Artistic and cultural initiatives that focus on social, environmental and economic issues of concern can promote awareness and activism towards achieving the full scope of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs. In general, the value of local arts and culture initiatives in advancing the SDGs is an area that has been underexplored. Engaging local, creative leaders presents new possibilities for understanding and addressing complexity in local communities and the world. In the City of Sacramento, there is an evolving effort to support the role of arts and culture in improving lives and communities, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

In 2018, the City of Sacramento developed a new plan called Creative Edge to advance arts, culture and the creative economy. The planning process involved extensive community engagement, including 69 community gatherings (forums, townhalls, discussion groups) and input from more than 1,700 residents. Community input highlighted the importance of centering arts and culture initiatives on equity, and the importance of arts education, access to arts for all, and economic opportunities for those who are working in the creative sector. The process also showed the intersections with city challenges, such as lack of affordable housing (impacting the ability of artists to live in the area) and financial insecurity that many artists continue to face. The stated goals of the plan are:

• -Provide arts education to all Sacramento’s children and youth.
• -Advance cultural equity for all Sacramento’s diverse populations.
• -Build upon and expand Sacramento’s unique creative economy.
• -Enable Sacramento artists and creatives to thrive in their work and to provide creative leadership in the community.
• -Celebrate and infuse all Sacramento neighborhoods and districts with arts and culture.
• -Expand and solidify Sacramento’s investment in arts and culture.
   

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Poverty remains a pressing issue in Sacramento, with both urban and rural areas experiencing its effects. Geographically, poverty is distributed unevenly throughout the city, with certain neighborhoods and regions facing higher poverty rates. Areas such as North Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Meadowview, and Oak Park are known for their higher concentrations of poverty. Additionally, some rural communities in Sacramento County also struggle with poverty due to limited access to resources and job opportunities. These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions to address poverty in both urban and rural contexts.

According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Sacramento stood at 14.7% in 2021, higher than the statewide poverty rate of 12.3% for the same year. Similarly, the child poverty rate in Sacramento in 2021 was 17.7%, surpassing the statewide average of 15.8%. These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing poverty in Sacramento and implementing strategies to reduce these disparities. 

Several factors contribute to the high poverty rates in Sacramento. Limited job opportunities, low wages, and a lack of affordable housing are significant causes of poverty in the region. High housing costs, coupled with limited public transportation, can make it challenging for individuals and families to secure stable housing with reasonable access to employment opportunities. More than 80% of extremely low-income households in Sacramento County are paying more than half of their income on housing costs compared to 1% of moderate-income households. Renters in Sacramento County need to earn 2.1 times the state minimum wage to afford the average monthly asking rent in the area. Additionally, disparities in education, healthcare, and access to social services can further perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Addressing these underlying causes is crucial to combat poverty effectively in Sacramento and to improve the overall well-being of its residents. 

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Sacramento is the capital of the most productive agricultural state in the nation, yet it faces issues of hunger and food insecurity among its residents. According to recent statistics, at least 10% of households and as many as 280,000 individuals in Sacramento County experience food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to an adequate diet. The situation is most acute among very low-income households and those who fall in the gap between a living wage and the upper income threshold for federal nutrition assistance programs. 

SDG 2 - Zero Hunger aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition by ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all individuals, while also promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. Sacramento's approach to addressing food insecurity aligns with this global goal, emphasizing the urgency of partnering on coordinated efforts to alleviate hunger, enhance access to nutritious food, and build resilient food systems within the local context.   

