Elk Grove State of the City Address - March 29, 2024
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Elk Grove State of the City Address - March 29, 2024
Mayor Bobby Sing Allen delivered his fourth annual State of the City address to the chamber and community, highlighting economic growth, public safety initiatives, homelessness response, infrastructure projects, and upcoming major developments. The address emphasized the city's progress and future plans, framing challenges as 'missions possible.'
Economic Development
- Over 400 new business licenses issued in the past year.
- Kubota Tractor Corporation opened a $70 million Western Distribution Center in Grant Line Business Park.
- Wilton Rancheria purchased 20 additional acres near Sky River Casino and announced plans for a parking garage, hotel, and conference facilities. A new bourbon and cigar lounge (Humador) opened.
- Upcoming retail openings include Nordstrom Rack (May 2), Macy's, Whole Foods, Yard House, and Mendocino Farms.
- New dining venues: Pig Latin, Prost, Quatza Brewing Company, Raw Sushi Bar, and Slow and Low.
- Start-up incentive program funded six companies, creating over 80 jobs. Core Impact, led by Samuel Taylor, developing wearable athletic performance devices.
- Pitch Elk Grove awarded more than $15,000 to regional startups in May; next event scheduled for September.
Workforce Development
- $2 million in ARPA funds used for free workforce training programs. CyberProud cybersecurity program tripled investment, enrolling 120 residents; graduates like Adnan Beg now employed.
- Partnership with Charles A. Jones Career Center offers nine-month manufacturing apprenticeship and forklift certifications. Saren Soriano graduated and hired by InSight Manufacturing Services.
- Community workforce training agreement with Sacramento Sierra Building and Construction Trades Council will support local hire and apprenticeship programs.
Education and Civic Amenities
- Construction preparation for a new library on historic main street (former Wright Eight Building) begins later summer. Library will increase by 5,000 square feet and more than double parking.
- Planning Commission will consider a new zoo project on April 4, with City Council later in spring. The zoo could attract over 1 million visitors annually, generate $249 million in economic impact, and provide educational resources. Project will not use Measure E funds or rainy day reserves.
Public Safety
- California commercial shoplifting rose nearly 30% in 2022. Elk Grove Police conducted 13 covert retail theft operations, recovering over $7,000 in merchandise and making 58 arrests.
- Added 19 police department positions via Measure E funding, launched a youth services unit.
- Partnered with Sacramento County District Attorney to place a community prosecutor (Anthony Ortiz) in the police department to prosecute local crimes (burglaries, theft, vandalism, etc.). Ortiz also leads youth academy outreach.
- Cosumnes CSD invested Measure E funds: 15 new firefighter recruits entered academy in January, new rescue equipment and software deployed to reduce response times.
Homelessness and Housing
- Winter sanctuary extended to end of April using program savings. Guest Tina transitioned to permanent housing at Bow Street Complex.
- Annual point-in-time count conducted in January with Sacramento Steps Forward to qualify for federal funding.
- Homeless navigators Becky Jones and David Betancourt contacted over 57 unhoused individuals, moved 109 people into permanent housing (39 households).
- Settlement reached to relocate a permanent supportive housing project (Coral Blossom) from historic district to other city-owned property, offering larger site and more units. Services provided by Hope Cooperative (serves 10,000+ annually).
- Over $78 million invested in affordable housing since 2004, creating 2,000+ homes across 15 projects, with 800 additional homes under construction. Parc at Poppy Ridge broke ground in February, expected to open 2025.
Infrastructure and Transportation
- Elk Grove roads rated PCI 80 (vs. regional 53). Public Works maintains over 1,000 linear miles.
- Traffic signal synchronization on Elk Grove and Laguna Boulevards reduced travel time by 12% and stops by 46%. Citywide signal enhancement project starts summer 2024, adding larger heads and better detection at 100+ intersections.
- Cameran Road extension to I-5 (part of Capitol Southeast Connector) received environmental clearance in December; final design began in February. Funding partially secured, seeking state and federal grants.
- Laguna Creek Interregional Trail System gaps being closed with federal funding, including a pedestrian bridge over Highway 99.
- Bike share program launches spring 2024.
- ACE train station on Dwight Road construction starts 2025, opening late 2026.
Innovation and Transparency
- Implementing a Smart City plan. Inclusive engagement toolkit to be launched later this year.
- Students from Franklin High School creating 3D augmented reality environment for the new zoo.
- Digital story maps for development projects and utility digs.
- Received over $2.2 million in federal funding (announced by Congresswoman Matsui) for trail connections, victim advocates, and zero-emission fleet conversion.
Diversity and Inclusion
- Elk Grove Unified School District ranked second most diverse in state.
- 64% of 2023 new hires were diverse.
