The Aggie Square innovation district on the University of California, Davis’ Sacramento campus will officially open on May 2, 2025. The event will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by an open house and block party from noon to 4 p.m. located at 4480 2nd Ave., Sacramento, the activities are free and open to the public.
The day’s festivities will include food trucks, a DJ, caricature artists, a photo booth, hands-on activities, and informational tables showcasing the work of innovators occupying the new development. Attendees can partake in a “passport” activity, receiving stamps at various booths and stations for a chance to enter a prize giveaway.
George Baxter, chief innovation and economic development officer, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Aggie Square is a space where all kinds of innovators will collide, strengthening our region through their collaborative and creative work.” He highlighted the extensive community involvement in developing Aggie Square and expressed eagerness to welcome the public to the completed space.
Since its inception in 2018, the university has engaged with the community through over 100 meetings with stakeholders, presentations to neighborhood associations, resident tours, and other forms of outreach. Quarterly community engagement meetings that began in August 2022 have attracted 580 participants, discussing affordable housing, jobs, workforce development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and public art opportunities. Walking tours have provided 125 participants insight into the development over the last 18 months.
A Community Benefits Partnership Agreement between UC Davis, the city of Sacramento, and developers Wexford Science & Technology has been established, allocating $50 million towards affordable housing, local hiring goals for construction jobs, improvements to Stockton Boulevard, and funding for neighborhood priorities.
Besides lab spaces and housing primarily for university affiliates, Aggie Square will have reservable meeting rooms for community organizations.
The event on May 2 offers a glimpse into the diverse tenancy at Aggie Square, inviting participation from the community to explore and celebrate this new addition to Sacramento’s innovative landscape.
