News Flash

The City of Modesto has launched its new automated traffic safety program to change driver behavior, curb reckless red-light running at high-risk intersections across town, and make streets safer for all.

The following locations were selected to launch 10 red-light cameras in several directions:

• Eastbound Briggsmore Ave. at Coffee Rd., the red-light cameras were operational as of March 1, 2026
• Eastbound Sylvan Ave. at Coffee Rd., the red-light cameras were operational as of March 11, 2026.
• Eastbound Briggsmore Ave. at Carver Rd.
• Eastbound Pelandale Ave. at Carver. Rd.
• Northbound Oakdale Rd. at Briggsmore Ave.
• Southbound McHenry Ave. at Standiford Ave.
• Northbound El Vista/Oakdale Rd. at Scenic Dr.
• Northbound N. Carpenter Rd. at Kansas Ave.
• Northbound 9th St. at G St.
• Westbound Yosemite Blvd. at S. Santa Rosa Ave.

After red-light cameras are turned on at each intersection, a 30-day warning period will go into effect.  After the 30 days, the program will begin issuing citations for all red-light violations. Any vehicle captured failing to stop at a red light will be sent a citation. Warnings will begin this spring.

"Cameras are proven to be effective in reducing crashes and serious injuries," said Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen. "We need to stop dangerous driving behavior before it becomes fatal. Do your part by driving safely and following the law to create a safer Modesto for all."

The City of Modesto contracted with Verra Mobility, a leader in speed safety technology, to administer this safety program. The cameras will capture images of vehicle license plates and send them through secure video. Law enforcement will verify the infraction before issuing a fine.

Additional intersections will go live in phases and updates will be provided as each new locations becomes operational.

FAQs

1.  What is the fine amount for a red-light camera violation? The citation will be $485.

2.  Will it affect my driver's license or insurance rates?  A red-light violation will result in 1 point on the driver's license. These citations may impact insurance rates.

3.  Can I prevent the point from being added to my driving record?  You may be eligible for Defensive Driving School; eligibility is determined by the Stanislaus County Traffic Court.  

Press Release Contact

Sonya SeveroPublic Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager209-497-0075Email Sonya Severo

Modesto, CA, February 17, 2026 - The City of Modesto is taking a major step towards government transparency, accountability and community engagement with the launch of City View, a new open data platform going live February 17, 2026.

City View provides residents, businesses, and community organizations with easy access to the most up-to-date data that informs the decision-making process for our City. The platform creates a centralized hub for community members to explore key performance indicators (KPIs) and track the impact of City programs and services. Hosted by Tyler Technologies, City View transforms complex government data into interactive charts, dashboards and visuals that can be accessed from any web browser or smartphone.  

Phase 1 of City View will focus on Measure H, the 1% local sales tax approved by voters in November 2022 and implemented on April 1, 2023. Community members will be able to track programs and projects approved through the annual Measure H spending plans that have been approved by City Council. Ensuring visibility into how Measure H funds are impacting our City and telling the story behind the numbers that are used in the decision-making process.

Phase 2 will expand the platform to citywide programs and encompass all other funds in the organization. For example, funds like Surface Transportation, Water, and Wastewater will showcase its open data behind the work being done in the community to improve City streets, ensure residents have clean drinking water and proper sanitation services.

City View is part of the City’s broader Smart City Strategy, focused on efficiency, data culture, and community well-being. Enhancing the City’s ability to provide crucial information to the public as it continues to work towards improved transparency and engagement with the residents it serves.

Download the press release (pdf).

Press Release Contact

Sonya SeveroPublic Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager209-497-0075Email Sonya Severo

Modesto, CA, January 28, 2026 – On February 6, 2026, the City of Modesto will be one of seven recipients of the National Community Development Association (NCDA) Audrey Nelson Community Development Award. Modesto is being recognized for Jenny’s Place, a permanent supportive housing project that provides support for individuals and youth experiencing homelessness.  The recognition highlights the City’s ability to align community collaboration with federal funding to address the needs of residents rebuilding their lives out of homelessness.   

“By maximizing our resources and leveraging strong partnerships in our community, Modesto has been able to turn a once underutilized motel, into 54 housing units providing individuals with opportunities to build a sustainable and meaningful future,” says Jessica Hill, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Modesto.

