Downtown Sacramento Partnership Debuts Strategy for “Downtown’s Next Decade” at State of Downtown
A renewed district, expanded footprint, and three core initiatives position Downtown Sacramento as a competitive capital city
Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP) unveiled “Downtown’s Next Decade” as the annual State of Downtown breakfast, announcing their vision for downtown’s trajectory over the next 10 years, including a renewed and expanded district, national positioning, and three core initiatives focused on safety, environmental management, and economic opportunity.
To address both immediate and long-term needs, DSP announced three interconnected initiatives designed to deliver a vibrant, 24-hour destination where innovation, culture, and commerce converge:
Safety – The Partnership is taking a firmer, more visible stand on downtown safety by hiring private security patrols, enhancing all aspects of collaboration with every level of law enforcement, and utilizing a strong technology presence to enhance efficiencies for creating a safe and welcoming environment downtown. The goal: fostering a fundamentally safe and secure downtown for all.
Environmental Management – Recognizing that perception drives behavior, DSP is scaling its investment in placemaking enhancements and public space programming. But this initiative goes beyond the physical environment. DSP is also calling attention to the opportunity cost of telework, with a cue to the public sector to push for both more in-person collaboration and lead by example. “An active and competitive downtown depends on people showing up. It’s not our role to mandate, but it is our role to motivate, and work with our public sector partners to ensure they’re part of the solution,” said Michael Ault, Executive Director of DSP.
Economic Opportunity – The Partnership will amplify its focus on catalytic development to position downtown as a premier hub for investment and innovation. The strategy emphasizes diversification of use, encouraging residential growth, entertainment destinations, cultural assets, and employment centers to coexist within a dense, walkable core.
Today’s announcement was also a call to action.
The State of Downtown address closed with a nod to peer cities that have demonstrated Sacramento’s current moment is not unique. Across the country, cities facing similar challenges have proven that progress is achievable with intentional leadership.
In his address, Ault emphasized that it’s going to take the work of everyone in the room to make our city competitive. “Downtowns do not become competitive by default. They become competitive because leaders like you choose to invest, align, and act with purpose every single day. Downtown Sacramento has a responsibility to lead by example, as a city ready to compete.”
Throughout the program, speakers reinforced the importance of multi-mobility, in-person collaboration, and public-private alignment as essential drivers of downtown performance.
Following State of Downtown, DSP will unveil a comprehensive strategic action plan in the coming months, outlining measurable priorities and defining what success looks like for “Downtown’s Next Decade.”
More information on forthcoming releases is available at DowntownSac.org, or through Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s LinkedIn page here.