(SACRAMENTO, CA) — After more than a year and a half of implementing Sacramento’s Missing Middle Housing ordinance, new data presented at Tuesday’s meeting revealed that District 8 has not had a single project approved — a gap that alarmed Councilmember Mai Vang.
Staff reported that as of March 25, “there are 34 planning applications submitted, 22 approved… I don't think we have seen one approved in District 8.”
“Not one approved in District 8?” Vang asked in disbelief. When staff confirmed, she responded firmly: “I would love to see more in District 8.”
Vang argued that restrictions being proposed — including height caps and design limits — risk reducing the city’s ability to build much-needed units in historically underserved neighborhoods.
“For me, it is important to make sure instead of restricting, we make it easier to build.” she said. She emphasized the affordability crisis: “I want to center what I hear from the community… make sure we do everything to build more housing.”
Vang also pressed staff on ensuring infrastructure and amenities keep pace with density: “One of the biggest concerns… is to make sure we have amenities to grow with housing.”
OpGov.news reports her comments echoed those of speakers who described large portions of North Sacramento and South Sacramento as filled with vacant or long-neglected parcels where small-scale development could make a major impact.
Vang signaled she would support an ordinance that removes barriers rather than adds new ones: “Anything to create more flexibility, build more housing, multi-family building is necessary.”
Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes of District 3 also voiced her own concerns about the lack of new affordable housing: "We need more housing — yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I support policies that streamline production because we simply need more homes. At the same time, community input is essential. As Councilmember (Lisa) Kaplan mentioned, we have neighborhood associations reviewing every housing project in our district. Making sure residents can see proposed designs, understand how many units are coming in, and know what the project will look like — that is important because the community deserves that. Third, Councilmember (Roger) Dickinson’s idea of form‑based code caught my attention. I had never heard of it before, but a quick search makes it sound like a promising approach. I’m asking staff to come back and incorporate it into this plan so we can consolidate our policies. It feels like every month we’re adopting new policies and trying to figure out how they align. We need clarity, not confusion, especially for small developers and people trying to do business in Sacramento. If someone wants to invest in the City of Sacramento, they should have a clear roadmap — A, B, C, D — let’s go. That’s my goal: making it easier, not harder, to build housing. This should be a business‑friendly city that welcomes investment. That’s my priority... I look forward to next steps and to hearing more from the community.”
OpGov.news reports the council is expected to revisit the ordinance this winter after staff conducts additional analysis.
Story image of Councilmember Mai Vang provided by the Metro Cable 14 YouTube video. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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