California has balanced its budget – on the backs of cities that are losing millions of dollars in property taxes and redevelopment funds. In spite of these obstacles, I still have a commitment to make economic development, education and public safety top priorities in Sacramento. On Tuesday, we received a shot in the arm for public safety. The Sacramento Police Department will receive over $9.5 million in federal stimulus money to hire 30 new officers over the next three years.
Our receipt of this grant was the result of Sacramento’s model Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), as well as countless trips to DC and meetings to fight for much-needed public safety resources.
Even with 30 additional officers, SPD remains well over 100 officers short. And broadly speaking, with Sacramento’s budget concessions coupled with the absence of revenue lost to the State, we are sure to experience challenges in other areas.
Nevertheless, my commitment as Mayor is to focus on that which we can control. COPS will continue to be a model program, and we will continue to explore ways to marshal resources and think creatively about how to generate revenue.
We literally cannot afford to depend on the State. The economic climate is constantly changing, but my commitment to make Sacramento a world-class city is unwavering.
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