Hughson is one of the most desirable places to live in Stanislaus County, its mayor, George Carr reported in the annual “State of the City” address given March 26 at Samaritan Village.

Located four miles east of Ceres, Hughson is expected to grow from its current population of just over 7,700 to just under 10,000 residents with the build-out of the 299-lot Parkwood subdivision. Currently 35 percent completed, 60 homes have been finalled for occupancy.

“Since I moved here in 1990 this city has grown by over 4,000 people, which is an average of 114 people per year since,” said Carr. “That is not a bad statistic.”

The mayor began his speech detailing the history of Hughson beginning in 1907 and eventually being incorporated as a city in 1972 for dedicated police protection. As cost of public safety escalated, the city now contracts with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department for protection and Carr said Hughson is “considered the safest city in the county.”

“These individuals make sure we are safe and protected, while building relationships with everyone they encounter. Our deputies maintain greater than expected visibility, help provide guidance to our youth, while also educating the public on laws and regulations.”

Mayor Carr reviewed improvements added in 2024, including:

• Replacing the ADA parking on Third Street and added ADA parking on Hughson Avenue. 

• Addition of a large monument sign on Santa Fe Avenue at Hughson Avenue, the entrance to the business district.

• Completed on the full renovation of LeBright Park, used by local youth baseball and football organizations. Since 2022, the city has invested over $1 million installation of 2 new backstops, an ADA walkway with areas to view the games at every field, a new concession stand and restroom facility, and the addition of new ADA parking stalls and paving of the parking lot.

“We are also in the process of upgrading all the streets in the city.  This street preservation project is being completed in three phases. Phase 1 is complete. Phase 2 will begin next month (April 2025). When all three phases are completed, Hughson will have all new street asphalt.  This work helps Hughson extend and maintain the condition, lifespan and quality of our streets, and potentially earns us the highest road scores in the county.”

He said the specific improvements have been funded through grant programs, federal ARPA funds and Measure L tax dollars “so the City of Hughson does not have to incur expensive loans for these improvements that would impact the citizens of Hughson.”

Carr noted that his city is in the process of updating its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA), which is a system of software and hardware elements, to prevent disruptions in Hughson’s water and wastewater operations.

The next big project is the design of a new Civic Center/Public Safey Center. The current City Hall and Police Services building dates back to the 1940s.

”Both buildings have out lived their life spans. With all the city growth over the last approximately 84 years, these structures are becoming too small for daily business. Currently we are looking at combining fire and police into a public safety center, while also upgrading city hall, and relocating the library with City Hall and the community/senior center. This project should benefit all the residents of Hughson well in the future.”

Mayor Carr said at least one community input workshop has been held and more will be held in the future.

The city is also repairing or replacing sections of sidewalk on Hughson Avenue and adding street lighting and speakers to downtown.

“The city remains focused on its efforts in continuing to make the downtown an area where our community gathers and builds together,” Carr said.

The city continues to design a pedestrian walkway over the railroad tracks along Santa Fe Avenue at Whitmore Avenue, saying “city staff continues to work with BNSF to finalize the design and timing of construction for this project.”

The city is also hard at work on expanding parks, recreation and entertainment options in Hughson and this summer will introduce the “Park after Dark series” whereby Rolland Starn Park will be kept open with the lights for families and children to enjoy after hiding from the summer heat all day. The event is set for Fridays in June and July, except for July 4. Each night has a selected theme, including a concert in the park, wellness, and splash night.  

“We are very excited to bring this to our community, especially to our families and kids.”

The mayor noted that St. Anthony’s Catholic Church has been brought into the city limits to allow for connection to city utilities.

He mentioned three new businesses which were recently added in Hughson, including Faction, a community Strength and conditioning gym on Whitmore Avenue; Smith Woodcraft & Design on Hughson Avenue; and Ann’s Fish n’ Chips on Third Street.

Several commercial and industrial projects on Hughson’s horizon include:

• A two-story restaurant with rooftop bar for Agave Azul at Hughson Avenue and Third Street, which was approved by the Planning Commission in October.

• A proposed commercial development on Whitmore Avenue at Tully Road to include a grocery store as the anchor, fast-food restaurant pad, gas station and storage facility. The project is undergoing environmental review.

• An industrial subdivision on Tully Road at Roeding Road is also in the planning and environmental review stages for the subdivision of land into 34 one-acre industrial parcels.

• United Pavement and Jimenez Trucking have been approved for new development of two parcels on Tully Road, relocating their existing businesses, a concrete batch plant (UPM) and truck repair shop (Jimenez Tires). Construction is expected to begin soon.

Carr went over details of city finances, saying prudent spending has allowed a balanced budget. Revenues of $17.15 million and expenses of $17 million has left a surplus of $122,462.

“The city has a healthy General Fund Reserve as well as a 33% contingency fund. This allows the city to review and address any deferred maintenance issues, along with fixed asset replacements, and reserves funds to cover any unanticipated or emergency expenses that may arise. Especially as a small city, we must always be financially prepared for the future.”

The mayor said the City Council continues to work on many priorities including, increasing transparency and public awareness; staffing assessments and development opportunities; revitalizing downtown; completing the update of the Hughson General Plan and Housing Element, including annexation of industrial zoned land; maintaining streets, storm water, water, and wastewater facilities and parks; strengthening community safety through crime prevention reduction activities; maintaining a structurally sound budget; and providing efficient government operations.

“The greatness of the City of Hughson is also because of all the residents, but also the many events held each year. Events like our annual Fruit & Nut Festival, Hughson Has Heart, National Night Out, the Trunk or Tent and Treat, and our beloved Christmas Parade followed by the fire district’s Operation Santa, where Santa Claus rides on the top of a fire truck going down every street in Hughson. While the fire district completes Operation Santa, the city follows behind the fire truck looking and judging all the festively decorated houses for our ‘Light Up the Town’ event. It is very heartwarming seeing all the children, parents, and now dogs come out to see and interact with Santa.

“The City of Hughson has continued to develop and maintain many great partnerships with several local organizations. The school 2+2 committee consisting of two city councilmembers and two school representatives, Fire 2+2 committee consisting of two City Councilmembers and two Fire representatives, Stanislaus Economic Development Action Committee, Stanislaus Council of Governments, Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, City of Waterford, Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority, and of course Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, just to name a few.  Through these partnerships Hughson is able to acquire funding for projects within the city so as not to tax the residents.”

Carr ended his speech praising his fellow councilmembers Susana Vasquez, Alan McFadon, Julie Strain and Vice Mayor Randy Crooker and adding: “I am truly blessed to have these four people as partners working for the betterment of the City of Hughson.”

“But most importantly I want to thank the citizens of Hughson for putting their trust in me to help lead this great city.”