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Sacramento-area pilot funds historic Chinatown planning in Marysville through Engage, Empower & Implement program
Summary
Sacramento Area Council of Governments awarded seed funding through its Engage, Empower & Implement program to community-led projects including a Marysville Chinatown Blueprint that aims to define Chinatown boundaries, recommend public-space and mobility improvements and spur economic development.
The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) described the inaugural round of its Engage, Empower & Implement (EEI) program to the California Transportation Commission on Jan. 30. EEI provides seed funding for partnerships between jurisdictions and community-based organizations to support community-centered project development.
SACOG project manager Rosie Ramos said the program prioritizes three pillars—structural, procedural and distributional equity—and that applications were narrative-driven to allow communities to self-define areas of need rather than rely solely on standard mapping tools. The program received applications totaling about $5.2 million while roughly $3.8 million was available for awards.
One of the projects highlighted to the commission was the City of Marysville’s Chinatown Blueprint, a partnership with Marysville Chinese Community, Inc. The grant will support community engagement to: define the historic limits of Chinatown; advance recognition and economic-development strategies focused on heritage assets such as the Bok Kai Temple; recommend public-space improvements; and identify mobility and transportation changes that would support visits and local businesses.
Ramos said SACOG assembled a nine-member review board with state, regional and community representatives and will monitor first-round grantees closely, offering training and regular check-ins so the agency can refine program design for future rounds. SACOG staff said all six counties in its region applied, showing broad interest in community-centered, equity-focused planning.
SACOG staff indicated a second funding round is possible in 2026, contingent on funding availability.
The commission received the informational briefing; commissioners had no formal action on the EEI grants during the Jan. 30 session.
