SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg delivered a heartfelt farewell Tuesday night as he concluded his second and final term in office.
Reflecting on his eight years at the helm, Steinberg addressed the city council and residents, recounting the challenges of his tenure and highlighting accomplishments he believes will shape Sacramento’s future.
Elected in 2016 after serving as a California State Senate leader, Steinberg faced a defining period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, a national racial reckoning and a growing homelessness crisis.
“You don’t pick your time; your time picks you,” Steinberg said. “And the time picked me to be the mayor during some of the most challenging and historic times in recent memory.”
As his term ends, Steinberg pointed to progress on key issues and celebrated major development projects announced in recent months, including plans for a soccer stadium at the Railyards, a waterfront revitalization initiative and a new music venue.
“Our people want more — more art, more culture, more music, more sport, more food, more industry, more opportunity, more jobs and we’re moving in that direction,” Steinberg said.
Steinberg’s successor, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, will take office later this month. Steinberg offered his encouragement, advising McCarty to “do it your way.”
City Council members expressed gratitude for Steinberg’s leadership, commending his contributions during a tenure that shaped the city’s trajectory.
“The people have allowed me to serve and to make a contribution,” Steinberg said. “I’m forever grateful to the people of the city of Sacramento.”
As for his future, Steinberg said he plans to take time to consider his next steps, hinting that a run for California attorney general could be a possibility.
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