For the first time in Sacramento State history the mayor of Sacramento and members of the city manager’s office were present at the president’s annual address on Aug. 28.

While President Gonzalez addressed issues such as development and the budget, he also signed a memorandum with Mayor Heather Fargo to promote cooperation between the university and city.

“I think what we are doing is formalizing some of the things we were already doing and bringing attention to it,” Gonzalez said. “When the city talks about the city they should be talking about one of their biggest assists they have and that’s the university.”

Gonzalez said 80 percent of students stay local after graduation and contribute to the economy. It only makes sense that the city and university join forces to facilitate learning and supply research opportunities.

“One of the main things we are going to be looking at is our economic development activity ?in terms of what kinds of workforce development we need and what training we need at the university,” Fargo said.

Ann Moylan, family and consumer sciences professor, regards an alignment with the city as a great asset.

“I do have some classes that have service learning components and we are always looking for good places for them in the community. That would be fabulous. I think the most positive thing Fargo said students can make a difference. Internships for students with community businesses and public services could prepare students better for their future vocations and solve problems in the process.

“We have real life examples of everything you are studying here, what you are learning and how you are going to apply it when you get out,” Fargo said.

In 2004 the City of Sacramento set out the 2030 general plan to be “the most livable city in America.” The same year Sac State began Destination 2010 to transform the campus into a place for students seeking higher education and a vibrant campus life.

The city and university already work together extensively; the memorandum encourages and formalizes the relationship.

Last year a Sac State English class participated in three projects working with the city, one involving work on a community website and another doing research regarding the city’s homeless population.

Cassandra Jennings, assistant city manager for Sacramento, hopes to see more partnerships like this.

“Not only were we able to take advantage of the student energy and learning, they were more connected to the community,” Jennings said. “They were so energized about the homeless population and what the city is doing.”

Fargo said the city hopes to work with the university regarding residential housing close to campus for students and more public transportation options for students.

“Part of what I’m trying to do is be able to tell we have students in town. If you are on campus you know, but once you get off you don’t get a university feel,” Fargo said.

During his address Gonzalez also allayed fears about the budget and said he will be implementing the University Budget Advisory Committee’s (UBAC) recommendations for this year.

“They went through and reviewed all the budgets expenditures, how the budget process works, they made recommendations,” Gonzalez said. “At this point everyone has a horse in the race. It’s not people behind close doors saying ‘academic affairs gets this much, student affairs that.'”

Bruce Bikle, faculty senate chair, said there is a much better sense of cooperation between administration and the faculty senate.

“Many more things are open now. The work that UBAC is doing is astounding.”

Gonzalez said he has made sure he has been transparent with everything regarding budgets and wants everything out in the open. He said he is confident that though the cuts will not be even across the board, the university will pull together despite the difficult economic times.

While Destination 2010 approaches, many new campus improvements are completed or in stages. The Eli and Edythe Broad Field House is open and the Recreation and Wellness Center is scheduled to open September 2010.

But appearances may deceive. While new buildings appear on campus, some faculty worry that what is going on the classrooms shows the state of the university.

“The community sees we are getting this new wellness center and new resident halls and all these things that are flashy and wonderful. I am really more concerned about when you go into the classroom, are you still seeing the struggle?” Moylan said.

Chloe Daley can be reached at [email protected]