Bill on State Building Location Could Help Elk Grove

A bill that city officials hope will help bring government jobs to Elk Grove passed the state Assembly on a 49-22 vote Monday.

Assembly Bill 324 directs California's Department of General Services to take into account where state workers live when deciding where to locate new state buildings.

"Priority may be given to the areas that can demonstrate the highest reduction of miles traveled by its workforce," the bill reads. That language could favor Elk Grove, where close to one third of working adults are employed by the state.

City leaders lobbied for the legislation, which was sponsored by Assemblymember Joan Buchanan, who represents Elk Grove. They have long sought to attract state agencies to Elk Grove, saying the local economy suffers when residents commute outside the city for work and do their shopping elsewhere.

"[The bill] will improve environmental issues, reduce traffic congestion on highways and of course help the economy of Elk Grove," said Mayor Steven Detrick.

The bill now heads to the Senate for review. 

One portion of the bill may not work to Elk Grove's advantage, however: It also tells state officials to consider "the availability and proximity of high-quality and frequent transit service."