Poverty and financial instability are key contributors to hunger and food insecurity, as low-income households often struggle to afford an adequate diet and may not qualify for federal assistance programs. Limited access to affordable, nutritious food is another critical factor. This is particularly prominent in low-income neighborhoods characterized as “food deserts,” where residents have limited proximity to grocery stores and fresh food retailers. High housing costs in the Sacramento region also contribute to food insecurity, as households may be forced to allocate a larger portion of their income towards housing, leaving less available for food. Additionally, systemic issues such as unemployment, underemployment, and limited job opportunities further exacerbate the problem, making it difficult for individuals and families to access sufficient and nutritious food on a consistent basis. This intersection of challenges highlights the interconnected nature of the SDGs, in this case those related to poverty reduction (SDG 1: No Poverty), affordable housing (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), and economic growth (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Statewide programs to address hunger include CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families. The State of California also extends CalFresh food benefits through the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to qualified non-citizens who do not qualify for federal benefits. Yet, despite these programs, many individuals and households remain food insecure in the Sacramento region. Community organizations, including food banks, play a crucial role in providing food assistance to these individuals and families in need. Food banks act as essential intermediaries, collecting and distributing donated food to partner agencies, such as pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals.  

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Public health issues in the Sacramento region present a range of pressing concerns that affect the physical, mental, and economic well-being of its residents. The Sacramento region experiences higher rates of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, compared to statewide averages for all cities in California. Air pollution is also a significant concern, with Sacramento having among the worst air quality in the nation and facing an increasing number of poor air quality days, which contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, access to healthcare services is uneven, with disparities in health outcomes based on income, race, and ethnicity. As is true across much of the United States, mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression, have become more prevalent in Sacramento during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Sacramento region faces similar public health challenges as other metropolitan areas, and many of these challenges align with the targets of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Air pollution from vehicle emissions and industrial activities poses a significant threat to respiratory health. Additionally, lack of green spaces and limited access to recreational areas in certain parts of the city contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity among residents, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Low-income communities in the region also face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, nutritious food, and educational resources. These disparities exacerbate health issues in vulnerable populations. Mental health challenges among residents have also increased in recent years. Across California, the share of adults who reported experiencing serious psychological distress increased by 50% between 2015 and 2019, while the share in the Sacramento area doubled. 

The Sacramento metropolitan region encompasses a diverse population with a high percentage of residents with advanced degrees, yet it grapples with educational disparities that prevent equitable access to quality education for all residents. According to data available from the California Department of Education, high school graduation rates and college entry rates in some Sacramento-area districts remain lower than the state average, with significant achievement gaps across racial and socioeconomic lines. Moreover, proficiency rates in standardized tests for subjects such as math and English are below statewide averages, and these declined further during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

SDG 4: Quality Education emphasizes the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable education, including technical, vocational and tertiary education, for all people. Sacramento faces several challenges in meeting the targets of SDG 4, most notably in eliminating disparities in educational outcomes, which perpetuate cycles of inequality and hinder the region's overall social and economic development.  

Several interconnected factors contribute to the educational challenges in the Sacramento metropolitan region. Socioeconomic disparities often result in limited access to quality resources, such as well-equipped schools, experienced teachers, and academic support services. Language barriers and cultural differences can further marginalize certain student populations. A lack of engagement and coordination among stakeholders, including parents, schools, and local government, can also impede effective education policies and initiatives. 

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Gender equality is crucial for fostering a just and inclusive society and promotes social and economic development by unlocking the full potential of half the population. By eliminating discrimination and violence against women, we create an environment that respects and values the inherent dignity of every individual, irrespective of gender. Ensuring women's safety, well-being and full participation in political, economic, and public life not only upholds fundamental human rights, but also contributes to building stronger communities and a more stable and prosperous world. 

SDG 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The goal aims to eliminate discrimination, violence, and harmful practices based on gender, and to promote equal opportunities in leadership, education, and employment. SDG 5 targets include ending child marriage and female genital mutilation, ensuring equal access to education and healthcare, and fostering participation of women in decision-making processes. Additionally, it calls for addressing unpaid care work, providing legal frameworks for women's rights, and creating an environment where women have equal opportunities for entrepreneurship. The ultimate objective of SDG 5 is to create a world where gender disparities are eliminated, and society fully reflects gender equality. 

