Stockton’s iconic Miracle Mile shopping and dining district, which shares rich history with neighboring University of the Pacific, will receive $20 million in state funding for beautification and safety enhancements.

Just south of the university, the Miracle Mile includes businesses fronting Pacific Avenue from Alpine to Harding Way, and businesses on Harding Way from El Dorado Street to Lincoln Street.

Rep. Carlos Villapudua, D-Stockton, who led the effort to secure the funding, wants to see significant work completed early in the 2023-2028 grant period.

“The Miracle Mile is the centerpiece of our city,” said Villapudua at a recent announcement of the funding. “This is an opportunity for significant change.”

Pacific President Christopher Callahan, who also spoke at the announcement, said, “A strong Miracle Mile means a strong University of the Pacific, and a strong Pacific means a strong Miracle Mile. We are thrilled to see The Mile receive this funding and look forward to continuing to work together.”

The Miracle Mile Improvement District governing board proposal includes $6.5 million for clean and safe sidewalks, $6.5 million for district identity and placemaking, $5 million for district services and $2 million for administration and discretionary funds.

Lighting, creation of public spaces, security infrastructure and façade grants are central parts of the plan.

Several officials said an ad hoc committee will be formed to ensure diversified input and feedback on the project.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity,” Stockton City Manager Harry Black said. “When the money does come to the city, I want you to know that it will be spent in the most efficient, effective and transparent way.”

Miracle Mile histories state it was established in 1922, two years before University of the Pacific moved to Stockton from the Bay Area. As a Pacific alumna and executive director of the Miracle Mile Improvement District, Kim Byrd ’91 wants to strengthen bonds between the university and community.

“It is somewhat uncanny how the two histories align with one another,” she said. “Pacific and The Mile were born at roughly the same time in Stockton. There is so much in common, and there are opportunities to work together.”

Pacific First Lady Jean Callahan is a member of the Miracle Mile Improvement District board and is actively involved in outreach efforts.

“This is a game-changing opportunity to transform our historic Miracle Mile into a destination for all Pacific students, faculty and staff as well as the entire region,” she said. “We are indebted to Assemblyman Villapudua and look forward to working with the state and city to quickly turn this dream into a reality.”