Brentwood Economic Development Manager Ricardo Noguera has left the city and is now working for the City of Stockton.
Noguera was hired by Brentwood in the spring of 2022 where he has worked on a variety of projects including the 300-acre Innovation Center, supporting the revitalization of the Streets of Brentwood, and helping secure a new Costco location.
Noguera joins Sukari Beshears who also announced she was leaving Brentwood as human resources director to take another job elsewhere. Meanwhile, City Attorney Katherine Wisinski left the city in February to take another job. In November, assistant city manager Darin Gale left Brentwood to become city manager for the City of Pittsburg. The city has also been with an interim police chief since September 2025.
The hire was announced April 29, 2026.
CITY OF STOCKTON APPOINTS RICARDO NOGUERA AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
STOCKTON, Calif. – The City of Stockton is pleased to announce the appointment of Ricardo Noguera as its new Economic Development Director. A seasoned leader in community revitalization and economic strategy, Noguera brings more than three decades of experience driving investment and growth in diverse communities across the country.
Noguera has built a distinguished career focused on elevating and reinvesting in economically challenged communities. His work spans the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Visalia, the Pacific Northwest, and South Florida. He has successfully led efforts to attract significant private investment, develop strategic partnerships, and deliver large-scale projects that generate jobs and long-term economic impact.
“Ricardo brings growth-oriented leadership and proven results that Stockton needs at this moment,” said Mayor Christina Fugazi. “Our city is poised for growth, and with his expertise, we will continue building a stronger, more resilient local economy that delivers opportunity for all residents.”
Among his accomplishments, Noguera played a key role in transforming East Palo Alto into a regional shopping and business destination, contributed to securing more than $500 million in private investment in Tacoma, Washington, and most recently negotiated over $300 million in development projects in Cape Coral, Florida.
He joins Stockton from the City of Brentwood, where he led economic development initiatives including marketing a 300-acre Innovation Center, supporting the revitalization of the Streets of Brentwood, and helping secure a new Costco location.
In his new role, Noguera will oversee the City’s economic development programs, with a focus on business attraction, job creation, downtown revitalization, and fostering a strong and inclusive local economy.
“Ricardo’s experience, vision, and track record of delivering results make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Johnny Ford, City Manager. “We are excited to have him lead our efforts to grow Stockton’s economy and expand opportunities for our community.”
Noguera holds a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College, City University of New York.
Noguera expressed enthusiasm about joining the city, “I look forward to bringing my energy, passion, and creativity to the City of Stockton, and helping to elevate and promote private investments and jobs to this city.”