Water supply and sanitation are vital components of urban infrastructure, influencing the health, environment, and overall quality of life for city residents. While Sacramento generally has good water availability, a growing population, increasing threat of water scarcity throughout California, and risks of heat and drought remain concerns for Sacramento. The effects of climate change and efforts to maintain ecosystem health in the region are two issues that will complicate achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. This SDG aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all people. 

Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for public health and well-being. Sacramento's population has been steadily increasing in recent decades and has reached approximately 520,000 residents as of 2022. The City’s 2040 General Plan, adopted in February 2024, includes policy direction that will support continued population growth. Ensuring a reliable and safe water supply for this growing population is a primary concern. However, several factors contribute to this challenge. Sacramento experiences seasonal droughts and relies heavily on water from the Sacramento River, which can be vulnerable to climate change impacts such as changing precipitation patterns. Sacramento also faces water quality issues, including contamination from agricultural runoff and industrial pollutants, which pose health risks and necessitate treatment to make water safe for consumption. Moreover, as in much of the United States, the Sacramento region's water infrastructure is aging, requiring significant investment for maintenance and upgrades to ensure reliable supply and sanitation services. 

The issue of water availability in Sacramento is closely linked to the broader context of water supply in California. The state has a complex network of water sources. The Sierra Nevada Mountains provide a significant portion of the state's water through the snowpack that feeds into rivers. However, extended drought periods, such as the recent multi-year drought between 2011 and 2017, have strained water resources. In addition, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a vital part of the water supply system for the Sacramento region, is facing ecological issues due to habitat degradation, leading to trade-offs between water supply, agricultural needs, and environmental preservation. 

The City of Sacramento and partner agencies are undertaking measures to address these challenges, including implementing water conservation and recycling efforts, introducing water management ordinances, and investing in infrastructure to diversify water sources and ensure supply reliability. 

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The Sacramento energy landscape is characterized by a mix of traditional and emerging technologies, with a significant focus on sustainability and clean energy initiatives. The region is home to one of the largest publicly owned utilities in the country, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, which will play a crucial role in shaping Sacramento’s energy future. Despite progress, challenges persist in transitioning to clean energy, including the need to invest in increased renewable energy capacity and addressing barriers to widespread adoption of energy efficient upgrades. Balancing the growing demand for electricity with environmental considerations will be an ongoing challenge for the region as it progresses to a more sustainable energy future.

SDG 7 focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It aims to promote universal access to clean energy sources, increase energy efficiency, and promote the use of renewable energy. SDG 7 addresses the crucial role of energy in various aspects of development, including poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. 

Sustainable economic growth, full employment, and decent work are essential components that contribute to thriving societies. Economic growth serves as the foundation for improving living standards, fostering innovation, and enhancing overall quality of life. Full employment ensures that individuals have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities, while decent work safeguards workers' rights and dignity. Prioritizing these goals not only creates robust and resilient economies but also lays the groundwork for societies to prosper and advance.

SDG 8 focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, ensuring full and productive employment, and promoting decent work for all. It envisions a world where economic progress is equitable, environmentally responsible, and contributes to the well-being of all individuals. To achieve this, SDG 8 aims to improve resource efficiency, foster job creation, eradicate forced labor and child labor, and achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and technological innovation.  

As the state capital, Sacramento's economy has historically been reliant on government employment. However, it has diversified its economy in recent decades, with significant growth in professional services, education, and health services. The city is also a regional transportation hub, with a nearby deep-water port in West Sacramento that serves as a key link in the state's agriculture industry. Although the region recovered more slowly than others from the Great Recession, and unemployment in Sacramento remains above the US average, Sacramento has seen modest economic growth since the pandemic and its unemployment rate is currently below the California average. The region's economic output now spans high-tech, medical equipment, agricultural products and more, reflecting an increasingly dynamic economy. 

