Gabby Fredericks
Every year, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership holds the State of Downtown – an annual event that is recognized as ground zero for exchanging ideas and prioritizing Sacramento’s economic development goals for the upcoming year. This year, State of Downtown, presented by Kaiser Permanente, returned Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the newly renovated SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This annual breakfast was a great time to celebrate our resiliency and to highlight some of the new initiatives that are driving a brighter future for the heart of our region.
One of the messages that resonated throughout this year’s State of Downtown, was how downtown has always been adaptable and supported by passionate community leaders. Because of this, we were still able to see immense progress and growth these last two years, despite the challenges. Downtown is the heart of our city. Even if it skips a beat or slows its pace, the rhythm will return.
State of Downtown — Michael Ault
Downtown Sacramento Partnership Executive Director, Michael Ault delivered the State of Downtown address. We live-tweeted key takeaways from his speech. See them below:
“Last year we welcomed 12.4 million visitors to our district” – Michael Ault #DowntownSac #Stateofdowntown pic.twitter.com/VnnZd6bgkW
— Downtown Sacramento (@DowntownSac) February 22, 2022
“@oldsacramento was re-energized, seeing a nearly 60% increase in visitors in 2021 with new activations and programs drawing crowds.. These pivots made during the pandemic unintentionally realized one of our long-term goals of reintroducing locals/visitors” -Michael Ault pic.twitter.com/T9u0FaHA63
— Downtown Sacramento (@DowntownSac) February 22, 2022
“@Golden1Center celebrated 5 years of operation in 2021 and welcomed nearly 6 million visitors. Over the last 5 years we’ve seen over 6.5 billion dollars in economic investment surrounding the center” -Michael Ault #DowtownSac #Stateofdowntown pic.twitter.com/fu82oyICaa
— Downtown Sacramento (@DowntownSac) February 22, 2022
“Downtown is ripe with an infrastructure of opportunities for those looking to make their dreams come true of opening a successful business downtown.. we want to have you here!” #DowntownSac #StateofDowntown pic.twitter.com/8Tw7RsIw2f
— Downtown Sacramento (@DowntownSac) February 22, 2022
“I hate to lose iconic businesses, but I believe that this can be harnessed into an opportunity for something new to grow. It’s the optimism that inspires us to re-envision what our downtown can look like.” -Michael Ault #DowntownSac #StateofDowntown pic.twitter.com/nwNXiT5W9B
— Downtown Sacramento (@DowntownSac) February 22, 2022
“We’re expanding upon our pilot lighting projects that we’ve already implemented at 12th and K and the soon-to-be-lit iconic sign at the Old Sacramento Waterfront.” -Michael Ault #DowntownSac #StateofDowntown pic.twitter.com/fdknz6brgT
— Downtown Sacramento (@DowntownSac) February 22, 2022
“We do see a bright future for our urban core, and we will continue to elevate Downtown Sacramento as a vibrant place that nurtures innovation, culture, and community.”
-Michael Ault #DowntownSac #StateofDowntown— Downtown Sacramento (@DowntownSac) February 22, 2022
JVance Community Service Award — Rivkah Sass
The JVance Award for Community Service was presented to Rivkah Sass, retired Sacramento Public Library Director and CEO, by Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela. This award was created to honor an employee and founding member of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s Homeless Outreach Navigator program, JVance Stewart, who passed away in 2011. This award recognizes and celebrates the efforts of individuals and organizations that enhance the lives of others through service by improving the quality of life within the downtown core. Through Rivkah’s dozen-year service to our community, she transformed the state’s fourth-largest library system into an award-winning institution that has garnered considerable trust and community support.
Calling All Dreamers Winner — Gusto Gaucho
Previous Calling All Dreamers Winner, Cecil Rhodes of Nash & Proper, “passed the baton” and announced the 2021 winner of the competition, Federico Garcia of Gusto Gaucho. Learn more about Gusto Gaucho and the Calling All Dreamers competition in our blog here.
Join the Conversation
As attendees left the event, we encouraged them to write down their dreams for #DowntownSac in 2022. What are your “downtown dreams” that you’d like to see fulfilled this year? Tag us @DowntownSac or use #DowntownSac on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to tell us what dreams you have for downtown.
