The University of California, Davis, the city of Sacramento and Wexford Science & Technology today released the inaugural Aggie Square Community Benefits Partnership Agreement (CBPA) Annual Progress Report, highlighting early outcomes and investments tied to the development of the Aggie Square innovation district. 

Established in 2021 through extensive community engagement, the CBPA outlines a shared commitment to ensure Aggie Square delivers surrounding neighborhoods tangible benefits, including affordable housing, workforce development, youth programs, community access and infrastructure improvements. 

The report, which covers activities from 2021 through December 2025, reflects strong early momentum following the opening of Aggie Square’s first buildings in May 2025. 

Key achievements include: 

• $74 million committed to affordable housing, supporting projects that will deliver approximately 1,500 affordable units along the Stockton Boulevard corridor,
• $10 million invested in anti-displacement programs, supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, CLTRE and others serving local residents,
• More than 350 events hosted at Aggie Square, drawing over 13,500 attendees, including 128 community events,
• $792,000 in value provided through discounted or waived venue fees and public access to space, expanding community use of Aggie Square,
• 230 workforce program enrollments and more than 80 job placements through pilot training programs and state-funded initiatives, and
• Launch of NextGen Bio, a regional workforce program focused on biotech serving 45 students and nine educators in its inaugural cohort.  

“Aggie Square builds on the university’s mission to foster innovation that is accessible, community-focused and responsive to the priorities of our local residents,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “Through our commitment to the Community Benefits Partnership Agreement, we are ensuring that opportunities benefit and extend to surrounding neighborhoods for future generations to come.” 

Integrated approach delivers community impact

The report highlights a coordinated approach to housing stability and neighborhood investment. City-led funding is advancing affordable housing development while supporting programs that help residents remain in their homes. These efforts are complemented by new housing, managed by GMH Communities, delivered as part of Aggie Square’s first phase. 

“Aggie Square represents a unique model for how cities, universities and private partners can work together to expand opportunity,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty. “These investments in affordable housing and neighborhood stability are essential to ensuring that long-time residents can benefit from the growth happening in Sacramento.” 

Aggie Square is also emerging as a community destination, with access to public spaces and ongoing programming that supports local businesses and brings residents onto the site. In addition to providing $792,000 in value through discounted and waived venue fees and public access to space, Wexford Science & Technology, Aggie Square’s developer, has prioritized partnerships with local vendors, generating over $50,000 in direct local spending tied to events and programming. 

“Opening Aggie Square to the community is central to its success as a shared place for connection and opportunity,” said Ted Russell, president and chief executive of Wexford Science & Technology. “Building a thriving innovation district requires more than constructing state-of-the-art facilities. It demands sustained investment in relationships with faculty, entrepreneurs, industry partners and neighborhood residents; intentional development of workforce pathways; support for early-stage companies; and continued collaboration with community organizations and corridor businesses.” 

In parallel, partners are building pathways into careers through workforce training and youth-focused initiatives. Programs like UC Davis’ NextGen Bio and other pilot efforts are connecting students and job seekers to hands-on learning, mentorship and employment opportunities in growing sectors such as health care and biotechnology. 

Ongoing community investment and engagement 

The report also highlights the establishment of the Aggie Square Community Partnership, a community-led body guiding local investment priorities, with its first grant cycle underway. 

Additional efforts include continued community engagement through public meetings and regular outreach, as well as city-led planning and infrastructure improvements to enhance mobility, safety and connectivity along the Stockton Boulevard corridor. 

Looking ahead 

Nearly a year since its formal inauguration, Aggie Square is entering its next phase focused on activation, ecosystem growth and sustained community investment. 

UC Davis, the city of Sacramento and Wexford Science & Technology will continue to track and report progress on CBPA commitments. 

Community members are encouraged to view the full report at the Aggie Square website and attend the Aggie Square Community Engagement Meeting on April 7 to learn more.