Nonetheless Sacramento contends with economic challenges such as lagging employment in tradable industries and disparities in workforce education and diversity. Consequently, key SDG 8 issues involve addressing unemployment rates, diversifying the local economy by supporting emerging industries, and ensuring that education and workforce development align with evolving job market needs. Effectively tackling these challenges will contribute towards SDG 8 by promoting inclusive economic growth and creating employment opportunities for all residents. 

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Industry, innovation and infrastructure are interconnected facets crucial for sustainable development in modern economies. Industry provides the means to meet human needs and improve living standards, while innovation serves as the means to develop and integrate advanced technologies into society. Infrastructure, comprising roads, rails, utilities, and communication networks, provides the physical foundation for industrial activities, commerce, travel, and many other services that support human well-being.

SDG 9 aims to build resilient and sustainable infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. It seeks to enhance access to reliable and sustainable transportation, water, and energy systems, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, SDG 9 strives to support the growth of industries that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and technologically advanced, while also encouraging research and development to spur innovation and technological progress. 

Reducing inequalities and promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for all people contributes to a more just, resilient, and sustainable world. By reducing income gaps, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering inclusive communities, we improve the well-being of individuals and uphold the principle of leaving no one behind. This ensures that the benefits of progress are shared equitably, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility in our communities. 

SDG 10 seeks to address inequalities within and among countries, and to ensure equal opportunities for all. The targets of SDG 10 include: reducing income inequalities, ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable populations, and facilitating orderly, safe, and responsible migration, among others. The goal emphasizes the importance of policies that empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.  

Sacramento is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, with a demographic composition of about 31% white, 29% Hispanic or Latino, 19% Asian, 13% Black or African American, and 8% from other races or ethnicities. It also stands out as one of the most integrated American cities, with people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds living side-by-side in many of the same neighborhoods. Nonetheless, there are certain parts of the city where de facto racial divisions still persist, particularly between white and African American populations. These divisions have historical roots tracing back to race covenants established in the 1920s and the impact of redlining and housing policies. To address disparities, Sacramento established the City's Office of Diversity & Equity in 2018, aiming to embed equity in decision-making, improve resource allocation, and enhance community trust in government.   

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Sustainable cities and communities are at the heart of addressing urban challenges and ensuring a high quality of life for residents. Within the context of the Sacramento metropolitan region, the endeavor to establish sustainable urban communities faces pressing concerns. Some of the SDG11 relevant issues include housing diversity and affordability, accessibility of transit systems, fostering development that moves the city toward a more walkable and bikeable urban form, and equitable access to parks and green spaces. 

These challenges closely align with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which strives to create cities and communities that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This entails minimizing cities' environmental impact, ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, improving public transportation, safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, and promoting participatory and sustainable urban development. These objectives are key priorities for the City of Sacramento.

Sacramento faces challenges related to rising housing costs and a shortage of affordable housing. Notably, the median home price in the Sacramento region significantly surpasses the national average, limiting homeownership opportunities for many residents. While the City has made investments in public transportation and infrastructure (See also, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 13: Climate Action), there remain opportunities for improvement in terms of accessibility, coverage, and reliability. Access to green spaces, which plays a crucial role in urban well-being, exhibits disparities in distribution, impacting the quality of life for some community members (See also, SDG 15: Life on Land).  

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Sacramento, like many urban areas, faces multifaceted challenges related to waste management and environmental sustainability in production and consumption patterns. As a rapidly growing urban center, Sacramento is increasingly generating consumption-related waste that contributes to environmental degradation and global warming through methane releases from the decomposition of organic matter in landfills. To meet California's ambitious climate goals and align with the targets of SDG 12, the City of Sacramento will need to undertake additional efforts to tackle waste generation, enhance resource efficiency, and mitigate the environmental impact of residents’ consumption patterns.

