Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg says "good enough isn't good enough." He delivered his state of the city address Thursday.
He says he has a "big idea," a multi-billion dollar capital equity fund.
"An equity capital fund is a significant pot of resources, not for annual operating costs for the city, but instead to invest in capital, in infrastructure, in affordable housing, in arts and culture facilities, one-time funds to attract and retain key industries and any other one-time expenditures that will grow our jobs base and help our neighborhoods," he said.
The Mayor envisions private and public contributions. He says development of the riverfront and creation of job opportunities for young people shouldn't have to compete for City dollars.
"Money is not everything. But, it determines our ability to create and take advantage of more opportunities. We are always having to compromise with ourselves. Pull the rabbit out of the hat, choose one project and forego or delay another," he said.
Steinberg also raised the issue of homelessness.
"Even with $108 million for intensive outreach and services, we currently don't have ongoing resources for more temporary triage shelter much less permanently house thousands of people we must bring in out of the elements. Why not strive for at least 1,000 new, efficient, small housing units over the next two years?" he asked.
Arts and culture, Del Paso Boulevard, and a call for price-gouging landlords to stop that practice were other highlights of the speech.
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