Stockton's Midtown - Magnolia Community
Live Work Walk

Following the State of California's transfer of the former Stockton Development Center to California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS), the City of Stockton committed to developing a revitalization strategy for the CSUS/Midtown Neighborhood.

In April 1999, the Mayor and City Council were presented a strategy memorandum discussing an initial vision, goals and issues. In September 1999, a Policy Advisory Group, later named Magnolia Advisor Group (MAG) was appointed by the Mayor. Councilmember Gary S. Giovanetti was asked to be the Council representative.

The MAG, with the help of facilitation efforts from the University of the Pacific, formulated an "Urban Village" Vision and Implementation Plan for the revitalization.

The City of Stockton adopted a resolution to:

1. Accept the CSUS-Stockton Midtown Revitalization Strategy Update of Activities Report;
   
   
2. Reaffirm the City's commitment to develop and implement a revitalization strategy for the Midtown Neighborhood;
   
   
3. Direct the CSUS/Midtown Policy Advisory Group to begin community outreach efforts regarding the proposed revitalization strategy.

The "Vision and Goals" were as follows:

• An economically vital mixed-use area to emphasize a "live, work, walk" environment encouraging owner-occupancy and retail commercial;
  
  
• An urban place with unique history that can thrive and preserve the over-lay zone, design codes, and incentives;
  
  
• A neighborhood that is a model of social, physical and family rejuvenation through partnerships among agencies to ensure safe streets and recreational opportunities;
  
  
• Supportive street and transportation facilities for improving transit connection to community workplace and creating additional connector routes;
  
  
• Help support a new neighborhood school and service center located within the vicinity of the CSUS campus.

A management team was formed to support the MAG and provide a framework for collaboration and partnerships among residents, community organizations, government agencies, and private business. The challenge was met and the MAG set out for community outreach to discuss issues, concerns, and community needs and objectives with property and business owners in an effort to finalize their "Urban Village" vision and begin facilitating the implementation of projects and programs to revitalize the Midtown area.