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River District Specific Plan Update

 

The City of Sacramento is updating the River District Specific Plan, a forward-looking policy document adopted in 2011 that guides future growth, development, and investment in the 773-acre district just north of downtown, where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet. The update will address land use, transportation, recreation and community amenities, infrastructure and more to ensure the River District evolves as a vibrant, connected, and resilient part of the city.

 

 

 

Image credit: The River District 

Draft Vision Statement & Guiding Principles

Let us know your thoughts!

Provide your feedback by January 31, 2026

The River District Specific Plan Vision Statement and Guiding Principles aim to capture the community’s aspirations for the River District and the priorities we want to achieve. Together, they will form the foundation for the rest of the Specific Plan — shaping the policies, strategies, and actions that will guide the area’s future.

Let us know what you think by providing comments on the Plan's draft Vision Statement and Guiding Principles. To leave a comment, simply click on the document and type in your information and choose a comment type. Your input will then be posted in the location you selected.

Here are some prompts to get you started:

  • What stands out or feels the most important to you?
  • What’s missing from these statements?
  • Do these reflect what you want for the River District in 20 years?
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Leticia Jan 30 2026 at 1:25PM on page 1

Suggestion
We submit the following feedback on behalf of our client, Schetter Electric, a longtime business owner in the River District. The River District Specific Plan Vision Statement and Guiding Principles should include a commitment to integrate and protect the rights of existing property owners as the area evolves over the next 20 years. In addition, the Vision Statement and Guiding Principles should prioritize creating a clean, safe environment for all to ensure the District is an area where business, recreation, art, and residences can thrive.

Leticia Jan 30 2026 at 1:02PM on page 1

Suggestion
revise to read as follows "...that support the daily needs of existing and future residents, workers, and businesses."

Leticia Jan 30 2026 at 1:01PM on page 1

Suggestion
Add language regarding making the River District a clean and safe community for existing businesses, residents, workers, and visitors.

Angela Jan 29 2026 at 2:37PM on page 1

Suggestion
This also has to include the safety and comfort of our homeless residents who consistently are pushed out of public spaces and criminalized for their very existence.

Angela Jan 29 2026 at 2:35PM on page 1

Suggestion
I want to lift up the phrase "especially historically underserved communities" because these are the folks who often get displaced when neighborhoods undergo processes like the revitalization projects planned for the River District. Including safe spaces for people who are underserved and suffering, especially our residents living on the streets, is critical. Their safety and well-being are far more threatened by current enforcement policies than that of someone who feels uncomfortable walking past them.

Billy Jan 27 2026 at 4:20PM on page 1

Suggestion
One main issue I see every day is that we really don't have any grocery stores that are low-income options; we have to either travel or have our supplies delivered. And it is very hard and stressful if you have to use SAC RT, and it gets expensive, so having a store close by would make our community much more appealing.

Billy Jan 27 2026 at 4:12PM on page 1

Suggestion
This is a very hot-button issue, and it's not going to get fixed unless the city realizes that being homeless is not a crime, and even though they are homeless, they are still HUMAN BEINGS. You can not just cover this up by making them move from one area to another; everyone needs to set aside our differences. And leave emotions out of it, and come to the table and sit down and find a better solution to this problem. You can not fix this problem unless you deal with the elephant in the room ( DRUGS). Let's come together and put an end to this and move our community forward.

Cristina Jan 27 2026 at 2:51PM on page 1

Suggestion
There is a great need for affordable housing, and mixed income housing

Cristina Jan 27 2026 at 2:50PM on page 1

Suggestion
Add shaded benches at bus stops, more seating, trees, and restrooms

Cristina Jan 27 2026 at 2:49PM on page 1

Suggestion
Break down the mega blocks in the district by creating green belts or safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists within the district. There are a lot of old railroad tracks that are not being used that can break up the large blocks in the district.

Cristina Jan 27 2026 at 2:47PM on page 1

Suggestion
A strong focus should be to improve the tree canopy in the River District which is equal to half of the rest of downtown Sacramento's tree canopy

cruz Jan 27 2026 at 2:34PM on page 1

Suggestion
To increase enconomic development in the river district, the distict should try to incentivise middle-income familys to move in the area.
in reply to Edward N's comment

Emily Jan 27 2026 at 12:29PM on page 1

A good way to "keep the homeless away" is to offer housing, transportation and (if necessary) skills training.

Emily Jan 27 2026 at 12:11PM on page 1

Maintain
Especially for historically underserved communities!

Emily Jan 27 2026 at 12:10PM on page 1

Art and beauty are daily needs of residents, workers and humans in general.

Emily Jan 27 2026 at 12:09PM on page 1

Preserving art, culture and Sacramento history too.

