Downtown’s Next Decade

At this year’s State of Downtown breakfast, we launched our vision for how downtown Sacramento will compete, grow, and deliver value for the entire Sacramento region over the next ten years.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways:

Competitiveness is a choice – Downtowns don’t become competitive by default. They become competitive when leaders choose to invest, align, and act with purpose. If Sacramento wants to be a competitive city nationally, it starts with our downtown.

Safety is foundational – Our safety initiative will focus on private security patrols, stronger coordination with law enforcement, and smarter use of technology. Because a safe and welcoming downtown isn’t aspirational; it’s foundational.

Placemaking shapes perception – Lighting improvements along K Street. Enhancements to Capitol Mall. Programming in key corridors and gathering spaces. Our environmental management initiative recognizes that perception drives participation, and that well-lit streets and green grass matter.

Economic diversification creates possibility – A downtown that isn’t built for the 9-to-5 is actually a downtown that works year round. More residents. More entertainment. More jobs. By investing in things like mixed-income housing and higher education, our economic opportunity initiative helps build a district where energy flows well beyond the workday.

Let’s learn from other cities – Examples from San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, and Modesto show us that progress follows intentional leadership. The cities that are thriving now are the ones that diversified, invested in placemaking and safety, and made deliberate choices about their future.

Walkable cities make sense – Our keynote speaker Jeff Speck reminded us that walkability is a competitive advantage. When streets are designed for people, not just cars, everything benefits: the environment, businesses, public safety, and quality of life.

The next decade is already underway – Investments of all sizes, from our new City Manager to developments in the Railyards to SacRT transit expansions, prove that downtown’s next decade isn’t theoretical – it’s happening now.

It’s always inspiring to see Sacramento leaders and change-makers come together to unite around a shared vision for our city’s future. The next ten years start now.

State of Downtown

Photos by Beka Gillis