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From Sac State’s downtown plans to ‘a bridge to nowhere.’ Read what’s developing

The series focuses on development projects and urban planning challenges in Sacramento, notably involving Sacramento State and its downtown initiatives.

Specific projects include Sacramento State's ambition to develop its Capitol Mall site into a campus with mixed-use facilities, while balancing the potential loss of affordable housing and economic pressures.

The discussion around a proposed replacement for the I Street Bridge and the introduction of tiny home villages for homeless communities further illustrate the complexity of urban transformation in Sacramento.

These developments reflect a blend of ambition and financial constraints affecting the area’s growth and infrastructure plans.

A view from a drone of the Sacramento waterfront on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 after city leaders held press conference to announce funding for projects to revamp the area. By Hector Amezcua

NO. 1: SACRAMENTO’S DOWNTOWN HAS STRUGGLED SINCE THE PANDEMIC. BUSINESS GROUP PROPOSES EXPANSION

The group will make its pitch to downtown property owners in the coming months. | Published January 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Annika Merrilees

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Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty talks during the State of Downtown breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. By HECTOR AMEZCUA

NO. 2: WITH SAC STATE EXPLORING DOWNTOWN PROJECT, ARE 700 UNITS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCRAPPED?

The three state buildings were set to become 700 units of affordable housing. | Published February 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Theresa Clift Annika Merrilees

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Sacramento State President Luke Wood talks about Capital Public Radio’s financial situation Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. By Paul Kitagaki Jr.

NO. 3: VISION FOR DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO STATE CAMPUS INCLUDES HOTEL AND HOUSING TO BOOST REVENUE

The project’s announcement this week had raised concern among some housing advocates. | Published February 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Annika Merrilees

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A skyline view of the I Street Bridge reconstruction project

NO. 4: SACRAMENTO HAS PROPOSED A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE, WITH ONLY HALF THE MONEY TO BUILD IT | OPINION

Sacramento leaders have talked about replacing the I Street Bridge over the Sacramento River for about a quarter century. Why there isn’t now action. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tom Philp

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Gateway Development Company is applying to build a tiny home village in South Sacramento that would offer permanent affordable housing for homeless adults and families.

NO. 5: TINY HOMES FOR HOMELESS HOUSING COULD BE COMING TO A SECOND SACRAMENTO LOT. SEE WHERE

The City Council unanimously approved the grant application Tuesday. | Published May 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Theresa Clift

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Newly opened apartments across the street from SacRT light rail in Sacramento. Senate Bill 79 aims to legalize similar apartments statewide.

NO. 6: LEGISLATORS SHOULD LOOK TO SACRAMENTO AS A TEST CASE ON HOUSING REFORM | OPINION

“Our infill and transit-oriented housing strategy is working extremely well for Sacramento’s affordability and climate goals.” | Published June 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Cragin Ben Raderstorf

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.