The Abridged version:

Meta has dedicated $50 million for Sacramento State’s downtown redevelopment project.

The money will be used for demolition work on three state-owned properties near Capitol Mall.

The university is still planning specifics of the project, but features could include housing and an artificial intelligence center.

Sacramento State’s downtown redevelopment now has tens of millions in tech cash behind it.

In a press release issued Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced that tech giant Meta has pledged $50 million toward the project, kickstarting demolition work on three state-owned properties near Capitol Mall.

“This commitment from Meta, combined with the vision from Sacramento State, will bring much-needed affordable student housing, educational space, and economic activity to the Capitol Mall,” Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros said in the release.

An expanded downtown presence

Last year, Sacramento State unveiled plans for a downtown campus that would expand the school’s footprint and provide an economic boost to a struggling neighborhood.

The university is still ironing out specifics, but potential features include affordable housing, a new school of public affairs and an artificial intelligence center that would support a bachelor’s degree in AI Business Management.

“This project positions Sacramento State as a flagship university, one that embodies economic vitality, expands access to opportunity, and integrates academic excellence with innovation, housing, and community in the heart of California’s capital,” said Sacramento State President Luke Wood.

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More pieces need to fall into place

The project has been met with support locally.

“Sacramento State’s downtown campus represents exactly the kind of smart, forward-looking investment the region needs,” Senator Angelique Ashby said.

The investment from Meta represents a financial boost to the project, but it will likely be some time before any ribbons are cut. Officials still need to design the project, conduct building testing and launch the environmental review process.

Daniel Hennessy joins Abridged from the California Local News Fellowship. He’s a reporter covering Yolo County.