In partnership with Upholdings, Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and Center for Human Services, and with capital funding from the City of Modesto, Health Plan of San Joaquin, State of California HomeKey Program, and Stanislaus County Community System of Care, the motel conversion began in early 2024 and opened its doors to hope in May of 2025.

Jenny’s Place has a dedicated focus on youth experiencing homelessness; along with housing, they provide coordinated case management services including peer support activities, mental health care, and healthy community connections building on an existing continuum of care for youth experiencing homelessness in partnership with Center for Human Services.  

"Jenny's Place is for young people in our community who need support when they are at risk and face barriers to survival," says City of Modesto Mayor, Sue Zwahlen. "Since opening, Jenny's Place has served 42 youth, offering a safe environment, where they can work on their independence while knowing help is available if they need it."

The NCDA is a non-partisan national non-profit association comprised of more than 500 local governments across the country that administer federally supported community development, affordable housing, and economic development programs through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  

The NCDA established the Audrey Nelson Community Development Award in 1987 to recognize and honor communities which exemplify outstanding achievement in service to residents, families, and neighborhoods through innovative and impactful uses of Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds that address the needs of families, homes, and neighborhoods.  

Press Release Audrey Nelson Announcement 2026

Press Release Contact

Sonya SeveroPublic Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager209-497-0075Email Sonya Severo

In 2019, The City of Modesto implemented the Rental Housing Safety Program (RHSP) as a part of City Ordinance 3703, in part with Measure H funding, in response to the condemnation and demolishing of a severely deteriorated housing project on Ninth Street. This incident highlighted the City’s need for a proactive initiative to provide safe and habitable rental homes for Modesto residents.  

The City partnered with several nonprofit organizations in order to make this program possible. Each collaborator reflects community needs and industry best practices. Designed to be effective for both tenants and landlords, the RHSP’s main goal is to have safe rental homes. The RHSP also maintains that landlords who rent out to tenants are responsible for ensuring their housing units meet proper safety standards.  

The RHSP requires all rental property owners to register through the City’s website. The program works by having landlords fill out two online forms for free registration and self-certify their properties. Once both forms are properly completed, the city will randomly select properties registered with the program and mail a notice to each selected unit. 

Rules and regulations for this program require that all residential rental properties in Modesto that are older than 10 years and registered with the program, shall be subject to random inspections. Each registered unit that is selected will be invoiced $100 for inspection at the expense of the property owner. Every year, around 10% of all RHSP registered units in Modesto are selected for a safety audit conducted by City of Modesto Enforcement officers.  

“The Rental Housing Safety Program has allowed the City to move from a reactive approach to a proactive one,” said Oscar Diaz, Chief Building Official. “By partnering with property owners and tenants, we are identifying safety issues early, correcting them efficiently, and ensuring that thousands of Modesto residents are living in safer, healthier homes.” 

Both tenants and property owners will benefit from this program by making sure that their home meets proper safety standards. Tenants may be protected from inadequate living conditions, reducing stress and increasing trust in their local government. Likewise, property owners can avoid fines and contribute to a thriving and safe rental housing market by implementing a thorough search of all properties. 

Since the program’s inception, 19,246 units have registered with the Rental Housing Safety Program and over 2,000 safety audits have been completed. The City estimates that approximately 40,000 units still need to be registered. Rental property owners can sign up for the Rental Housing Safety Program to protect their property and ensure healthy housing for their tenants. Sign up today to stay compliant and support safer housing in our community.  

For more information, contact:

Sonya SeveroPublic Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager209-497-0075Email Sonya Severo

February 27, 2026, City Manager's Blog

The City of Modesto’s approach to public safety is guided by results. Just as meaningful health improvements require sustained effort, long-term crime reduction is the result of years of intentional focus, smart decision-making, and strong partnerships. Modesto’s 2025 crime data reflect that reality. 

In comparison to the previous year, 2025 saw reductions in both violent and property crimes.

