City Realist
Dollars And Sense
Every city has pressure points. In Sacramento, one point is the growing disconnect between what the city spends and what it can afford.
Sacramento Regional Business Leaders Council steps into this discussion with a clear voice. Formed in 2012, the group is a roughly 60-member coalition of business leaders from banking, manufacturing, agriculture and development. Its focus is how governmental decisions affect the cost and feasibility of doing business in the region.
Its chief executive is John Vignocchi, a local affordable housing developer. He explains, “We’re trying to help Sacramento realize its full potential through advocating for common-sense government policies.”
Qualifications, Please
Sacramento County’s District 1 supervisor June primary election has four candidates. Question is, are they qualified?
Each prospect offers a version of leadership that sounds reasonable in isolation. But elections aren’t about isolated promises. They’re about tradeoffs, priorities and the complex realities of governing a large, diverse and financially constrained bureaucracy.
Then there’s Senate Bill 802, introduced by state Sen. Angelique Ashby. If it becomes law, the management of homelessness and affordable housing will change significantly.
The bill proposes a joint powers authority to oversee homelessness and housing policies, shifting decision-making away from the county into a regional body.
Where do the candidates stand?
Polling Opposites
Given the mayhem and dysfunction in Washington, congressional midterm elections take on extra significance.
In Sacramento County, the California 7th Congressional District finds incumbent Doris Matsui challenged by City Council Member Mai Vang. It’s the first time in 21 years Matsui meets a serious opponent.
I worked with both candidates during my time on City Council. The contrast between Matsui and Vang is stark. Voters get to choose between a dynastic, legendary figure in city politics or a relative newcomer from the Meadowview suburbs.
City Of Hope
Do you know how your local government works? If you have questions about city services, can you find the answers?
The city tries to be transparent and help residents find information and provide feedback. The city’s website, cityofsacramento.org, contains a wealth of information. But it takes the patience of an elephant to navigate.
The city’s IT department recently introduced an AI tool to help search. I kicked the tires and found the new system makes the website easier to navigate.
Frankly Speaking
Frank Cirill was an important advocate for the creation of the American River Parkway. He was my friend and neighbor for many years in River Park. Cirill died in 2017, but today he’s remembered as the Father of the Parkway.
Cirill was a significant contributor to the American River Parkway Plan that defines the park’s land-use policy and management. He wanted to create a natural, continuous greenbelt along the river and protect the area from riverside development.
The idea was to balance safety, recreation and conservation. Frank said it best: “The Parkway should be protected and enjoyed by the community for generations.”
Good Call
Developers and environmentalists see the world through different lenses. The Airport South Industrial Annexation is a perfect example.
The large-scale development in Natomas basin aims to expand industrial and commercial activities on 447 acres near Sacramento International Airport.
Debate on the project spread over two City Council meetings and fell into two camps. One side centered on economic possibilities, such as job creation and municipal tax revenues. A contrary viewpoint focused on environmental concerns.
