedication of City staff and the community, Manteca’s Downtown is continuing to grow in ways never seen before,” said Interim City Manager Toni Lundgren. “We are looking forward to seeing our community continue to enjoy the new changes to the Downtown area!”

Like many cities, the City of Manteca saw an increasing need to invest in the City’s businesses and infrastructure in the Downtown area, throughout the pandemic. The City started the changes to the Downtown by passing ordinance changes, including amending the Boarded and Vacant Building Ordinance City Municipal Code Chapter 8.19 and updating the allowed uses and permit requirements in the Central Business District Overlay Zone. Through the ordinances, the City was able to move forward on purchasing property on Sycamore Ave., Sycamore Ave. & Yosemite Ave. and  Main St. & Yosemite Ave. Future property acquisitions are being considered by the City’s Downtown AD Hoc Committee and City Council on Main Street.

Along with new property, Downtown Manteca has established new and improved programs and businesses, including:

  • Market on Maple 

Now taking place on Saturdays instead of Thursday nights to allow for more of the community to attend and enjoy local vendors and live music.

  • The RAD Card

Manteca Citizens can pre-load money onto their digital gift card and use it at local businesses to double their dollars to a max of $200. Beginning on April 1, 2022, the City partnered with San Joaquin County to add $2 Million in funding to the RAD Card Program. The funding allows shoppers input money onto a prepaid gift card and the County matchs funding one-to-one.

  • Deaf Puppy Comedy Club

Manteca’s first dedicated comedy club will be opening early next year at 127 N Main Street, amplifying the revitalization of the Downtown business community. Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, named after owner Chris Teicheira’s adored deaf puppy, will accommodate 140 people in the showroom, 48 people in the lounge, and a green room for performers. Within the first two years of opening, a mural will be installed on the south facing wall that is currently bare. 

To ensure the safety of all community members and residents, the City is also enhancing the Downtown Clean Up efforts with Inner City Action and increasing downtown patrol efforts. Inner City Action has been providing services to the unsheltered population of the City of Manteca by overseeing the Homeless Emergency Center and conducting routine clean ups of the City. 

For additional information regarding the changes to the City of Manteca’s Downtown, visit: www.ci.manteca.ca.us/CommunityDevelopment/Pages/Downtown-Manteca-Updates.aspx