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Three years of hard work was recognized in September when staff from the Economic Development and Community Development Departments received the American Planning Association (APA) California Chapter 2011 Award of Excellence's for Comprehensive Planning for the River District Specific Plan.  "The award is testament to the staff's hard work and in-house talent.  It also demonstrates the City Council's business-friendly leadership, to create a process and a plan that is thorough, comprehensive and a reflection of how the community wants the district  to develop," said David Kwong, community development planning director. "This plan is not only achievable, but is truly a vision that is shared among all stakeholders." 

The River District Specific Plan, a planning document directing future development for the 748-acre district, was approved by City Council in February 2011.

Cars Reintroduced to K Street After 42 Year Hiatus

On November 12 -- after a 42 year absence from K Street -- cars made their debut back onto the former pedestrian mall, between 8^th and 12^th streets.  Following opening remarks, at least 1,500 spectators watched the more than 50 cars, old and new, made the inaugural drive.  

"It's exciting to see positive momentum building on K Street. With the recent addition of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options we are starting to see downtown come back to life. Adding cars back to the mall will only further this effort, spur economic vitality, and provide that additional ingredient needed to continue the renaissance of this key downtown street," said Mayor Kevin Johnson.

Sacramento isn't the only city that has converted pedestrian malls into a complete street. Examples of other jurisdictions that have converted pedestrian malls include Chicago, St. Louis and Washington D.C.

To view the photos from the opening event, visit Economic Development's Facebook page.

City Overhauls Permit Fees for all Solar Projects

As part of the City of Sacramento's ongoing commitment to incentivize solar energy and streamline the permitting process, City Council in late October approved a fee adjustment for commercial solar projects and expanded its existing residential flat fee to include larger solar projects. This new fee schedule, part of the Sacramento Streamline program, will allow customers to save up to up to 77 percent in permit costs. The newly adopted fee schedule is available starting late December.

"These fee changes are important on a variety of levels," said Ryan DeVore, city's chief building official. "It illustrates our commitment to be business friendly, sets the conditions to induce more solar projects in our city, and will help towards achieving our established sustainability goals."

For more information about Sacramento Streamline and the upcoming improvements, click here.

Capitol Mall Design Competition Winners Announced

Architects, designers and planners from across the globe - six continents, to be exact - had the opportunity to submit their ideas on how Capitol Mall would be developed if it were up to them. 

The design contest, dubbed "Catalyst", was an international open ideas compe
tition sponsored through the partnership of the City of Sacramento and the American Institute of Architects, Central Valley Chapter. The competition sought  innovative and implementable urban and architectural designs for the Capitol Mall corridor of downtown Sacramento, the six-block boulevard between California's State Capitol building and the iconic Tower Bridge over the Sacramento River.   

In early November, the three winners were announced at an awards ceremony.  The first place winner was a pair of landscape architects from the east coast, with one team member being a Sacramento native. 

Funds for the competition were provided through application fees, ticket sales, City of Sacramento, AIA and private sponsors including Wells Fargo Bank, Downey Brand, Britannia Pacific, David Taylor Interests, Plaza 555, Hines and SacTown Magazine. First place received a $20,000 prize, second place received $10,000 and third place received $5,000. 

Watch the competition video to learn more about the winners.