MANTECA, Calif. — A new report shows one of the fastest-growing cities in California is in San Joaquin County.
Manteca ranks #4, according to the state’s finance department. Growth can mean more jobs, investment and business opportunities.
Manteca mayor Gary Singh says he grew up and went to school there. Now, he's raising his family there.
“I’ve also seen the transition in this town to turn into a city and shape what we’re doing right now," Singh said.
Manteca ranks fourth in the list of 10 fastest growing cities in California with populations over 30,000 people, according to a new report from the state’s Department of Finance.
Singh discussed growth in terms of going from a “town” to a “city" and what Manteca is going through right now.
"So one of the things, of course, is our location is key. We are very centrally located when it comes to the valley," Singh said.
He said he met with city leaders in a part of Manteca designed to be an entertainment hub.
Barbara Harb is the Interim Services Director for Manteca.
"With the population growth coming in— Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, all in south San Joaquin County, even in Stockton, residents want something to do and we want to be the city that provides that," Harb said.
Manteca has an area called its family entertainment zone. Places like Big League Dreams and Great Wolf Lodge are a part of the city’s plan to increase recreation and family-friendly amenities, not only for the people who live there but also to attract dollars from across the region.
The report also shows home production plays a large part in that growth. Along with that comes more shops and restaurants, which can be seen under construction on a corner lot between Highway 120 and residential neighborhoods.
Joanne Beattie is the Executive Director of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.
"With all the new homes coming in, all of the businesses that are already here are doing way better," Beattie said.
This means more customers. The Manteca Chamber of Commerce helps businesses in the city grow by increasing exposure through things like social media and ribbon cuttings.
Beattie said the chamber has noticed an increase in vendors and people attending new business opening events. She encourages shopping locally.
"The tax revenue comes back to the city, so it’s going to help everybody who lives here," Beattie said.
This means better roads, schools and amenities.
Beattie has lived in Manteca for about four decades and was a small business owner for more than half that time.
“I try to educate and help the businesses as much as possible when they’re starting out because a lot of them do not know what to expect," said Beattie.
Three other cities in the region also made the state finance department’s top 10 fastest-growing cities including Lathrop, Folsom and Yuba City.
Watch more on ABC10 | Lathrop is one of California's fastest-growing cities. Here's why | Dollars and Sense
