AGENDA TITLE:
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Presentation of Recognition to Retiring Community Development Director, John Della Monica (CLK)
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MEETING DATE:
February 18, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Olivia Nashed, City Clerk
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Presentation of Recognition to Retiring Community Development Director, John Della Monica.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
John Della Monica joined the City of Lodi in early 2020. Through the turmoil of COVID-19 and beyond, John led the Community Development department with patience, kindness, and consistency, creating an environment where staff felt supported and valued. He took time to listen, mentor, and guide employees through both everyday work and challenges. His focus on teamwork strengthened relationships within the department, with community partners, and helped foster a culture of respect and trust.
During his tenure, he advanced the Community Development Department in meaningful and lasting ways with staff support. He helped foster major capital projects, including a full-service low-barrier emergency shelter and navigation center, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing that expanded the City’s ability to respond to community needs. He encouraged partnerships that advanced affordable housing and promoted balanced, community-focused development. He also guided significant commercial and residential projects, including the long-awaited Lakehouse mixed-use development, contributing to economic vitality and thoughtful growth.
Importantly, John helped position the City for its next generation of growth. Under his leadership, the City successfully advanced and adopted a major Sphere of Influence update and worked collaboratively with regional partners to negotiate a County tax-sharing agreement, establishing a strong foundation for future annexations and fiscally responsible expansion. These efforts, alongside long-term planning initiatives such as the Downtown Specific Plan and adoption of the Housing Element, aligned the City for strategic, well-planned growth for years to come.
Internally, he strengthened the department by expanding staffing capacity and filling key leadership roles, including the Chief Building Official, Deputy Director/City Planner, and Neighborhood Services Manager, ensuring the organization is positioned to carry forward its work. The City Council and Staff are grateful for his leadership and the example he set, and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.