Sacramento City Council Meeting, February 24, 2026

The Sacramento City Council met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, starting at 5:08 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting addressed a range of topics including public hearings, a violent crime reduction strategy, a digital billboard ordinance, an economic development workshop, and a development process improvement program. Several items were continued or withdrawn. The meeting included extensive public testimony and council discussion, and adjourned at 9:47 PM in memory of Phyllis Johnson.

Public Hearings

• Item 1 – The Enclave at Airport Road (P25-010): The public hearing for this development project at 3600 Airport Road was continued to March 3, 2026, by staff recommendation.
• Item 2 – Natomas Basin Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Fee – 2026 Adjustment: This item was withdrawn by staff prior to council action.
• Item 3 – Resolution Establishing Business Operating Permit Fees for Cannabis Consumption Lounges: The hearing was continued to March 3, 2026.

Sacramento Police Department Violent Crime Reduction Strategy (Item 4)

Chief Katherine Lester presented a detailed report on the department’s focused, data-driven violence reduction efforts since 2022. Key statistics included: citywide shooting reports declined from 725 (2022) to 476 (2025); shooting victims dropped from 175 to 131 over the same period; gun crime citywide fell 53% from 945 incidents in 2021 to 444 in 2025; and in identified hotspot zones (Del Paso Heights, Oak Park, Meadowview/Valley High), gun violence declined nearly 70% (from 423 to 135 incidents). The department seized over 4,000 firearms (including 800+ ghost guns) over four years. The strategy relies on focused deterrence, data analysis, technology (public safety camera network, license plate readers, real-time information center), and strong partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs) and the Office of Violence Prevention. A $5 million state grant (CalVIP Cohort 5) was announced to sustain CBO partnerships.

Public Comments: Five speakers addressed the item. Barb Ram expressed support for the crime reduction and advocated for fewer police stops and military equipment. Scott Ford (Downtown Sacramento Partnership) praised the Chief’s leadership and the department’s preventive approach. Ernesto Delgado (small business owner) commended the work but reported two recent break-ins. Karen Corbes thanked the department but urged maintaining funding for public safety. Christina Rogers (Land Park Community Association) appreciated the quick police response and asked for continued investment in CBOs.

Council Discussion: All council members praised the department’s work and the collaborative approach. Councilmember Vang emphasized the connection between violence and social conditions in impacted neighborhoods, and asked about school district partnerships. Chief Lester and Dr. Clavo outlined existing coordination with Sacramento City Unified and Twin Rivers districts, and the new grant will expand school-based referrals. Councilmember Dickinson highlighted the importance of technology and problem-oriented policing (POP) officers, while also noting that broader societal investments are needed to change the map of concentrated violence. Councilmember Maple requested a future in-depth report on CBO program outcomes. Councilmember Kaplan called for a comprehensive youth violence prevention plan. Councilmember Jennings and Mayor Pro Tem Guerra expressed gratitude and urged continued focus. The item was reviewed and commented on; no formal vote.

Digital Billboards Ordinance (Item 5)

Matt Sites (Senior Architect) presented amendments to City Code Section 15.148.965 to allow additional digital billboards for outdoor stadiums: reducing minimum stadium capacity from 15,000 to 12,000 seats, increasing maximum billboards from 6 to 7, and setting a maximum of two 1,200 sq ft billboards with others limited to 700 sq ft. The changes are intended to support the Rail Yards development.

Public Comments: Seven speakers opposed the ordinance. Kevin Boltz criticized the public subsidy for a luxury project with only 6% affordable housing. Sonia Carabel (Unite Here Local 49) argued the billboards represent a hidden giveaway and urged using the revenue for affordable housing. Pamela Freeman (Wong Center resident) shared safety fears and opposed developer giveaways. Yolanda Villanueva (Wong Center) echoed concerns about insufficient affordable housing. Francisco Garcia (District 2 resident) objected to low affordable housing percentages. Nancy Williams (AJ resident) and Alex Hansen also expressed frustration with the deal and called for renegotiation.

Council Discussion: Vice Mayor Talamantes confirmed the amendments are for billboards already approved and directed the City Manager to meet with residents. Councilmember Vang announced she would vote no, citing the lack of clarity on revenue valuation and budget concerns. Councilmember Pluckebaum supported the item as a necessary part of the project.

Vote: Motion passed 7-1 (Councilmember Vang opposed; Councilmember Guerra absent). Ordinance No. 2026-0004 was adopted, and CEQA exemption was approved.