Kendra Ramsey Jan 26 2026 at 2:52PM on page 1

Suggestion
Provide safe facilities for people walking and bicycling that are appropriate for the context, including a separated (protected) bikeway on 16th Street and wide enough sidewalk for people to pass each other while using mobility devices.

Matt D. Jan 26 2026 at 2:10PM on page 1

Maybe combine with #1, as this is about improving connections too. You can have increased connectivity (#1, 7) and enhanced paths (#4) separate, but no need to have multiple to clarify. Maybe the objectives, policies, or actions can distinguish what connections will be enhanced and how.

Matt D. Jan 26 2026 at 2:08PM on page 1

Suggestion
this is very broad. Do we mean infrastructure, services (daycare, job training), or supportive retail, or just land owners to help with dedications for housing and civic uses? Partnership seems the means to achieve a goal and not the goal itself.

Matt D. Jan 26 2026 at 2:05PM on page 1

Suggestion
I do not see this area support multi-unit development at less than 16du/ac. Clarify what housing "option" means, as it could be tenure or building type, per that tenure. Mixed income works, but what does options mean if the area is intended to support higher densities near employment centers?

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 2:04PM on page 1

Suggestion
and their amenities, while safe-guarding the river, it's native animals and plants.

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 2:02PM on page 1

rather than "a sense of belonging" I would like to recognize the rivers by stating "a sense of place"

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 2:00PM on page 1

Suggestion
of nature and natural features

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 1:48PM on page 1

...work hard to develop the practical alliances, agreements and support needed to actually achieve the previous principles.

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 1:47PM on page 1

trust, not identity

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 1:46PM on page 1

accessible PUBLIC spaces....

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 1:45PM on page 1

'public' community. i feel the need to use the word 'public' (people living, working and visiting the area), because the word community is so overused, by itself, that it just has no meaning for me anymore. It has become such a buzzword.

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 1:40PM on page 1

it offers a pathway to the 'smart city' of the future.

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 1:39PM on page 1

Suggestion
There should be mention made of the TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL of the RD because of its proximity to the urban core of the 4th largest economy of the world. The RD offers a unique opportunity for business and residential development projects on a large scale that is beginning to be appreciated.
in reply to Greta L. 's comment

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 12:34PM on page 1

I meant to remove the word "AND" between the phrases, NOT to remove the phrase "Expanding connection to transit, making it easier to move....to nearby areas."

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 12:12PM on page 1

Remove
Expanding connection to transit, making it easier....to nearby areas.

Greta L. Jan 26 2026 at 12:11PM on page 1

Suggestion
Improve access by ...connectivity, while protecting the natural environment along the American and Sacramento Rivers.

Scott Coffin Jan 25 2026 at 8:36PM on page 1

A dedicated bike path along 16th St. between A and C st. could greatly improve the sense of safety and connectivity with midtown. Currently, the infamous 'pee tunnel' that bikers/walkers must use to traverse that road is a public safety concern, and discourages pedestrians and bicyclists from using that corridor.

Scott Coffin Jan 25 2026 at 8:34PM on page 1

Parks and other green spaces could increase a sense of belonging in this area.

Scott Coffin Jan 25 2026 at 8:33PM on page 1

Suggestion
Green stormwater infrastructure should be considered to capture tire and road wear particles which leach 6PPD-quinone (a potent toxicant for salmon) into the river, as well as other common pollutants such as urban use pesticides, etc. Such spaces also serve as greenification.

Jeanie W-W Jan 25 2026 at 5:55PM on page 1

Implement traffic calming and safety improvements on major streets to discourage high speed dangerous driving.

Jeanie W-W Jan 25 2026 at 5:51PM on page 1

Incentivize and increase housing that is affordable at all income levels as well as walkable and transit-oriented so driving and parking isn’t necessary.

Edward N Jan 23 2026 at 10:55AM on page 1

Suggestion
It would be great to have local artists get priority to display art. Sacramento has so many great murals around, it makes it interesting so walk around and find them. Adding art will make help attract people to visit.

Edward N Jan 23 2026 at 10:52AM on page 1

Suggestion
I hope this means keeping the homeless from camping on the streets and walk ways along the river. People do not feel safe walking next these encampments.

Emily Jan 7 2026 at 10:50AM on page 1

Suggestion
No private equity.

Emily Jan 7 2026 at 10:49AM on page 1

Suggestion
More and more frequent buses and other public transportation, so that not driving is a viable option for more people.

Emily Jan 7 2026 at 10:47AM on page 1

Suggestion
We need more mixed-income housing. That is a great way to promote economic advancement.

Emily Jan 7 2026 at 10:46AM on page 1

Suggestion
Public art can be a powerful economic boost, link and it promotes individual and public health.

Devin Strecker Nov 13 2025 at 3:28PM on page 1

Suggestion
The River District has an abundance of emergency, transitional, and low-income housing. We also need single family homes (condos for purchase) and additional mixed income projects.
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