Influence & Alienate
Constituencies balk as Elk Grove prepares for the long haul
Immediately south and southeast of Elk Grove are thousands of acres of mostly undeveloped farmland that officials think the city will someday need. The plan is to add nearly 8,000 acres — about 29 percent of Elk Grove’s current size — to its fold. But critics say Elk Grove has plenty of unused land within its borders, and California is losing farmland fast.
Plight of the Unenviable
An economic development director charts a new course
Life often has been unkind to economic development directors since California put its redevelopment agencies out of business last year. Randy Starbuck tells it first hand.
Getting on the Right Track
High-speed rail will reap benefits in the long term
High-speed trains linking Northern and Southern California have been a point of contention for more than a decade. For some, such “bullet trains” are the ideal solution to growing transportation needs; for others, they represent a boondoggle with enormous economic risk.
Economic Engine that Could
Truckee's railyard development faces its toughest hill yet
A town long known for its quaint historic authenticity, Truckee in the past five years has evolved from a sleepy hamlet to a city with the promise of vibrancy.
Center of Attention
Is a conference center what Placer County really needs?
Roseville may be contemplating — again — plans to build a long-coveted conference center. The city has for years touted the benefits of a civic center, but such projects are notorious for their inability to bring in hefty, consistent revenue, and plenty of people are wondering if the right time for such a gamble is now.
Sales Pitch
Marketing counties for growth
In the Capital Region, it’s up to each county to reel in recovery by marketing to businesses that stimulate economic growth.
The Stockton Forecast
Acuity with Jeff Michael
Jeff Michael, 42, is the director of the Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Pacific.
Life in the Loan
Reverse mortgages offer seniors independence, but are they worth it?
Stan Atkinson could be described as a homebody these days. It’s not that he doesn’t like to go out occasionally, but Atkinson, like many other aging Americans, would prefer to stay in his home as long as possible.
Slow and Steady
Some Capital Region counties are finally rising above the recession
Parts of the Capital Region are experiencing the hopeful signs of recovery, partly due to the re-emerging health of its eastern neighbors.
Industrial Incentives
Renewed optimism for the Capital Region's industrial market
The Capital Region’s industrial real estate market is bouncing along the bottom, but local brokers are cautiously optimistic that signs are pointing to a steady, albeit slow, recovery this year.