Jessica Hill
by Chris Murphy
2024 is a fresh start for Modesto in so many ways. You can feel the positive progress in downtown and other parts of our city, as Measure L and H funds begin to show results in addition to the young energy of new businesses and community support.
Modesto’s Community and Economic Development Director for 2024 heralds a new beginning for our city. The palpable positive progress in downtown and other areas reflects collaborative efforts between Visit Modesto, Modesto Downtown Improvement District, and the Downtown Modesto Partnership, all guided by new leadership and shared objectives. At the heart of these advancements are the City of Modesto’s Community and Economic Development policies and initiatives.
Under the current leadership, there is a concerted effort to align political, business, and volunteer endeavors, steering them toward a common goal – fostering economic vibrancy in Modesto. This proactive approach has already yielded significant results, including the opening of new restaurants and businesses, the establishment of the Modesto Children’s Museum, the debut of Intermission at the State, and the impending arrival of the Graffiti USA Museum – all transformative developments for our city.
Jessica Hill, the driving force behind these positive changes, brings nearly a decade of dedicated service to our community. With a degree in business economics from UC Santa Barbara and a certificate from Cambridge University, Jessica’s professional journey includes serving as the Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity, an organization with a direct impact on addressing housing needs in our community. Since 2016, she has played a vital role in the City of Modesto’s Community and Economic Development Department, assuming the Director position in August. In this key role, she plays a pivotal part in shaping Modesto’s future, fostering long-term success, business development, and job creation. Her well-earned position is marked by a fresh infusion of energy, innovation, and decisive action. Let’s get to know Jessica.
ModestoView: Do you feel that there is a positive momentum right now?
Jessica Hill: Modesto is currently experiencing an exhilarating period marked by a harmonious collaboration between City leadership, the City Council, and the community. Together, we are dedicated to making Modesto the premier destination to be.
MV: How did your previous career with Habitat help guide what you want to accomplish with the City of Modesto?
JH: Working for Habitat provided a unique perspective of being a customer to the City of Modesto, especially throughout the development process. This experience afforded me insights into the intricacies and challenges associated with navigating the various stages of development, from initial planning to regulatory approvals. As a result, I gained valuable firsthand knowledge of the city’s procedures, regulations, and interactions crucial in the development landscape. This perspective serves as a valuable asset as I now contribute to the City of Modesto’s Community and Economic Development Department, where I actively engage in planning and executing initiatives for the city’s long-term success and growth.
MV: We focus on downtown a lot, why do you think a healthy downtown is important to our city at large?
JH: A thriving and dynamic downtown fosters a distinctive sense of place and community pride. It stands as a sought-after destination, drawing individuals from both within and outside the community.
MV: What do you see as some of the obstacles our city faces to move to the next level?
JH: Devoting resources to address homelessness restricts our capabilities in other areas, as a significant portion of our resources is concentrated in this domain. Numerous challenges hinder the city’s progression to the next level, and homelessness particularly affects our community.
MV: Are there any big changes you want to make with our long-term vision and direction?
JH: Promoting mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to create a 24/7 lively urban environment.
MV: How do you think Modesto can differentiate itself from other like size communities in 2024?
JH: Modesto is fortunate to have a vibrant community of residents eager to witness the city’s ongoing success. By fostering partnerships between public and private entities, Modesto will persist in setting itself apart and thrive in its unique identity.
MV: Modesto has a cool retro history with our classic Graffiti heritage, how do you think we can really leverage this to create some community identity?
JH: Modesto boasts a rich history, and I believe we can build upon these legacies to forge a continuous and unified vision for the city’s future.
MV: How do you see the role of travel and tourism in building a healthy economy?
JH: Primarily, our focus should be on instilling pride in Modesto’s residents by leveraging our strengths and fostering additional economic development opportunities. As we achieve this, Modesto will naturally evolve into a desirable destination, drawing in travel and tourism to further fortify our robust economy.
MV: Modesto is working hard to attract the next generation and get our kids to come back after college; what things can we do to encourage and enable this to happen.
JH: Modesto fosters a strong sense of community and offers diverse industries for building successful careers. I believe that by persistently enhancing our attraction efforts, we can not only retain our talented workforce but also draw in new professionals seeking a supportive community and ample career opportunities. Strengthening ties between local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations will contribute to a thriving environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and sustained economic growth. Additionally, promoting Modesto as an attractive place to live, work, and play will not only benefit our residents but also position our city as a top choice for prospective businesses and residents, thereby ensuring long-term prosperity and vitality.
MV: If you had no budget limitations, what programs would you implement?
JH: My focus would be on implementing revitalization initiatives aimed at transforming the primary corridors in the city and rejuvenating our downtown area. These endeavors aim to attract new businesses, playing a key role in revitalizing the community and addressing vacant storefronts.
MV: Describe your ideal Modesto day.
JH: Modesto is a lively and vibrant community, brimming with offerings. Personally, I would opt for a sunny stroll along the Virginia Corridor, followed by brunch in our vibrant Downtown Modesto to make the most of my day.
MV: And our signature question, Beatles or Stones?
JH: “Here Comes the Sun!” by The Beatles is unbeatable
You can contact Jessica Hill at www.modestogov.com<www.modestogov.com>
