One year ago today, when the United States elected its first African-American president, Sacramento elected its first African-American mayor. What you may not know is, I’m the first person born in Sacramento to be elected as the city's mayor. In fact, I'm a third generation Sacramentan. When I first embarked upon this journey on March 5, 2008, I had no idea what to expect. Yet there was no doubt about my commitment to our city and a desire for Sacramento to reach its potential as a world-class city.

My campaign slogan was, “A city that works for everyone.” That slogan has become the theme of my administration. "A city that works for everyone" is our vision for Sacramento.

Think back one year ago. Remember the Sacramento of 2008.

Our city was not safe enough. Our schools were not good enough. Our business climate was not favorable to development.

The voters saw great, untapped potential in Sacramento. You elected me by a margin of 17 percent. The reason for my victory was simple: you wanted change.

The old ways were not working. The status quo was more concerned with protecting its own interests than helping Sacramento become a great place to live and work and raise and educate a family.

A year later, not a day has passed without me being deeply thankful for your vote of confidence.

But one year later, I can tell you Sacramento still is not safe enough. Our schools still are not good enough. Our business climate still is not favorable enough to development.

So as I thank you for believing in me, please accept my call to action for the next three years.

We have taken the first steps. With your continued support, we can make Sacramento a world-class city. 

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