The new Aggie Square project, currently being built on 13 acres at UC Davis Medical Center, could bring thousands of new jobs to Sacramento. But many living in the surrounding neighborhoods are worried that it could also bring more of the downsides of gentrification.

So Sacramento city and community leaders are trying something new: a $10 million program for helping longtime residents stay put in their neighborhoods surrounding Aggie Square.

The first $2 million was given to four community organizations that will use it to fix homes, give financial help to renters, assist first-time homebuyers, and for other needs. When combined, the goal is a comprehensive, anti-displacement strategy.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg said, " I hope this package of programs becomes a national model for how big economic development projects can bring real opportunities and investment to communities and residents without displacing them."

Will Sacramento's experiment succeed? And if so, can it be rolled out on nationwide, to other U.S. cities facing similar issues?

Join us for beers, BBQ and a discussion about this new plan. We'll have a Q&A with people who helped put it together, and with representatives from the groups given funding to put the assistance programs into place.

We will be at the lovely Brickhouse Gallery in Oak Park. Buy a plate of tasty BBQ along with your ticket. We'll also have beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Or just come to hear the conversation — admission is free.

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ABOUT SOLVING SACRAMENTO: We're a collaborative of nonprofit and for-profit local newsrooms, educational institutions, and community partners working together to produce and share news stories on the issues that most impact the greater Sacramento region. We launched in 2022 with one initiative: solutions to affordable housing. In 2023, we expanded our coverage area to include economic development, arts and the environment. We are raising money for resources to help us produce these stories.

Want to support Solving Sacramento? Donate at givebutter.com/solvingsacramento. Your tax-deductible donation helps us produce solutions-focused journalism and host free events, like “Suds and Solutions.”

WHO'S IN IT:

California Groundbreakers

Capital Public Radio

Outword Magazine, Inc.

Russian American Media

Sacramento Business Journal

Sacramento News & Review

Sacramento Observer

Univision

OUR SPONSORS:

Solutions Journalism Network

James Irvine Foundation

Local Media Foundation