Modesto plans to grow by more than 100,000 residents by 2050. Here's what to know
Modesto is moving forward with a sweeping growth plan that could expand the city’s footprint by thousands of acres and reshape surrounding farmland communities. The city is now launching an environmental review of the proposal, with public input opportunities ahead.
Original reporting by Ken Carlson:
Modesto EIR will study impacts of adding 104,000 residents to city in next 24 years
Modesto council chooses contested plan for growth. What was said and what’s next?
Here are key takeaways:
- How much could Modesto grow? The City Council adopted a land use option in April that could boost the population from 220,000 to 324,000 over the next 24 years, adding as many as 38,500 housing units and 57,300 jobs. The plan would expand the city by thousands of acres.
- What did the council actually vote on? The council voted 5-1 in April to approve the largest of three land use options, adding 12,240 acres to Modesto’s sphere of influence and extending the boundary north to Ladd and Patterson roads. Councilmember Chris Ricci was the lone dissenting vote.
- Who opposes the plan? Wood Colony residents, farmland advocates and Salida leaders spoke out against the proposal, with former Modesto mayor Garrad Marsh noting the plan calls for an 80% housing increase even as national population is projected to grow only 8% over five decades.
- What will the environmental study examine? The review will analyze potential impacts on aesthetics, agriculture, air quality, biological species, cultural resources, energy, noise and public services. The city can issue a “statement of overriding considerations” if benefits are deemed to outweigh unavoidable impacts.
- How can the public weigh in? Modesto will hold an online public meeting July 15 at 5:30 p.m. to gather comments on the scope of the environmental review, with written comments accepted until July 27. Submissions can be sent to Principal Planner Michael Hren at the city Planning Division.
- What happens next? The April vote was not final approval, and the city will submit a draft general plan update to the council for consideration in summer 2027. The Voters for Farmland group has also discussed a 2028 voter initiative to make Kiernan Avenue the city’s northern limit.