The City of Stockton held a meeting on May 5, 2025, focusing on community development and the availability of essential services in underserved areas, particularly Districts 5 and 6. The discussions highlighted the pressing need for legal, medical, banking, and food services, which have been notably lacking in these districts.

Council member Tubbs initiated the conversation by addressing the deprivation of services in Districts 5 and 6, emphasizing the impact this has on the community. He pointed out that even prominent locations, such as Benjamin Holt and I-5, have seen a decline in available supermarkets, exacerbating the issue.

In response, Mr. Stavins, a council applicant, outlined his commitment to improving service availability. He mentioned the formation of the South Stockton Merchants Association in 1984, which meets monthly to enhance the business climate in South Stockton. This association aims to share information and support local businesses, thereby fostering economic growth in the area.

Mr. Stavins also proposed actively identifying community needs and seeking ways to support local businesses further. He suggested relocating council offices to more accessible locations, such as the Bank of America building on Martin Luther King, to better serve constituents.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for additional questions from the council, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing the community's challenges. The discussions underscored the city's ongoing efforts to revitalize service availability and support economic development in underserved neighborhoods.