Two Sacramento neighborhoods are splitting $1 million in city funding. Where should it go?

The Sacramento City Council last year set aside $1 million of special funds from the Measure U sales tax to invest in north and south Sacramento, designating $500,000 for each of the two neighborhoods.

The Measure U Committee is encouraging community members to submit their ideas on how funds should be invested in their neighborhoods. The Google Form closes on May 31.

Derrell Roberts, a north Sacramento resident, is asking his neighbors of north Sacramento to come together and attend the in-person information and idea gathering sessions for how $500,000 would best benefit their area.

Roberts said this is a chance to come together in unison and define what issues the community wants addressed.

“That’s what this meeting is really about,” said Roberts. “I think our residents need to understand, (we) have to give a collective vision to (local) leaders.”

Roberts, along with other leaders and organizations are hosting a series of meetings to help people gather ideas.

Community groups scheduled five sessions between this week and next week discussing how North Sacramento neighborhoods that have not seen economic development get their fair share.

Shante Williams, along with the Mutual Assistance Network will hold a gathering Wednesday starting at 4:30 p.m. They will meet at the Robertson Community Center on 3525 Norwood Avenue.

Roberts, founder of the Roberts Family Development Center, will have a Wednesday evening discussion with community members at his 770 Darina Avenue location, starting at 6 p.m.

The final in-person meeting is scheduled for May 19 at Grant Union High School, inside of the Little Theater on 1400 Grand Avenue. The meeting hosted by Student Leadership, starts at 11:30 a.m.

Roberts said he just wants to keep people connected and thinking matters beyond what’s right in front of them.

He encourages north Sacramento residents to attend meetings discussing the investment into their communities, and advises residents of south Sacramento to express their choice and make their voices heard.