SDG 12 focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, including through environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes, reductions in global per capita food waste, and substantial decreases in solid waste generation through recycling and reuse. It also encourages the adoption of sustainable practices by companies, promotes sustainable public procurement, and calls for support to developing countries in enhancing their scientific and technological capacity for sustainable consumption and production. 

Sacramento’s rapid population increase in the last decade has led to a significant increase in the waste generated in the city, including in the categories of single-use plastics, electronic waste, and hazardous materials. According to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (“CalRecycle”), Sacramento residents generated 61% more solid waste in 2022 compared to 2012, a 47% per capita increase. The City of Sacramento has undertaken a range of initiatives to address waste management. However, a significant portion of responsibility lies with residents, necessitating a shift in their consumption and disposal habits towards waste reduction and increased reuse and recycling. To facilitate this behavioral change, the City of Sacramento promotes public awareness and education initiatives. 

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Sacramento is experiencing multiple impacts of climate change, including extreme heat, air quality effects, and changing precipitation patterns including greater frequency of severe storm events and associated increased flood risk. These changes have significant implications for the city's environment, public health, and economy.  The average temperature in Sacramento has increased by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century, and significant further warming is projected over the course of this century. These changes threaten water resources, food security, infrastructure, air quality, and vulnerable populations.

SDG 13: Climate Action aims to combat climate change and its impacts. Sacramento's response to climate change aligns with this global goal, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the changing climate, and build resilience. By addressing climate change, Sacramento contributes to global efforts to create a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

On a global scale, the burning of fossil fuels for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes is the primary source of the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. These emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. Deforestation and changes in land use contribute to the loss of natural carbon sinks and exacerbate climate change. These practices lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and reduced ecosystem resilience.

In the Sacramento context, greenhouse gas emissions are primarily the result of energy consumption for transportation and buildings. Transportation alone accounts for 57% of Sacramento’s greenhouse gas emissions, while the built environment contributes 37%. To address these emission sources, the City's long-term planning centers on increasing the density of housing and other land uses in the Central City and along high frequency transit corridors. This approach reduces emissions from transportation by integrating land uses in walkable neighborhoods, minimizing the number of trips that need to be taken by personal vehicles. More importantly, this land use densification will support increasing the number of commuters who are able to choose public transport or opt for active transportation options, including bicycling and walking. Concurrently, the City is planning for urban forest expansion and improved management as a carbon sequestration measure, which will contribute to mitigating extreme heat impacts by providing shade and reducing urban heat island effects.

As the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) shows, Sacramento has made substantial progress in reducing emissions in recent years, positioning itself strategically for even greater reductions in the future. From 2005 to 2016, the City achieved a significant 20% reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions, despite a concurrent 10% increase in population. This translates to a 26% reduction in per capita emissions since 2005, reflecting Sacramento's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, and setting an example for other cities to follow. The City has led the community by example as well, achieving a 28% reduction in municipal GHG emissions for the same time period.  

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Reducing pollution and ending overfishing is essential to safeguarding marine and freshwater ecosystems. Marine pollution, stemming from sources such as industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urban waste, poses a significant threat to the health and diversity of aquatic life. At the same time, overfishing disrupts the natural equilibrium of these ecosystems, putting the biodiversity of aquatic populations at risk. Additional efforts to reduce pollution and implement sustainable fishing practices are crucial for preserving the well-being of marine and freshwater life in the face of growing environmental challenges.

SDG 14 centers on conserving and sustainably utilizing oceans and marine resources, addressing issues such as marine pollution, overfishing, coastal degradation, and the impacts of climate change. The goal is to effectively manage and safeguard marine ecosystems, encourage sustainable fisheries, bolster conservation efforts, restore habitats, and combat ocean acidification. Achieving these objectives requires global collaboration and the adoption of sustainable practices, with the ultimate vision of securing a healthier future for oceans and marine life.

