Quality Jobs and Smart Growth

By Kevin Johnson

Kevin is a business leader with a vision for smart growth for Sacramento

As a businessman, I see everyday that meeting tough challenges depends on leaders who believe in what can be and who are committed to putting forth the effort to make it so. I've poured my heart and soul into rebuilding my community because I love this city too much to see its future jeopardized by inattention.

As CEO of St. HOPE, a nonprofit community development corporation which I founded in 1989, the results speak for themselves. We've helped attract, launch and plan 20 businesses in Oak Park; we've created, attracted and developed hundreds of jobs; we've renovated historic buildings; and we've catalyzed the infusion of $14 million in economic development in the community. People said we couldn't rebuild... that we were crazy to try. But a theatre, art gallery, bookstore, barbershop, grocery store and even a Starbucks in a community that was ignored for too long have proved otherwise.

The bottom line is that with the right vision, energetic leadership and high standards of accountability, we can take our hands-on approach citywide and make a difference in every community. If we can rebuild Oak Park, we certainly can make every Sacramento neighborhood live up to its full potential.

As your mayor, I will deliver that same energy and passion to make Sacramento a safe place to raise a family, with great schools and a vibrant local economy."