Rancho Cordova council approves up to $940,000 in fee waivers for proposed arena and plaza

The Rancho Cordova City Council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to waive specified city fees for Alpha 1 Sports and Entertainment Group LLC and Cause Pier Development LLC, not to exceed $940,000, to support construction of a proposed 7,500‑seat arena and outdoor plaza.

Council held a public hearing and heard arguments both for and against the subsidy before taking the vote. Economic development director Amanda Norton presented the required state disclosure, saying the waiver would cover permitting and processing fees tied to the arena and plaza and that the project is expected to create an estimated 70 full‑time and 300 part‑time jobs, plus temporary construction employment.

The council’s approval followed public comments that split sharply. Helen Whelan Beshaw urged caution, telling the council she worried about vetting and long‑term liability and said, “I really have a problem when we're giving up $900,000 in revenue based off of fees.” James Garcia, a Stone Creek resident, asked whether land or other protections would return to the city if the project failed and urged strong default clauses.

Business and community leaders backed the waiver. Mark Daya, a local real estate broker, said the project could transform underused land and boost the city’s appeal. Diane Rogers, president and CEO of the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce, said she had worked with the principals and called them “outstanding and stellar citizens” and urged support.

During deliberations, council members said the city’s exposure was limited — describing the fee waiver as an upfront facilitation step rather than an ongoing subsidy — and emphasized that land ownership and larger revenue‑sharing arrangements would remain subject to future agreements. Councilmember (speaker 6), who moved the motion, framed the decision as “low risk, high reward,” while Councilmember Little seconded the motion.

Roll call showed Councilmember Pulapati, Councilmember Sander, Councilmember Little, Vice Mayor Budge and Mayor Gatewood voting yes; the motion passed 5‑0 with no abstentions.

The resolution authorizes fee waivers to begin on January 6 and run through the end of that calendar year for the purpose of processing initial permits and entitlements. The city will return to the council for subsequent approvals tied to any revenue sharing or land transfers required to build and operate the facility.

Next steps: staff said they will continue permitting work and return to council as required under future agreements and any conditions tied to the development agreement.