Reaction to yesterday’s Budget and Audit Committee meeting

June 15, 2019

City of Sacramento takes bold step forward – votes 8 to 1 on Mayor’s budget proposal

Data show need for inclusive economic development in Sacramento and city acts accordingly

Today was a bold step forward toward realizing the true tenant for Measure U funding. After much debate, the city council voted 8 to 1 to approve the Mayor’s budget proposal with an upfront initial $16 million in investment but leaving much work for the Measure U citizen’s advisory and investment committees to tackle with the remaining $32 million.

Taking into account the May 2019 Brookings Institute data showed that Sacramento dropped from 84^th to 91^st in inclusion nationally, the city is taking the necessary action to close the gap in our historically undervalued and left behind communities.

With the first hurdle behind it, the city must now focus on accountability and metrics. Greater Sacramento Economic Council will be watching the outcomes to ensure the funding for capacity building in neighborhoods and the creation of new economic engines in priority neighborhoods are front and center.

An inclusive economy is one in which there is expanded opportunity for more broadly shared prosperity, especially for those facing the greatest barriers to advancing their well-being. Preparing a broader and more diverse set of firms, workers and communities to reach their productive potential offers a compelling opportunity for growth. This is the course we are charting in the Greater Sacramento region.