10/21/2026
WEST SAC: HOW DO WE PAY FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS WE NEED?
Roads, sidewalks, and public facilities cost money. One tool West Sacramento uses deserves a little more attention: an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, or EIFD.
The name is complicated, but the basic idea is fairly simple. A designated portion of the growth in property-tax revenue within an area is dedicated to eligible improvements. That revenue can also help repay bonds used to build projects sooner. West Sacramento established EIFD No. 1 in 2017.
The potential benefits: We can invest in needed infrastructure, support redevelopment, and help prepare the city for growth. Borrowing can allow improvements to happen sooner instead of waiting years to collect enough revenue.
The tradeoffs: Dedicating future revenue to particular projects limits flexibility. Borrowing adds interest and financing costs. And projections deserve careful scrutiny. What happens if development slows or revenue grows less than expected?
Those are questions I believe residents should hear answered before major commitments are made.
Why should voters care? Because choosing projects means choosing priorities. Which neighborhoods benefit? Are we fixing existing problems while accommodating new growth? Who pays to maintain what we build?
I would want residents to have an easy-to-read explanation of each major project: its cost, funding source, repayment schedule, expected benefit, and ongoing maintenance needs.
I support investing in West Sacramento. I also believe every investment should come with clear numbers, realistic expectations, and accountability.
What infrastructure improvement would make the biggest difference in your neighborhood?
Kathy Bailey | Candidate for West Sacramento City Council, District 4
baileyforwestsac.com | FPPC #1490936