After delays, City Council expected to vote on $6.4M for Old Sacramento boardwalk

A vote Tuesday could trigger a $6.4 million investment to replace Old Sacramento’s wooden boardwalks, a key appeal to the area’s historic nature, as part of a multimillion project to revitalize a major tourist attraction for the city.

More than four million people tread annually across the walkways that now requires repairs after it was last replaced over 20 years ago. The construction will address safety, meet accessibility standards and preserve Old Sacramento’s historic appeal, according to the city. The Sacramento City Council will vote Tuesday to provide a “request for qualifications,” or seeking proposals from companies about their expertise before seeking a formal bid.

“Uprooting the pathways and restoring the boards will present challenges to the surrounding businesses, special events and parking and traffic as the construction is ongoing,” according to the staff report.

The estimated cost for the project has decreased from $10 million in 2024 to about $6.4 million. Though the boardwalks are not originally from the 19th century, the city deems it as a “critical component” of the area’s historical draw.

“The city is committed to preserving the historic charm of Old Sacramento by replacing the wooden boards throughout the district with the same type of wood,” wrote Gabby Miller, a city spokesperson.

The Council’s vote comes after former Mayor Darrell Steinberg presented two years ago about $40 million plans to upgrade Old Sacramento, following up on plans proposed prior to the pandemic that lacked funding to complete. The new development depended on hotel tax revenues that plunged during the pandemic but have slowly been increasing, according to former Bee reporting.

Steinberg discussed two phases for its plans, which includes to build a public market to support local businesses, redevelop the waterfront site once occupied by Rio City Cafe and create a new playground.

The boardwalks’ replacement was initially thought to be repaired by October. The city’s staff now estimates the proceeds will be available in the latter half of this year.

This story was originally published February 23, 2026 at 3:36 PM.