The City of Sacramento invites the community to join in celebrating the release of its CityStart Blueprint, a strategic plan to advance racial wealth equity with a focus on improving financial outcomes for Black residents. Community members are encouraged to attend a series of events from May 14–16 to learn more and be part of this transformative effort.
The blueprint outlines strategies across workforce and small business development, housing access, and financial services. These strategies complement the City’s existing programs such as the Financial Empowerment Center, Fines and Fees Justice program, youth workforce initiatives, and support for local entrepreneurs.
“This blueprint reflects our commitment to addressing financial disparities in Sacramento,” said Mayor Kevin McCarty. “It strengthens the foundation the City has already built and ensures our work remains focused and responsive to the needs of our community.”
This new plan builds on existing programs like the Financial Empowerment Center, Fines and Fees Justice initiative, and small business support efforts, and offers a clear roadmap to expand opportunity and close longstanding wealth gaps.
The blueprint was developed through the City’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development’s participation in the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s CityStart initiative. Sacramento was one of eight cities selected nationwide to receive a $75,000 grant and technical assistance.
“Sacramento’s CityStart blueprint is a bold plan to meaningfully improve residents’ financial stability, developed in collaboration with partners from across the city,” said Jonathan Mintz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. “We’re excited to see the blueprint come to life and for other CityStart partners across the country to learn from Sacramento’s efforts.”
The blueprint centers on three pillars: workforce development, housing and banking as pathways to long-term wealth-building. Key strategies include:
- Workforce: Training Black residents for high-growth sectors in partnership with UC Davis and SETA; supporting Black-owned businesses.
- Housing: Expanding down payment assistance and launching a Small Developer Incubator to increase Black homeownership and local investment.
- Banking: Partnering with financial institutions to offer fair lending products and expanding access to free financial coaching.
To mark the release, the City will host a three-day convening from May 14–16, including:
- A Blueprint Release Event on May 14 in Old Sacramento with remarks from Mayor McCarty and leaders in housing, banking, and workforce development. The mixer-style event will include food, networking, and bound Blueprint copies for attendees.
- A housing equity workshop on May 15 at the California Endowment Center, co-hosted with the Asset Funders Network.
- A community networking mixer the same evening celebrating the Sacramento Promise Zone legacy.
The CityStart initiative supports locally tailored, equity-focused planning and reinforces Sacramento’s long-term efforts to promote financial stability for all residents.
