In case you missed it last Wednesday, Mayor Lisa Craig-Hensley’s delivered the State of the City Address at Hutchins Street Square, reviewing the past year and calling on attendees to participate in shaping Lodi's future. The mayor’s passion for our city and commitment to addressing the challenges we face was evident in her presentation.

The mayor began her address reminiscing about her youth in Lodi and the path many of us travel, including myself, leaving Lodi to begin our adult life and careers and then returning. Mayor Craig-Hensley’s career has been focused on revitalization and restoration of historic neighborhoods, and upon returning to Lodi, she saw an opportunity to do the same here through a seat on City Council. Fast forward a few years, and there she stood at the podium at Hutchins Street Square, addressing the crowd as the mayor.

Panel Highlights: Inspiring Stories of Lodi Business Leaders
One of the most touching parts of the event was a panel discussion led by Mayor Craig-Hensley, where local leaders shared their personal and professional journeys. We heard from:

• Nancy Beckman, the recently retired Executive Director of Visit Lodi, who dedicated years to showcasing our town’s charm during a time of incredible expansion in our hospitality offerings.
• Tara Stewart of Vintage Church and Love Lodi, whose has mobilized thousands of Lodians to engage in beautification projects, backpack drives, and a hundred other service projects.
• Judy Peterson, a small business owner of Pret who has kept a beloved downtown business thriving for 40 years, sharing invaluable lessons on resilience and community.
• Monica Valenzuela, the spirited owner of Super Tortas Chilangas, who has become a trusted leader in her community with a decades long record of community action.

The mayor then surprised each with a key to the city, honoring them for their leadership and spirit. It was a touching moment and a well-deserved honor for each of the panelists.

Sgt. Porteous’s Moving Speech on Service and Dedication
The room grew quiet when Sgt. Regan Porteous of the Lodi Police Department took the stage. She shared her own story of growing up here, working her way through the ranks, and finding meaning in her role as a leader in law enforcement. With humor and honesty, she spoke about the pressures women face in male-dominated fields like policing, and how that has only strengthened her resolve to serve and protect Lodi. A member of the SWAT team, she’s been recognized nationally for her courage and dedication, and she received a richly deserved standing ovation at the end of her speech.
Key Goals Guiding Lodi’s Future
From downtown revitalization to public safety, the mayor outlined the eight main goals identified in a strategic plan created by the City Council. We’ve already made strong headway, as this past year saw the expansion of the micro-loan fund for small businesses, new partnerships with regional leaders, and infrastructure projects that will help Lodi stay connected and competitive.
The mayor touched on our desire to make Lodi the go-to destination for tech, healthcare, and high-paying jobs in emerging fields like clean energy. The mayor laid out plans for our involvement in the California Hydrogen Hub, a project that brings the possibility of millions in clean energy investment right to our doorstep, positioning Lodi as a forward-looking community that can attract new industries and offer our residents better opportunities close to home.

Challenges and Community Support
It’s no secret that homelessness has impacted neighborhoods across Lodi. The mayor shared that addressing this issue is a top priority, noting that the city invested over $3.7 million in services last year. The plan moving forward includes new enforcement measures, partnerships with local behavioral health agencies, and security improvements in public areas. It’s a tough challenge, but with the support of our community and key partners, the mayor’s confident that 2025 will bring meaningful progress.

Coming Together for a Brighter Future
To cap things off, the mayor issued a call to action to each of us. Whether we’re business owners, nonprofit leaders, city employees, or residents, there’s a role for everyone in making Lodi an even better place to live, work, and visit. Here at the Chamber, we’re excited to be part of that transformation, from supporting local businesses to building a thriving downtown.
So here’s to 2025— to the continuation of the positive transformations, partnerships, and towards a future we’re proud to build together. Thank you, Mayor, for a powerful address and a call to serve. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and make Lodi the best it can be!