SACRAMENTO — Union and community leaders rallied Wednesday at Cesar Chavez Plaza against a plan to give $92 million of Sacramento taxpayer funds to the downtown railyards and proposed soccer stadium development.
Opponents of the plan argue that the deal would offer too little in return and are calling on the city to "Stop the Railyards Ripoff."
The Sacramento City Council is scheduled to vote on the railyards deal on June 10, with the funds to be provided to private developers.
A press conference opposing the plan was organized by the hotel and stadium workers' union Unite Here Local 49, the Sacramento Central Labor Council, SEIU USWW, and Sacramento Investment Without Displacement.
Opponents argue that the deal is rushed, would drain the local economy amid a major budget deficit and does not include enough affordable housing, noting that the project promises just 6% affordable housing out of up to 10,000 units.
However, Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant defended the plan, emphasizing that the project represents a long-overdue transformation of the area.
"For 12 years, we've pursued a downtown stadium that will jumpstart development in The Railyards — 244 acres that have sat vacant for decades," Dunivant said. "With the city's budget shortfalls, the team is taking the lead to build sidewalks, streets, parks, and public infrastructure on behalf of the city and its taxpayers — and will turn it over upon completion."
Dunivant also noted that, in addition to the proposed stadium, Republic FC is developing its own plan for a new neighborhood in The Railyards, stating that nearly 45% of the housing currently there is affordable.
"Tuesday's vote is an opportunity for City Leaders to set the course for the future of Sacramento," Dunivant added. "The hard work of the city's trusted and dedicated staff over the past seven months — and 12 years in total — shows how transformative this project will be."
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