INVOLVED
Lodi will always be lovable.
Keeping it livable takes leadership.
Michael Carouba for City Council
Proven Leadership When It Matters Most.
He stepped up during the last financial crisis — and he’ll do it again.
Protecting What Makes Lodi Livable.
Safe neighborhoods, balanced budgets, well-maintained parks, and strong public safety.
Rooted in Lodi. Committed to its Future.
30+ years. A family raised here. Deep community ties. Real results.
About Carouba
A Life Built in Lodi
I have proudly called Lodi home for over 30 years. It’s where my late wife, Lana, and I raised our family — where our son Cole played football, and our daughter Mia played tennis. Like so many Lodi families, our lives revolved around school events, sports, and community.
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Lana passed away in 2019. I miss her every day. For more than 20 years, I wrote her a poem every Valentine’s Day — a tradition I continue as my way of honoring the life we built together in this community we love.
"Lodi isn't just where I live. It's where we built our life. It's where our roots are."
Some of our best memories were spent helping at her family’s business, Lakewood Drugs and Gifts — a place that has meant so much to so many families. That’s what makes Lodi special. It’s more than a city. It’s truly Livable, Lovable, Lodi.
Credential Highlights
- 30+ Years in Lodi — raised a family, built a career, and invested in this community every step of the way.
- Property Manager & Realtor — Decades of experience managing Reynolds Ranch and serving the local real estate community.
- Parks & Recreation Commission — Currently serving — committed to the parks and green spaces that make Lodi’s neighborhoods livable.
- Chamber, Visit Lodi & SJCOG — Active with the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, Visit Lodi, and the San Joaquin Council of Governments.
- Lakewood Drugs & Gifts — A family business that served Lodi for generations — and a reminder of what community really means.
- Serves on the Ad Hoc Committee – City of Lodi—The Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee serves as an advisory body to the City Council for the next two years. The Economic Development Director acts as the City liaison for the Committee’s assigned advisory tasks which are the Economic Development Strategic Plan, Economic Development Components and considerations within the Downtown Specific Plan, and an evaluation of the need for a permanent or future economic development ad hoc committee. The Committee is comprised of nine members: seven members appointed by the City Council and two ex-officio Councilmembers. Of the seven members appointed by Council, five members are appointed by district. Each Councilmember appoints one committee member to represent their voting district. The Mayor appoints two at-large members.
Proven Track Record
When Lodi Faced a Crisis, He Stepped Up
In 2018, our city faced a real financial crossroads. Lodi was on the brink of operating in the red — and decisive action was needed. As someone who loves this city and has been deeply involved in our community, Carouba rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
He helped champion Measure L — a locally controlled funding solution that stabilized Lodi’s finances, protected public safety, and prevented deeper cuts to essential services. Measure L passed with strong voter support and remains a key reason our city has been able to balance its budget and protect core services.
Here we are again. Lodi is facing serious financial challenges. These are the moments when experience matters most. Carouba has faced these challenges before — and he knows what it takes to navigate them responsibly.