Economic Development Workshop (Item 6)

Assistant City Manager Michael Jasso, along with directors from Convention and Cultural Services, Community Development, and the Office of Innovation and Economic Development, presented a framework for economic development focused on three pillars: investing in people (workforce, childcare, creative economy, financial empowerment), building attractive places (regulatory environment, public investments, corridor plans like Marysville/Del Paso, Stockton Boulevard), and supporting businesses (Business Solutions Center, economic gardening, innovation programs, business retention and attraction). Data points: the city has 25% of regional businesses; office vacancy rate in downtown is improving but still above pre-pandemic; the convention center hosted 269 events with 1.15 million attendees and $158 million economic impact in 2025.

Public Comments: Scott Ford (Downtown Sacramento Partnership) emphasized collaboration. Barry Broom (GSEC) noted the region outperforms California in economic equity metrics. Evan Schmidt (Valley Vision) praised the strategic alignment and regional initiative. Danielle Foster (CADA) thanked the city for housing and creative economy partnerships. Zion Tatis (Community Ambassador) urged more equitable distribution of funds to Black communities. Devin LeClewis (small developer) supported the Small Developer Incubator program and requested the city adopt AB 1033 for ADU condominiums.

Council Discussion: Vice Mayor Talamantes asked for more data on large projects (Aggie Square, events) and quarterly reporting. Councilmember Maple advocated for a citywide strategic economic development plan, linking downtown revival with neighborhood corridors, housing, transportation, and pedestrian safety; she raised the idea of activating vacant storefronts and exploring the County Executive Airport for drone testing. Councilmember Dickinson emphasized that downtown is the city’s identifier and must be central to the strategy, while noting the need for investment in high-poverty corridors. Councilmember Pluckebaum called for workforce development, career technical education, and a focus on commercial corridors. Councilmember Kaplan stressed the need for data-driven prioritization, revisiting the business operations tax to support small businesses, and creating walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods.

Next Steps: The Council directed staff to develop an economic development strategic plan with a consultant, incorporating stakeholder input and aligning with regional partners. The plan should include one-year, five-year, and ten-year action items.

Streamline Sacramento (Item 7)

Matt Hertel (Assistant Director, Community Development) provided an overview of the city’s development process improvement program. Key results: 23,000 plan reviews and 72,000 inspections annually, with 98% on-time plan reviews and 97% on-time inspections. The program implemented 72% of 49 identified actions, including shortened plan review timelines, faster address assignments, waived parcel maps for small subdivisions, small business liaison program, self-certification for restaurants, instant permit issuance for minor permits, rescinding the alternate water systems ordinance, waiving fees for ADU zoning review, and launching virtual inspection technology. Sacramento produces the most housing units per capita among the top six producing cities in California. Upcoming actions include further reducing plan review timelines, a 72-hour small project rapid review, and a permitting one-on-one course.

Public Comments: Eleven speakers, most expressing strong support. Charles Krafka (engineer) praised city staff for being top-tier. Parker Evans (Mutual Housing California) stated Sacramento is the easiest place in California to build affordable housing, noting no planning commission or council hearings needed for recent projects. Michael Turgeon (House Sacramento YIMBY) commended the initiative for reducing risk and time. Rosario Calvo (Mogavero Architects) highlighted the value of pre-application meetings. Eric Soto (IBEX Ventures) endorsed the systematic changes. Chris Valencia (North State BIA) urged continued focus on single-family detached housing. Craig Houseman (architect) stressed the importance of communication. John Vignocci (broker) called for an evergreen mindset shift and cited a small retail leasing delay. Vince Bonacci (Shutter Electric) shared a seven-month permit delay for a fence. Charles Uzo (Eden Housing) applauded the city’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Council Discussion: Mayor McCarty and Councilmember Pluckebaum thanked staff and emphasized the program is ongoing. They requested a one-page summary for community outreach. Councilmember Pluckebaum noted that the complexity of development demands continuous effort. The item was received and commented on.

Public Comments – Matters Not on the Agenda

Six speakers addressed the Council. Michael Bevins urged safer bicycle infrastructure. Rick Locke called for the city to revisit Resolution 2023-0995 (authorizing the City Manager to write checks up to $5 million without council oversight) and suggested shifting language from “homelessness” to “housing for all.” Joe Barr (Executive Director, Access Sacramento) warned that the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission may vote to defund public access media on March 5, 2026, and urged council oversight. John Vignocci argued that the minimum wage cuts off early job opportunities for youth and contributes to violence. Mervyn Brookins shared a story about youth violence prevention through relationship-building and asked the city to support structured youth activities.

Council Comments and Adjournment

Councilmember Dickinson offered a tribute to Phyllis Johnson, a lifelong labor activist and community leader, and moved to adjourn in her memory. The meeting adjourned at 9:47 PM.