Sacramento lacks a direct ocean coastline, but there are critical challenges related to SDG 14. The Sacramento and American Rivers and the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta have been impacted by pollution, habitat loss, and rising temperatures. These issues, along with alterations in river flows, threaten the survival of many plant and animal species, including salmon and steelhead trout. The City of Sacramento has limited ability to enact or enforce environmental actions independently to address these challenges. Nonetheless, it actively collaborates with a range of stakeholders, including local and federal agencies, in a collective effort to address these environmental concerns and work towards achieving SDG 14 Targets. 

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The Sacramento region's diverse landscape features a combination of public and private green spaces, ranging from urban parks, streetscapes, and private yards to riverine areas and wildlife habitats, such as the Sacramento and Yolo Bypass Wildlife Areas and the American River Parkway. Within the city limits, there are around 1 million trees, giving Sacramento among the densest canopy coverage of any city in California. However, the region’s expanding urban footprint continues to contribute to habitat loss, further fragmenting natural landscapes and impacting the biodiversity that these areas sustain. The City recognizes the importance of addressing these issues and has implemented programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing urban forestry, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management.

SDG 15 prioritizes the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, the prevention of biodiversity loss, and combatting desertification. This goal recognizes the role of healthy land-based ecosystems in global ecological stability. By addressing challenges like deforestation and unsustainable land use, SDG 15 aims to ensure responsible land management and preserve biodiversity. SDG15 Targets are integral to fostering climate resilience, ensuring food security, and advancing overall planetary sustainability.

Sacramento has implemented various initiatives and programs to address the environmental challenges of urbanization. The City's Urban Forestry Program, comprehensive tree canopy assessments, and the development of the Sacramento Urban Forest Plan demonstrate the City's dedication to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use, which are key components of SDG 15. 

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Effective institutions, the rule of law, and civic participation are vital to sustainable development as they establish a foundation for stable governance, promote accountability, and ensure that policies and resources are directed towards equitable and inclusive growth. By fostering transparent and participatory decision-making, these elements empower communities, inspire trust in institutions, and create an environment conducive to long-term social, economic, and environmental progress.

SDG 16 underscores the critical importance of peace, justice, and robust institutions for prosperous and sustainable societies. The goal places a strong emphasis on fostering accountable and transparent institutions, ensuring universal access to justice, advocating for a decrease in violence, and championing inclusive and participatory decision-making processes. 

The civic and social landscape of Sacramento is shaped by multiple challenges that all cities face to varying degrees, including homicide and violent crime, instances of human trafficking, police use of force, and linguistic isolation that hinders civic engagement, particularly in marginalized communities. Addressing these issues is crucial for Sacramento’s success in making progress in achieving justice, fostering peace, and strengthening institutions, as outlined by SDG 16. 

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Global cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships at all levels play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development. Partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, enabling collective responses to complex issues. Global challenges, such as those outlined in the SDGs, cannot be effectively addressed without collaboration between different disciplines and sectors of society, including governments, businesses, civil society, and academia. It is only through the collective strength of partnerships that we can address systemic issues and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

SDG 17 is the keystone of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on strengthening global partnerships to achieve sustainable development. It emphasizes collaboration across nations, sectors, and stakeholders. SDG 17 addresses key areas like global North-South cooperation, capacity-building, and policy coherence to ensure the successful implementation of the broader 2030 Agenda. This goal highlights the vital role of partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement in tackling global challenges and fostering innovation for sustainable development. It serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of our world and the importance of integrated action at multiple scales to drive transformative change.

The City of Sacramento has undertaken efforts to support inclusive governance by broadly integrating the community in policy development and by advancing multi-stakeholder partnerships to inform and facilitate sustainable development. The City is engaged in multiple layers of partnerships to address pressing needs and priorities for communities across Sacramento. These include academy programs that engage the community in city structures and processes; partnerships with universities, business and NGOs; collaborations between the City and County and participation in regional coalitions; and international exchange, among many others. A few examples are included below. 

For the full chapter, please view the PDF version of the Voluntary Local Review