Sacramento Proud. Whether you’re a native or a transplant, it’s something that resonates in all of us. I never realized how special that quality is until I had the opportunity to travel and reside elsewhere, and those experiences helped give me perspective on just how amazing our region is.
Photo courtesy of Scott Ford
When I was a teenager, I remember seeing proposals for projects which promised to deliver a vibrant downtown to our city, but those dreams never seemed to materialize. I spent my summers working for developers, Old Sacramento Management, even at City Hall, gaining insight as to the role each component played in the urban design equation. I learned to find a balance between my youthful dreams, and what was actually economically feasible. Each project that moved forward was an incredible victory for our community, and a piece to the overall puzzle I saw in my mind.
Photo courtesy of Scott Ford
My studies took me to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, after which I forged a successful career in business management in Los Angeles. By the time I turned 30, even though I’d lived more than half my life in Southern California, I still identified with Sacramento. I loved this region, and my professional experiences made me believe more then ever that we could become a wonderful city anchored by a healthy and robust downtown. This desire to capitalize on the unprecedented momentum and help shape Sacramento’s core is what motivated me to move home, and what led me to a position with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
Photo courtesy of Scott Ford
I believe strongly that each aspect of what our company does is a critical component of the big picture, and that each positive action leads to a better place for people to work, visit, and live. I embrace my role as an ambassador for the city and believe in the power of each connection I make. Whether I’m connecting with someone who may be in need of services, a merchant working hard to achieve success and adding fabric to our district, or someone who has traveled from another area and whose impressions of our city are being shaped by the visit — I believe that every positive interaction has an upward effect.
Photo courtesy of Scott Ford
I believe in creating a distinct sense of place in our district. From our underutilized river fronts to connecting the numerous micro-neighborhoods which are emerging, I feel that creating a safe, clean, convenient core where people hear music, share experiences and create memories is the next step towards elevating downtown. We must embrace our unique characteristics, celebrate our rich history, and continue to have the vision and the passion to work towards smart development. As resources and open land become more scarce, the future of cities will be sustainable growth. Transit and pedestrian-oriented districts must continue to emerge, allowing citizens the opportunity to interact, engage and share cultural experiences in public spaces.
Photo courtesy of Scott Ford
No matter what your opinion is of the Golden 1 Center rising at the core of our city, there is no denying that it will be a central spoke of activity downtown and a catalyst for private investment and development throughout the area. Great cities have great downtowns, and the energy permeates outwards. Working for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership has given me direct knowledge of the gravity of some of the issues we face, yet I feel confident and optimistic that these are challenges which can be overcome.
I’m honored to be of service to the people of our city and am working hard each day to help downtown realize it’s potential. I’m proud of Sacramento and I believe that we are working to become the city I’ve always dreamed we can be.
Guest Contributor, Scott Ford – DSP Guide