Voice of Young Professionals Heard on Downtown Sacramento Redevelopment

Sacramento Business Journal

Survey: Young professionals favor redeveloping downtown plaza

Monday, July 11, 2011, 1:52pm PDT
A survey of young Sacramento-area professionals found that many thought redeveloping the downtown plaza is important to the future of the city.

Metro Edge, an organization of professionals under the age of 40, found that those surveyed were split on how the plaza -- currently under the ownership of Westfield as the Westfield Downtown Plaza -- should be redeveloped. Some favored high-end retail, others favored mixed-use housing and retail and still others supported a sports and entertainment complex.

“Sacramento’s young professionals understand the economic impact of a strong retail hub in the downtown area,” said Alexis Fitzpatrick, chair of Metro Edge, in a statement. “It is important Downtown Plaza be redeveloped not only to attract new investment opportunities, but to keep the downtown area a desirable area for local businesses.”

To read the full article with more results go here »

Sacramento Bee

What should be done with Sacramento's Downtown Plaza?

July 11, 2011

A majority of young professionals surveyed by a local business group think a redeveloped Westfield Downtown Plaza is "very important" for the city's future and that City Hall should help pay for the project.

In a survey conducted by Metro EDGE, a 40-and-under branch of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, more than half of those asked also thought private investors and the city should partner in purchasing the mall.

Read the full story here »