Sacramento City Council approves next steps in new financing district after disruptions force recess
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Shouting from the audience disrupted the Sacramento City Council meeting Tuesday night, forcing a 40-minute recess before the council resumed and approved a redevelopment resolution.
The council unanimously passed a resolution to establish a special financing district to accelerate redevelopment at the former Arco/Sleep Train Arena site in North Natomas.
During the final group of speakers on the proposed financing district, one speaker addressed the audience instead of the council, saying, “Unfortunately, the Council behind me can’t even dignify most of us with their full attention and the fact that they have been caught red handed discussing banning individuals from these chambers is quite frankly, a disgusting mockery of their offices and the oath that they swore.”
This led to audience members shouting at council members, referencing last week’s hot mic moment when Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes was overheard discussing ways to address disruptions during meetings with Mayor Kevin McCarty.
The disruption prompted council members to leave the chamber for 40 minutes while community members in the room argued over unfinished business on the agenda.
After tensions eased, the council resumed the meeting and passed the resolution to create an enhanced infrastructure financing district for redevelopment at the former home of the Sacramento Kings.
“With that, so an exciting day for the city of Sacramento to turn the page on this finally, and we have a motion to second. All of those in favor, please say ‘I’. Any abstentions here? None. Passes nine to zero,” said Kevin McCarty.
The 171-acre Innovation Park project is planned to include:
Housing and commercial developmentA California Northstate University medical campus and hospitalRoads, utilities, sewer, stormwater systems, and traffic improvements
The proposed district would fund public infrastructure using a portion of the new property-tax revenue generated by the development, rather than existing tax revenue. Of that increment, 80% would support infrastructure and 20% affordable housing.
To limit the city’s risk, funds would not be distributed until the hospital—or another qualifying project expected to create high-paying jobs—is completed. The university has not announced a construction date; once started, the hospital is expected to take about four years.
City Council’s approval Tuesday night would only begin the planning and public-hearing process, not immediately establish the district
Labor unions at the meeting are in favor of the resolution as they hope it would create multiple jobs.
Following the resolution’s approval, dozens of community members spoke during public comment, again addressing the hot mic moment, which led to another heated exchange.
Many were yelling at council as the meeting was adjourned.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel.