Sacramento Mayoral Candidates Answer AARP's Questions About Their Vision for The City

As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, AARP has a 60+ year history of engaging with candidates for political office on the issues that matter most to Americans over 50 and their families. We asked all six candidates for Mayor of Sacramento to submit their answers to several questions regarding their positions on critical issues affecting Sacramento voters 50+. The answers we received are below, in alphabetical order by the candidate’s last name.

Jose Avina

In the 2040 General Plan, the City of Sacramento has focused on the goal of becoming the most livable city in America. What does Sacramento need to do to reach this goal, and how will you, as mayor, make this a priority?

I love this question! I believe we’ve turned a new page in human history. We’ve now entered a new era of remote work and how that changes our landscape has yet to be seen. We have the opportunity to be the pioneers of this new era and how we paint the landscape will be for the future generations to enjoy and call home.

With so many State and City workers not returning to the office we need to redistribute the wealth of investments normally made to the downtown sector. We need to focus on creating a community that is centered around family and community engagement in order to convince people to stay and not leave our beautiful city.

My focus will be to work with local districts and organizations to build community engagement
areas throughout the neighborhoods. Transforming empty lots to community gardens with improved outdoor sitting areas with access to everyone. These gardens will also be a great source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the community to enjoy and any surplus produce can be collected and donated to the Food Bank, really building a community effort to help everyone in need.

We have to make sure that people have access to fresh food. Health care needs to be more accessible to everyone and this is an opportunity for us to build for the future. We now have the ability to have access to drone deliveries for prescription drugs, groceries and Amazon orders. If we built apartments with access ports for drones to come in and out with deliveries that reduces the amount of time anyone has to spend on the road, reducing carbon emissions. This would also incorporate an ability to store cold goods at a designated location until needed, once again reducing carbon emissions.

We need to work with local hospitals to support the stand up of more walk in clinics to help with minor concerns and making health care more accessible to everyone and reducing wait times for ambulances and emergency room wait times.

It is projected that by 2030 1 in 4 Californians will be 65 or older and by 2035, the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18. How will you ensure that the city addresses the needs of its older residents as well as its younger ones?

Great question! We have to build for the future we want for ourselves and we have to start today. I will say this, I am one of those statistics and I will agree we are part of the problem but I also understand that we must be ready for this generational gap.

We’ll have to ensure that we design a city that is capable of caring for the majority of our needs so that the available workforce can focus on the one on one interactions. Although we don’t have to wait, we can begin working with our community members and see what we need to do to make this city more accessible to everyone and enjoyable to be in and make investments in areas that need improvements. In order to become a Livable city you must ensure everyone is happy to call this place home and that requires ensuring they’re happy at every stage of their life. We put an emphasis on night life investment, early childhood development but rarely have I heard of an investment in our older community and they contribute to the city as well and we need to invest in their enjoyment as well because one day that will be use as well.

Access to and available affordable housing has reached a crisis point. We know from the last Point in Time count (2022) that the fastest growing segment of those experiencing homelessness is over the age of 50, the first time since the survey began in 2007. As mayor, what will you do to increase and provide affordable housing options?

I propose that we utilize and repurpose retired cruise ships into immediate housing for Sacramento County’s unhoused population, emphasizing the urgency. This innovative solution is inspired by successful projects around the world, addressing the pressing need for affordable housing today and it leverages the proven versatility of cruise ships during emergencies.

Callison RTKL’s research study outlined a practical design for repurposing cruise ships into affordable housing units with single-person and family dwellings and amenities. Highlighting the potential to serve healthcare needs, this unconventional approach aligns with forward-thinking urban planning, offering an immediate and community-driven alternative to the housing crisis. The ships have the ability to be self-sufficient and can recycle their own waste water. This is an advantageous solution for immediate housing while we await the construction of new housing units.

We also need to focus on the remodeling of the downtown buildings to build the housing
needed to account for our growing population and design it with every age group in mind to
attract new residents to come and live here. We need to be build faster to meet this demand.

With the city projecting expenses to exceed funding available in fiscal year 2024/25, how will you invest in services, such as adult day programs or caregiver support groups, for older adults?

We will have to work with the local Universities to find student workers looking for job experience or coursework requirements to gain class credit. This is an opportunity for the city and the State to split the cost of labor while still providing the much-needed assistance.

I’ll also look for other ways to find funding through other Federal and State agencies to create partnerships to increase outdoor activities for those interested in attending. These camps could be a great way to remain active and increase mental happiness. There are ways for us to continue to provide services we just have to be creative on how we seek the funding although we must always find a way to continue to provide care for everyone.

Dr. Flo Cofer

In the 2040 General Plan, the City of Sacramento has focused on the goal of becoming the most livable city in America. What does Sacramento need to do to reach this goal, and how will you, as mayor, make this a priority?

As a public health professional and Sacramento mayoral candidate, I understand the significance of ensuring our city becomes more livable, especially for seniors, a population that has contributed significantly to its vibrancy and diversity. To achieve this vision, we need a comprehensive approach that addresses key aspects crucial for the well-being of our seniors.

Firstly, Sacramento needs to reduce homelessness and expand affordable housing. Too many people, especially seniors, are being thrown out onto the streets. I pledge to increase tenant protections, especially for our most vulnerable tenants, and protect homeowners from predatory banks and government abuses. I will dramatically reduce homelessness by expanding access to services, shelters, and pathways to permanent housing. I will promote the development of more affordable and age-friendly housing, equipped with features like single-floor living, handrails, and wider doorways. Furthermore, I will support home modification programs to make existing homes more senior-friendly, fostering a sense of comfort and independence.

We must develop accessible infrastructure. I am committed to improving sidewalks, ensuring they are pedestrian-friendly with ramps and curb cuts. Additionally, we will increase and enhance public transportation, introducing low-floor buses to facilitate seamless mobility for seniors.

I’m an epidemiologist, so healthcare services will be a priority under my leadership. I will work to improve access to healthcare facilities, focusing on preventive care and regular health
check-ups for seniors. By collaborating with healthcare providers, we can create a robust system that addresses the unique needs of our aging population.

Community engagement is vital for combating isolation. I plan to initiate and support programs, events, and clubs tailored for seniors, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Additionally, we will create age-friendly spaces such as community gardens, parks, and recreation centers, promoting an active and social lifestyle.

To ensure these changes happen, I will collaborate closely with the AARP and other community organizations, seeking your valuable input in decision-making processes. Together, we can make Sacramento a model city for our youth, families, and seniors to live with grace and joy. Let's build a Sacramento where seniors thrive, ensuring their golden years are filled with comfort, accessibility, and a strong sense of community.

It is projected that by 2030 1 in 4 Californians will be 65 or older and by 2035, the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18. How will you ensure that the city addresses the needs of its older residents as well as its younger ones?

Our politicians have failed us for too long. Why would we trust the same people who got us into this mess to get us out of it? Sacramento needs new leadership. I’m not a career politician. I believe that corruption is a big part of the problem with current and previous elected officials. I’m not accepting money from corporations in order to reduce the corrupting influence of big
money in our government. I’m running a grassroots campaign that’s funded by ordinary people because I’m committed to creating a city that works for all of us, not just those at the top.

Our aging population demands a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of both older and younger residents. I am committed to implementing policies that foster an age-friendly city, including upgraded infrastructure, accessible housing, and expanded healthcare services. Housing, community safety, and economic prosperity are among my top priorities. Increased heat waves and flooding are big concerns in Sacramento because of climate change, which presents us with both a challenge and an enormous opportunity. I want to create thousands of new high-paying jobs in Sacramento to upgrade our infrastructure. This includes expanding and improving our public transportation, creating manufacturing jobs to produce solar panels, and improving our parks.

Regarding youth specifically, I’m concerned about the rise of youth violence. Did you know that Sacramento went two years without any youth homicides? During the pandemic, politicians cut the youth programs that prevented homicides, and we’ve seen a rise in youth violence since then. As mayor, I will prioritize expanding the programs that we know keep young people safe, engaged, educated, and healthy.

Access to and available affordable housing has reached a crisis point. We know from
the last Point in Time count (2022) that the fastest growing segment of those experiencing homelessness is over the age of 50, the first time since the survey began in 2007. As mayor, what will you do to increase and provide affordable housing
options?

We should not have any seniors living on the streets in Sacramento. As mayor, my top priority will be to expand affordable housing and reduce homelessness. Again, the housing crisis has been fueled by corruption in our politics, where elected officials serve their corporate donors instead of serving our seniors and others struggling to get by. One thing that sets me apart from my opponents is that I’m not accepting corporate contributions so that we can finally solve the housing crisis by putting people first, rather than serving the real estate industry and political insiders.

I support Sacramento Forward, a proposal to expand tenant protections and build thousands of new units of affordable housing. In the short term, I will expand tenant protections to stop the flood of new people entering homelessness. We must establish rent control to avoid the cost of housing outpacing residents’ income; our current rent stabilization measure is set to expire in December. It is a priority to renew it and reduce the annual rent increase amount. We must also establish inclusionary housing, so that a percentage of all new housing built is affordable. We can’t afford to just build luxury units for people moving here from the Bay Area, raising home prices, and throwing long-term residents out on the street. I also support a vacancy tax for people and companies that own lots of empty units around the city. We need apartment units and homes to be filled by people who need housing, rather than sitting empty as investment properties. I will intervene to prevent big corporations from coming into the city, buying up lots of properties and raising prices in order to generate profits while Sacramento residents struggle to afford housing. I will also work with the city and with developers to procure materials in bulk so we can lower the costs to build more affordable housing.

As the four-term chair of the Measure U committee, I pushed to ensure that our hard-earned taxpayer money would be used to reduce homelessness and expand affordable housing. When elected officials continued to fail in addressing the housing crisis, I decided to run for mayor. I know more is possible for Sacramento.

With the city projecting expenses to exceed funding available in fiscal year 2024/25, how will you invest in services, such as adult day programs or caregiver support groups, for older adults?

As a public health professional, I recognize the vital importance of investing in services like adult day programs and caregiver support groups. Our aging population deserves thoughtful consideration in budget planning. As chair of the Measure U Community Advisory Committee, we advocated for spending the Measure U funds to support seniors. As mayor, I will invest in city programs that enhance seniors' lives, which include subsidized transportation services, providing easy access to essential services. Senior community centers offer social engagement, recreational activities, and health resources. Affordable housing initiatives ensure seniors have secure, comfortable homes. Meal assistance programs address nutritional needs, and initiatives like caregiver support groups offer vital community connections. Overall, these programs contribute to a holistic approach, promoting physical, mental, and social well-being for the senior population.

To address the projected budgetary challenges, my administration will prioritize efficiency in city operations and seek innovative funding solutions. First, we need to look at all the ways that the city is currently misspending taxpayer money. We need to shift money away from things that aren’t serving our residents, and focus our resources on programs that we know make life better for our seniors. In 2020, the city paid a few hundred thousand dollars for 39 process and efficiency recommendations, which have not been implemented; if implemented, they could
save the city at least $50 million per year. As chair of the city’s Measure U Community Advisory Committee, we repeatedly recommended implementing these measures and the city leadership failed to do so. As mayor, it is my priority to turn our good ideas into implemented projects.

I will also partner with nonprofit organizations and businesses serving seniors, plus seek more match funding from the county, state, and federal governments. While working at the
Department of Public Health, I built statewide coalitions that decreased infant mortality and
expanded healthcare for women across the state and country. As mayor, I look forward to
expanding programs that enrich the lives of our seniors.

I hope you will consider voting for me as your next mayor. I look forward to working with you to build a better city for our seniors and for all of us.

Steve Hansen

In the 2040 General Plan, the City of Sacramento has focused on the goal of
becoming the most livable city in America. What does Sacramento need to do to reach this goal, and how will you, as mayor, make this a priority?

My top priorities if I am elected mayor are to tackle our city’s homelessness crisis, build more housing, improve public safety and strengthen our economy. In Sacramento we are currently seeing cost of living going up, neighborhood safety going down and more and more people living on the street. We need to restore faith in City Hall and deliver real transformational change. In the wealthiest nation in the world, we shouldn’t have people
living on our streets and housing should be accessible. Anyone who wants a good
paying job should be able to get one and families should feel safe walking and biking in
their Neighborhoods. I believe our city can flourish if we work together to create new
good paying union jobs, bring in new business to Sacramento, get people off the streets
and into supportive services, and build more housing and infrastructure.

It is projected that by 2030 1 in 4 Californians will be 65 or older and by 2035, the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under
18. How will you ensure that the city addresses the needs of its older residents as
well as its younger ones?

During my time on the City Council, I was a leading voice for smart growth, multi-modal
transportation, safer communities, climate action, economic development, and innovation in government service. I helped Sacramento recover from the Great Recession, create good-paying union jobs, invest in new arts and educational facilities, increase protections for LGBTQ+ employees and residents, ban flavored vaping products, make our streets and , enact protections for tenants against excessive rent increases and unfair evictions, combat homelessness, and build more affordable housing.

I’m running for mayor to rebuild Sacramento and leave no one behind, whether that is
our younger or older residents. Some issues I believe can be addressed in ways that
serve both - like investments in high quality, high frequency and reliable public transit,
affordable housing, and safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Studies have shown that having a vibrant, walkable city improves the health outcomes of our older residents. For matters unique to our older residents, I intend to be a strong partner with organizations like AARP to ensure that every voice is heard and every solution is considered.

Access to and available affordable housing has reached a crisis point. We know
from the last Point in Time count (2022) that the fastest growing segment of those
experiencing homelessness is over the age of 50, the first time since the survey
began in 2007. As mayor, what will you do to increase and provide affordable housing options?

On housing, I led the council’s passage of a rent control law in 2019 that made Sacramento the first major non-coastal city in California to adopt significant renter protections, and I proposed and the council adopted a major affordable housing bond that will help accelerate the preservation and construction of affordable housing. Plus several other initiatives on this front.

As Mayor, I will build two plans to accelerate the building of housing at all levels of affordability. First, a regional affordable housing finance plan to pull down at least our fair share of state and federal funds to build workforce housing, senior housing, and permanent supportive housing. Second, an aggressive plan to reduce costs and bureaucracy to ensure that privately built and funded projects don't linger in the pipeline
as well as creating a clear plan to incentivize building in our commercial spaces.

With the city projecting expenses to exceed funding available in fiscal year 2024/25, how will you invest in services, such as adult day programs or caregiver support groups, for older adults?

I would hold unfilled positions and unspent funds to ensure fiscal continuity. During my
time on council, we built a healthy reserve for the general fund and put in place key policies to ensure fiscal continuity in the event of a recession.

As Mayor, I will ensure investments from city funds go into programs that are data-driven and support positive public health outcomes, such as our adult day programs and caregiver support groups. It is essential that the city takes steps to bring in new jobs and new investments into our city so that we can continue to support programs that benefit all members of our community and provide for a responsible balanced budget.

Kevin McCarty

In the 2040 General Plan, the City of Sacramento has focused on the goal of becoming the most livable city in America. What does Sacramento need to do to reach this goal, and how will you, as mayor, make this a priority?

To become the most livable city, our 2040 General Plan needs to make affordable housing a major focus. Sacramento is already becoming unaffordable to many families. One way to alleviate that is to develop innovative ways to spur the production of housing. In the Assembly, I authored the adaptive reuse law that is currently helping convert underutilized state office buildings into much needed housing.

Sacramento also must make sure that it continues to invest in youth programs. After school programs and youth sports helped me as a child growing up here. Our General Plan must make it a priority that our youth have avenues.

It is projected that by 2030 1 in 4 Californians will be 65 or older and by 2035, the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18. How will you ensure that the city addresses the needs of its older residents as well as its younger ones?

Affordability issues affect adults over 65 the same as they do with young families and children. So, I will work to ensure that our community can become more affordable with increased housing stock, including apartments that cater towards seniors.

Additionally, like investing in youth programs, there is need for the city to fund programs and
amenities enjoyed by our population that is over the age of 65. Sacramento has wonderful parks that are enjoyed by people of all ages. Ensuring that we fully fund the maintenance of the parks so that they last for generations needs to be a budget priority.

Access to and available affordable housing has reached a crisis point. We know from the last Point in Time count (2022) that the fastest growing segment of those experiencing homelessness is over the age of 50, the first time since the survey began in 2007. As mayor, what will you do to increase and provide affordable housing options?

As I mentioned above, we need to look at innovative solutions to increase housing. In the Assembly I authored the adaptive reuse law that is currently helping to convert underutilized state office buildings into much needed housing. Right now, these vacant state office buildings create a hole in our central city. By turning these buildings into quality affordable housing, we can jump start parts of our downtown core and provide more affordable housing.

The city also needs to be more nimble and lower barriers including reforming the permitting process to build more housing. Sacramento needs to be a city where it is easy to build the type of housing that will ease our community’s affordability crisis.

With the city projecting expenses to exceed funding available in fiscal year 2024/25, how will you invest in services, such as adult day programs or caregiver support groups, for older adults?

Adult day programs and caregiver support groups are an important investment for our city. They shouldn’t take a back seat. As Mayor, I will work to ensure they are prioritized in budgets, even in lean years.

Dr. Richard Pan

In the 2040 General Plan, the City of Sacramento has focused on the goal of becoming the most livable city in America. What does Sacramento need to do to reach this goal, and how will you, as mayor, make this a priority?

Embark on a new era for Sacramento – one defined by safety, compassion, and prosperity. As your mayoral candidate, my unwavering focus is on the essentials: bolstering public safety, addressing homelessness, and fostering economic growth. I pledge to be a tireless advocate for every neighborhood, business, and family in our diverse city. My commitment to evidence-based decision-making as a physician and as a former legislator has helped set me apart with a proven track record of making tangible improvements for people.

Public Safety: Creating a safer Sacramento is my top priority. Together, we'll fill vacant law enforcement positions, rebuild trust between the community and law enforcement, and enhance crime prevention measures. Let's make our streets safe for every family, especially our seniors, every night.

Homelessness: Homelessness is a pressing concern affecting every corner of Sacramento. I will be focused on reducing homelessness and getting the homeless off the streets and into housing. I would work closely with the District Attorney’s office to implement effective solutions, ensuring public spaces are accessible for everyone. It's time to clean up the crisis and restore order to our city. Other cities have made strides – now, Sacramento will too.

Economic Growth: A healthy city thrives on a strong economy. My experience speaks for itself – attracting a Fortune 100 Company, securing The Golden 1 Center, and working towards a new medical school and teaching hospital. I am dedicated to building an economy that strengthens every community. As your mayor, I'll be Sacramento's biggest cheerleader, attracting new businesses and opportunities to every corner of our city. Together, let's build a healthy, safe, and prosperous Sacramento for all.

It is projected that by 2030 1 in 4 Californians will be 65 or older and by 2035, the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18. How will you ensure that the city addresses the needs of its older residents as well as its younger ones?

As we look ahead to the next six years, where a quarter of our state's population will be 65 or older, it is imperative that our city takes proactive steps to plan for the needs of our aging residents. While past city councils have outlined well-intentioned programs, the crucial aspect often overlooked is the execution and implementation. History and experience have shown us that this is where our city has fallen short, particularly in addressing the needs of our more vulnerable populations, including our Seniors. Some of the areas I intend to focus on are:

New Housing: Partnering with the County and state agencies to bring more housing dedicated for seniors online.

Keeping Seniors in Their Homes: Step up efforts to help seniors facing financial hardship or eviction from losing their housing through financial support and subsidies. As a legislator, I secured state funds for home modifications for seniors to keep them safe in their own home.

Improving 311: Improved city services and response times make our city safer and improve the quality of life for everyone, especially seniors who are more reliant on city services.

At the Statehouse, I led efforts that increased funding and attention for older adults that led to the state Master Plan on Aging. As your mayor, I am committed to not only planning for the future but ensuring effective execution to truly meet the needs of our growing aging population.

Access to and available affordable housing has reached a crisis point. We know from the last Point in Time count (2022) that the fastest growing segment of those experiencing homelessness is over the age of 50, the first time since the survey began in 2007. As mayor, what will you do to increase and provide affordable housing options?

Building a better future for Sacramento means maximizing housing construction, with a focus on affordability. I'm committed to listening to neighborhood concerns and using evidence-driven mitigation strategies. My decisions will be fact-based, prioritizing what's best for the city as a whole. I understand that concessions must align with the greater good and not compromise our long-term goals.

To expedite housing projects, we must tackle regulatory barriers and reduce costs. Unnecessary fees will be scrutinized, and processes streamlined to save time and money. A business-friendly approach will keep Sacramento competitive, preventing companies from moving just minutes away for more efficient permitting processes.

Infill development and repurposing empty buildings are key strategies. Collaborating with developers, we'll explore creative solutions to utilize vacant structures, focusing on diverse housing options. In the City Center, where remote work has impacted economic revenue, repurposing empty buildings offers an opportunity for affordable housing. I'm committed to a forward-thinking, strategic approach that builds a thriving, inclusive Sacramento for everyone.

With the city projecting expenses to exceed funding available in fiscal year 2024/25, how will you invest in services, such as adult day programs or caregiver support groups, for older adults?

As a physician, I approach challenges by examining the facts, developing comprehensive plans, and standing firm in the face of difficult decisions. I bring this same commitment to my role as your next mayor. Ensuring the city has services to support older adults is critical, and I will leverage my proven track record in securing state and federal funds for Sacramento. As a legislator, I was a leader in increasing state funds for senior services including In-Home Support Services to keep pace with California’s aging population. I am honored to be recognized as an AARP Capitol Caregiver. My business and nonprofit connections paired with my legislative experience will be invaluable assets as we ensure our city has the resources necessary for vital initiatives and services for older adults. Together, let's build a healthier and more resilient Sacramento for all - especially to our most vulnerable seniors and to those who are in the greatest need.

###

To find out how and where to vote, visit vote.ca.gov