Sacramento Metro Advocates for Rail and Transit (SMART) in their July newsletter offered an article on the importance of fix-it-first in our transportation investments: Fixing What Matters: Why Sac Needs a “Fix it First” Approach. Fix it First is also referred to as ‘state of good repair’.

SMART is an organizational member of SacMoves Coalition. The organization and members were key partners for SacMoves in developing our 2019 Framework for the 2020 ballot measure, which was withdrawn, and was also used to respond to the developer initiated and benefitting ‘citizen’s initiative’ in 2022, which failed spectacularly. Find out more about SMART!

Fixing What Matters: Why Sac Needs a “Fix it First” Approach

Emel Wadhwani, Vice President

Maintaining the infrastructure we already have is one of the smartest investments we can make. Well-maintained roads, transit lines, and bike paths help families thrive, businesses invest, and tourism grow. Reliable infrastructure attracts new development and ensures that people can move safely and comfortably through our city. Every dollar spent on preventive maintenance today can save on costly repairs in the future. By addressing issues early, we improve safety, support economic growth, and reduce long-term disruptions.

Sacramento County’s roads illustrate why this approach matters. The county’s network spans over 5,200 lane miles, yet many roads remain in poor shape. In 2023, the average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) was rated “fair,” with nearly 17 percent of the network classified as “failed.” These neglected roads are often found in lower-income neighborhoods, where residents are least able to handle the cost of vehicle damage and where unsafe conditions limit options for biking and walking.

Measure A funding helps address these challenges. By law, at least half of the Measure A dollars for local streets, roads, and bridges must go toward preventive maintenance, showing a clear commitment to a “fix it first” approach. This strategy aims to bring roads up to a PCI of 70 by 2028. Still, Measure A can only do so much, and local transportation funding in Sacramento remains low compared to other major California metropolitan areas. For example, BART receives most of a dedicated half-cent sales tax in the Bay Area, while San Diego County funds transportation through a half-cent TransNet sales tax that supports both transit and roads. As the capital of the world’s fourth-largest economy, Sacramento needs transit investments that truly meet local demand.

Focusing these resources on maintenance builds a safer, more connected, and more equitable transportation system for everyone in Sacramento County. Constant maintenance allows us to expand mobility choices at a fraction of the cost of new construction. When we repair roads, update light rail stations, or improve bike paths, we give people better, safer options for how they travel while making sure our public dollars go further.

Spotlight: American River Parkway

The American River Parkway is one of Sacramento’s most valued public spaces. Stretching 23 miles along the river, it offers much more than recreation. It serves as an essential transportation corridor for commuters, families, and visitors. Cyclists and pedestrians use the Parkway to connect neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, parks, and major destinations, creating a safe, car-free option that supports healthier, more sustainable travel.

Supporting a “fix it first” approach, the Sacramento Transportation Authority committed in 2009 to provide the Department of Regional Parks with $1 million each year for 30 years through Measure A. This long-term, stable funding sustains the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Parkway and the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail.

Recent and ongoing upgrades include trail resurfacing and improved underpasses and bridges, keeping the Parkway safe, accessible, and reliable for daily use. Projects like the Two Rivers Trail Phase 2 will add over two miles of new paved pathway along the south bank of the Lower American River, expanding access while strengthening the existing network.

The Parkway links people directly to downtown Sacramento, giving commuters a dedicated route to work, school, and events. It connects neighborhoods throughout the city, making it easier for residents to access parks, local businesses, and community spaces. Event-goers can reach venues like Discovery Park for concerts and festivals such as Aftershock without the hassle of parking.

By prioritizing maintenance and thoughtful improvements, we invest in a transportation system that serves everyone, from daily commuters to families enjoying weekend rides. This commitment helps Sacramento grow as a connected, welcoming place to live and visit.