'Stockton is someplace special': Mayor Kevin Lincoln delivers 2024 State of the City address

During his State of the City addresses in 2022 and 2023, Mayor Kevin Lincoln vowed that "Stockton will become the best city in America to live, raise a family, and grow a business."

With eight months to go until his four-year term as mayor is over and a new mayor takes his place, Lincoln believes that city leaders "have stood firm on the vision for the city."

"Over the past three years, this vision has guided every decision we've made, every partnership we've formed, and every dollar we've invested," Lincoln said at the annual State of the City address held at the Port of Stockton on Thursday.

Nearly 900 people gathered to listen to the mayor provide updates on homelessness and housing, public safety, and youth programming and development.

The address marked Lincoln's last as mayor of Stockton as he challenges Democratic Rep. Josh Harder to represent California's 9th Congressional District in the November election.

Educator Christina Fugazi and San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti are running for Lincoln's mayoral seat. Both of the candidates were in attendance on Thursday.

'Healing trauma and ending generational poverty'

Throughout his time in office, Lincoln said the city has "significantly invested" in expanding Stockton's homeless shelters, housing, and services.

"We have built 10 emergency shelter projects, nine permanent supportive housing projects, and four affordable housing projects," the mayor said. "At the completion of these projects, we will have added 738 shelter beds and 862 housing units for individuals and families."

This year, the city broke ground on the St. Mary's Pathway Project, which is projected to provide shelter housing for more than 300 people. It will also provide wrap-around services when it opens this fall.

"Addressing the homeless and housing needs in Stockton involves individuals and families moving from life on the streets to housing, employment, and healing from addictions," Lincoln said. "When we cut a ribbon, we aren’t just celebrating a construction accomplishment, but an opportunity for a new life and a new beginning. Our investments in housing and services for the homeless are about healing trauma and ending generational poverty in our city."

Additionally, Lincoln said the city issued 610 building permits and 53 low-income accessory dwelling units, and opened Sonora Square Apartments, which provides 37 behavioral health housing unit for homeless individuals and families.

The city's Mobile Community Response Team, in partnership with Community Medical Centers, served more than 6,000 people experiencing a behavioral health crisis over the past six months.

"Reducing homelessness in Stockton is about taking actionable steps to address the root cause and improving the quality of life for all Stocktonians," the mayor said.

Decrease in violent crime

In 2023, Stockton saw a 1.2% decrease in violent crimes, an 8% decrease in homicides, and removed 963 firearms from the streets, according to Lincoln.

"We are committed to ensuring our public safety departments have the tools and the resources that they need to protect and serve our beautiful community," Lincoln said. "We've invested over $12 million in recruitment and retention efforts by restructuring the Measure A sales tax to better serve our Stockton police officers and our community for the next 10 years."

The mayor noted that last year, the Stockton Police Department conducted 11 multi-agency sideshow operations, which resulted in 1,214 traffic stops, 83 arrests, and 116 towed vehicles.

"Let me be clear, a culture of lawlessness in Stockton will not be tolerated," Lincoln said.

Also on the public safety front, the Stockton Fire Department received 51,638 calls for service in 2023.

The fire department saw the reopening of Fire Station No. 1, and Fire Station No. 7 will be restored and reopened next, Lincoln said. Fire Station No. 7 was the last fire station that closed due to the city's bankruptcy.

'Historic investments' in children and youth

At one point during the address, Lincoln asked the youth in the crowd to stand up so they can be recognized.

"To all these youths and young adults that are here today, I want you to know that I'm extremely proud of each and every one of you," the mayor said. "Don't ever give up on your dreams. Don't ever lose your voice. The only person that can ever take away your dreams or silence your voice is yourself."

Lincoln also took time to highlight what he believes to be "historic investments" in the physical, mental, and recreational well-being of Stockton's youth. The mayor said that in 2023, the city invested over $6 million in youth services, programming, and workforce development.

"Fourteen local nonprofits launched and expanded youth programs to serve our young people across the city," Lincoln said. "In addition, 284 youth and young adults were hired to work in our first-ever city of Stockton youth jobs program."

Lincoln said the city has already hired workers for another youth jobs program running this summer, and the program will be funded for years to come with annual state dollars he secured through the Big City Mayors Coalition.

False narratives

Lincoln spent the last few minutes of his speech dispelling negative narratives that are often heard about the city.

"Any narrative that life is doom and gloom in Stockton is simply not true, and we refuse to accept it," the mayor said. "Together, we're making life-changing progress throughout our city."

Lincoln expressed that Stockton is making "meaningful progress in reducing crime and homelessness," and said businesses are growing in the city — 3,574 new business licenses were issued in 2023, compared to 3,300 in 2022.

"The path forward is simple," he said. "Unity, consistency, and execution."

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln delivers 2024 State of the City address