The City of Riverbank hosted a presentation of the 2025 State of the City address by Mayor Rachel Hernandez, staged on Thursday, April 3 at the Riverbank Community Center.
Light refreshments were served, prepared by members of the Nutrition classes at Riverbank High School, beginning at 5 p.m. The program itself began at 6 p.m.
The State of the City event was advertised as an “opportunity to reflect on shared accomplishments, hear about key initiatives shaping the city, and look ahead to the future we are building – together.”
The city provided a Spanish translator, and Mayor Hernandez repeated some of her comments in Spanish as well.
She noted that “Riverbank has long been a place where small-town charm meets opportunity, where families grow, businesses thrive – small and large, and where we look out for one another. That is the heart of who we are.”
The Mayor opened her remarks by stating “The theme of this year’s address is Welcome to Riverbank, a reflection of both our city’s growth, our commitment to each person who lives here, and our unwavering commitment to keeping Riverbank a place that feels like home. As we welcome new residents, new ideas, and new opportunities, we do so while holding on to the values that define us: inclusivity, engagement, and a deep respect for the community we love.”
She outlined what she hoped to accomplish in Riverbank, keeping the best of what it already is, but helping it become “a place where every child enjoys safe and accessible play areas, where every senior can age with dignity, where every resident regardless of language and socioeconomic status, feels empowered to voice their thoughts and contribute to our growth, where every small business is supported, and where each resident can find resources to thrive, not just survive. We can accomplish these things together.”
Hernandez also outlined projects and accomplishments of the city’s various departments, describing Public Works and Infrastructure, Parks & Recreation, including some of the activities scheduled for this spring and summer.
She noted projects involving housing and activities to address the complexity of homelessness in Riverbank.
Also included in her remarks was information on Economic Development here, as well as progress in the conversion of the Riverbank Industrial Complex, RIC, formerly known as the Army Ammo Plant.
She explained that “the RIC is a complex project involving the city, US Army and California regulatory departments. We remain committed to the complete transfer of this property to the city to be able to be fully effective and create economic mobility for so many in our city.”
A number of businesses and factories are leasing space there, employing a number of local people.
Concerning public safety and community engagement, Hernandez noted that “We are deeply grateful for the relationships we have with Stanislaus Consolidated Fire and the Sheriff’s Department.”
She said she has been on a ride-along on the Sheriff’s helicopter, as well as with fire and police, “to see first-hand the care, expertise, and knowledge that each of our local public safety teams” have.
“For example, overall average response time to calls for service by Riverbank Police Service in 2024 was 3.91 minutes; a decrease from last year by almost a minute,” Hernandez pointed out. “A drastic improvement when we know seconds matter in situations of life and death.”
In closing, Mayor Hernandez stressed “Together, we will build a city where every resident is seen, heard, and served. A city that is safe, welcoming, and full of opportunity. A city where progress is made not just through the council, but through partnership.”