Crime Trends by the Numbers: 2024 vs. 2025 

• Homicides: 7 → 0 (100% ⇩) 
• Aggravated assaults 900 → 860 (4% ⇩)
• Sex Offenses: 240 → 169 (30% ⇩)
• Robberies: 242 → 201 (17% ⇩)
• Auto-theft: 718 → 500 (44% ⇩)
• Commercial burglaries: 267 → 173 (35% ⇩)
• Residential burglaries: 289 → 252 (13% ⇩)
• Larceny: 3,950 → 3,326 (16% ⇩)
• Vehicle larceny: 1,017 → 888 (13% ⇩)

This is progress our community can see and trust. The Modesto Police Department’s (MPD) approach emphasizes intelligence-led, data-driven policing. Department teams meet regularly to closely analyze crime trends, identify emerging problem areas, and deploy directed enforcement strategies tailored to specific issues. This focused approach allows resources to be used more efficiently and address crime patterns before they escalate. 

Crime reduction is not achieved by enforcement alone. Community trust and collaboration are essential. Key grant funding and Measure H, the voter approved initiative have enhanced the City’s strategic investments that strengthen public safety. MPD provides crime prevention resources and access to officers through Coffee with a Cop and National Night out events, neighborhood associations, business watch programs, community forums, and ongoing safety messaging on social media, contributing to overall public safety in our city.

While these results are encouraging, public safety is never a finished project. The City of Modesto remains committed to using data, smart technology, and partnering with community to sustain progress and continue improving safety for residents and businesses. Modesto’s crime trends show that focused strategies and collaboration can make a measurable impact and provide a strong foundation for the work ahead. 

I am proud of our team at the Modesto Police Department and grateful for the residents and community partners who work alongside them every day to make Modesto a safer place to live, work, and do business.  

Modesto, CA, September 12, 2025 - The City Council recently approved an agreement with Main Street Modesto, LLC, a Pioneer League affiliate, for a team to play at John Thurman Field. The new team’s first pitch will be in 2026. 

Last year, the City was disappointed that negotiations with the Seattle Mariners did not lead to a resolution to keep the Modesto Nuts in our community.  Although the discussions did not reach the successful result that we had hoped for, the City recognized that baseball was too important to Modesto to let it go.

The City energetically explored various opportunities to enhance access to affordable sports and entertainment options for families in Modesto, which led to this new partnership with Main Street to bring a Pioneer League team to John Thurman Field.

At the City Council meeting, Mayor Sue Zwahlen said, “this is really exciting, that we will continue to have baseball!” 

This long-term lease agreement is a significant step forward in the City’s commitment to ensuring John Thurman Field continues to serve as a home for professional baseball and community events.  Once again, the City focused on longevity and sustainability for a successful partnership.

“Modesto and John Thurman Field have a long and storied history of hosting our nation’s pastime, and I am so excited not merely to continue that tradition but to build and improve on it with the most fun, affordable, and family-friendly brand of entertainment this community has ever seen,” said new team owner Dave Heller.

This community-driven decision supports the Council’s strategic priorities by advancing a pro-growth economic development strategy that focuses on downtown, sports, and entertainment, continuing to build Modesto as a regional destination in California.

“On behalf of all the member clubs of the Pioneer Baseball League, I am so very pleased and excited to have Modesto join our wonderful league,” said Pioneer Baseball League President Mike Shapiro. 

The City of Modesto will be hosting a press event soon with Main Street Modesto, LLC, and we invite the community to join as a new inning for baseball begins in our community.  

Download a PDF of the Press Release

For more information, contact:

Sonya SeveroPublic Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager209-497-0075Email Sonya Severo

The Tuolumne River Regional Park is a large 500-acre park being developed along the seven-mile stretch of the Tuolumne River traversing through the City of Modesto. The river park is an underutilized natural resource with an abundance of recreational and economic opportunities to create a dynamic regional recreation destination.

The Tuolumne River Regional Park Commission and Citizen Advisory Committee is completing a park master plan update to explore options to develop new hiking trails, river rafting facilities, river beach restoration, picnic areas, mountain biking trails, disc golf courses, adventure climbing/zipline courses and much more! 

Take part in a survey to help us understand how you currently use the park, and what improvements you would to see made to the park. 

Participate and learn more about the Tuolumne River Regional Park Master Plan Update on our website.  

Project Contact

Ken PetersonParks Planning and Development 209-571-5573Email Ken Peterson