Inside Modesto’s Multi-Million Dollar Tech Spending Spree: Here’s Where Vendors Can Strike Gold in 2025-26
Explore the biggest vendor and contract opportunities coming as Modesto boosts its tech budget and smart city ambitions for 2025-27.
- Population: Over 220,000 residents
- Total Budget 2025-26: $639.2 Million
- IT Budget 2025-26: $15.8 Million (+$1.8M YoY)
- Projected IT Spend 2026-27: Nearly $17 Million
Modesto, California is making waves with its newly proposed two-year budget, signaling an era of bold investments, from new smart infrastructure to advanced digital services. As the city rides a wave of “healthy manageable” growth, decision-makers are unlocking millions for vendors, solution providers, and tech innovators keen to help shape a smarter, safer city.
The headline: Modesto’s operating budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year is a jaw-dropping $639.2 million. Out of that, the Information Technology Department (ITD) is eyeing $15.8 million in new spending—an $1.8 million jump over last year—and setting the stage for nearly $17 million by 2026-27.
The growth isn’t just in dollars. With over 220,000 residents, the city is preparing to scale digital services, boost cybersecurity, and pilot a wave of “smart city” projects—prime opportunities for established vendors and emerging disruptors alike.
Q: What Are Modesto’s Top Tech Goals for 2025-27?
The IT Bureau has its sights set on four priorities:
- Upgrading and reinforcing cybersecurity citywide
- Driving infrastructure modernization, including future-proof smart city tech
- Accelerating the city’s digital transformation and seamless data integration
- Delivering higher customer satisfaction with new digital citizen platforms
Over the next two years, Modesto will launch a wave of initiatives: a portal for citizen services, citywide data inventory, stronger quality assurance on municipal data, and groundbreaking smart infrastructure like traffic flow synchronization and upgraded public safety tech.
How Can Vendors Capitalize on Modesto’s Upcoming Projects?
For tech service providers and solution architects, Modesto’s blueprint is brimming with contract possibilities:
- Consolidation of duplicate data systems across city departments
- Rollout and management of an integrated citizen service portal
- Design and deployment of smart city infrastructure, including traffic and safety tech
Plus, with the City of Modesto set to unveil a citywide data quality assurance framework, vendors specializing in data security and quality will be in high demand.
The purchasing spotlight also shines on the Finance Department, which is searching for a modern contract management solution—and will seek new vendors for utility billing and cashiering software. Reliable partners could see lucrative, multi-year deals tied to Modesto’s digital momentum.
What’s Next for Modesto’s Police Tech?
2025-26 will be a pivotal year for law enforcement tech in Modesto. The Police Department revealed plans to integrate a next-gen computer-aided dispatch system with its Real Time Crime Center. Public safety vendors: take note—the city is also on the hunt for partners to deploy a new red-light camera enforcement program.
Projects like these represent just the tip of the iceberg. For those eager to keep tabs on all city procurement opportunities—and bid on open contracts—Modesto provides real-time updates through its official procurement portal.
How to Secure Your Place in Modesto’s $639M Transformation
- Review proposed budgets and fiscal reports: Stay up to speed via latest city documents.
- Monitor vendor portals regularly: Track new contract postings and requirements.
- Highlight your strengths: If your expertise aligns with smart infrastructure, security, or citizen services, make your pitch clear and tailored.
- Stay informed: Follow California state news and other technology leaders for trends and inspiration.
Now is the time to position your tech business for Modesto’s biggest smart city leap yet. Don’t miss your chance—keep this checklist handy and strike while innovation is hot!
Vendor Action Checklist:
- ✅ Sign up and monitor the Modesto procurement portal
- ✅ Download and analyze the latest budget documents
- ✅ Prepare proposals tailored to IT, smart infrastructure, and digital service needs
- ✅ Network with city stakeholders and fellow tech innovators
- ✅ Watch for upcoming bid deadlines and requirements