As of June 20, the word “interim” was officially removed from Toni Lundgren’s title, solidifying her position as the City Manager of Manteca.

Lundgren’s appointment as the official city manager came after a unanimous 5-0 vote by the City Council on May 27, capping off her 15-month run as the acting city manager and subsequently as the interim city manager. Her appointment followed an extensive and rigorous recruitment process conducted by a professional recruiting firm. The process began with 34 candidates who met the basic qualifications, and Lundgren emerged as the top choice after a four-step vetting process.

“We went into the recruitment process looking for the best for Manteca, and Toni Lundgren has proven herself to be just that. Her dedication to our community, extensive experience in municipal government, institutional knowledge and ability to build strong relationships with city employees make her the ideal choice for the role of City Manager,” stated Mayor Gary Singh. “We are confident that under her leadership, Manteca will continue to thrive and be a place where people want to build their lives.”

The comprehensive interview process involved three candidate screening panels, each with a specific focus. One panel comprised professionals, another represented the community, and the third featured existing city department heads. The final stage of the process involved the City Council interviewing the top three candidates, which consisted of Council members Charlie Halford and Dave Breitenbucher.

Lundgren’s background also provides a solid foundation for her new role. Growing up in Linden, just 20 miles northeast of Manteca, she attended Linden High School before pursuing a degree at Long Beach State following her time at Delta College. With 25 years of experience in municipal government, Lundgren has previously worked in various cities such as Stockton, Lodi, and Escalon before joining Manteca 16 years ago. In the early part of her career, she focused on parks and recreation departments, gaining valuable insight into the crucial link between municipal finances and providing essential services to citizens.

Lundgren’s vision for Manteca aligns with the council’s goal of establishing a strong financial footing for the city, enabling the delivery of necessary services and fulfilling community desires. Her extensive experience and dedication to the well-being of Manteca make her a valuable asset to the city’s ongoing initiatives, including downtown development, economic growth, and the establishment of a homeless navigation center.

“I am honored and excited to serve as Manteca’s City Manager. I look forward to working closely with the City Council, our dedicated staff, and the community to ensure that Manteca reaches its full potential,” commented Toni. “Together, we will build on the solid foundation that has already been laid, and I am committed to make Manteca an even better place to live, work and thrive.”