- City adopted a land acknowledgement honoring indigenous heritage; hosted California Tribal Showcase with Wilton Rancheria.
- Diversity and Inclusion Commission to review city code of ethics with DEI lens.
Key Outcomes and Next Steps
- Zoo project: Planning Commission hearing April 4, City Council later spring.
- Winter sanctuary extended to end of April.
- Library construction preparation begins summer 2024.
- Traffic signal enhancement construction starts summer 2024.
- Bike share program launches spring 2024.
- ACE train station construction begins 2025, opening late 2026.
- City to receive $2.2 million in federal funding for trail, victim advocates, and fleet conversion.
- Diversity and Inclusion Commission to provide code of ethics recommendations later this year.
Mayor closed by recognizing Women's History Month and the women leading various government levels, including Congresswoman Matsui, state Senator Ashby, Assemblywoman Wynne, School Board President Jamerson, and others.
Meeting Transcript
I mean, why not have fun, right? All right. Well, thank you, everyone. Good afternoon, and thank you for that warm introduction. I'm Bobby Sing Allen, and I am proud to serve as Elk Grove's mayor. Thank you to the chamber board and staff for your continued work to support local businesses. Thank you to my city council colleagues and our wonderful city staff who join me in serving our city every day. To my parents, husband, children, and friends. And most importantly, thank you to all of you who are attending and tuning in online. I'm so excited to share with you the progress we have made over this past year and provide you with a look into our future, and I have to ask is time flying by fast for you as it is for me. It seems like just yesterday that I was delivering my first state of the city speech virtually online from City Hall during a worldwide pandemic. Fast forward, and here we are, together again, and I am sharing my fourth annual address with all of you. The big dreams we have conceived for our future that seemed so impossible back then are coming to life today thanks to the passion, commitment, and collective pursuits of dreamers like you and me who see the promise and the possibilities for Elk Grove's future. The work of our city is guided by a clear mission that comes from the needs and priorities expressed by our community. And as I was thinking about our mission, I couldn't help but associate what we do with the Mission Impossible movie series. Now bear with me. Now, if you stop and think about it, running a city government and the Mission Impossible movie series have some things in common. Both require leadership and teamwork. City government work requires effective leadership and teamwork to resolve complex urban issues. In Mission Impossible, Ethan Hunt led a team on dangerous missions where teamwork and leadership were critical to the success of the mission. Both face complex challenges. Managing a city involves addressing issues like infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and social services. The Mission Impossible team took on complicated missions to address global threats, and both thrive on adaptability and innovation. Cities must embrace innovation to adapt to changing demographics, technology, and environmental concerns. The Mission Impossible team had to think quickly and come up with innovative solutions to overcome obstacles during their missions. But really, these tongue-in-cheek comparisons are meant to highlight the complexity and the approaches to the work that we must do for our city. Now, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to dream big and work hard with us to foster a city that provides a vibrant, sustainable economy, community safety, and resiliency. A high-performing, financially stable local government, and infrastructure that meets our current and future needs. And I believe that that mission is possible. If you're familiar with Mission Impossible franchise, then you know that a burning fuse is part of the opening sequence. Light the fuse. That's the direction Ethan gives a member of his team at the start of Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol. Well, that fuse is lit right here in Elk Grove. From expansions to new business openings, we are seeing explosive growth in our local economy. Last year alone, there were more than 400 new business licenses issued to companies starting in Elk Grove. In December, we celebrated the opening of the Western Distribution Center for Kubota Tractor Corporation. This 70 million dollar state of the art facility is serving dealers and customers throughout the West. Kubota is sparking new jobs, innovations, and opportunities for our region, not just at that at their facility, but in hotels, restaurants, and retailers here in Elk Grove. And it will spur additional growth in the Grant Line Business Park, our newest development area that has room for millions of square feet of new warehouse, warehouse, and manufacturing facilities. We extend our welcome and congratulations to Kubota Tractor Corporation and wish them continued success for the future. And business is booming at Sky River Casino too. The Wilton Rancheria celebrated a year in business by purchasing an additional 20 acres near the casino and announcing plans for further expansion. Last month we enjoyed the opening of Humador, their new bourbon and cigar lounge, and we eagerly await the start of construction of the parking garage, hotel, and conference facilities. This growth continues to enrich our community's dining and nightlife options and foster self-reliance and success for Wilton Rancheria and its members. Thank you to Chairman Jesus Tarongo and the Wilton Rancheria's Tribal Council members for your continued commitment to Elk Grove community. And I spy growth in other parts of the city too. How many of us are counting down the days until the opening of Nordstrom Rack? And that's May 2nd, by the way. Or the opening of the new Macy's. Thank you, Mom.
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