Cordova Arena / Downtown DOVA

Business manager of Laborers Local 185 urged support, citing local construction jobs and the developer's prevailing-wage commitment.

IBEW Local 340 representative said the project means work for 2,500 members and called the fee structure reasonable.

Laborers Local 185 member highlighted apprenticeship pathways for Rancho Cordova youth and support for a downtown.

A local trades instructor said the project opens career doors for graduates of his Rancho Cordova training program.

UA Local 447 representative added his union's voice in support of moving the recommendation forward.

Head of the Sacramento Sierra Building Trades Council cited 30 apprenticeship programs and local hire benefits.

Stone Creek resident opposed the deal, calling the $185 million in tax rebates and fee subsidies not industry standard and urging commissioners to scrutinize contract terms.

Longtime resident called the project a 'white elephant,' citing Kilgore Road gridlock, historic Grange impacts, and fiscal risk to future generations.

Chair of Stone Creek Residents for Smart Growth said the project was pitched as 100% privately funded but city general fund costs have since emerged.

Stone Creek resident since 1972 objected to public funding and questioned the role of churches and the mayor's religious framing of the project.

Objected to public funding of a project sold as private, limited community engagement, and tax giveaways, and questioned CEQA responses made outside public view.

Said she was repeatedly told the project was 100% privately financed; called the change 'deceit' and criticized traffic on Sunrise and Folsom Boulevard.

An event planner who wants the venue but asked the commission to pause and renegotiate the financial terms before it goes to council.

Objected to giving $185 million to developers who don't live in the city and to supporters filling the chamber.

Music teacher asked the commission not to rely on a 20-year-old general plan EIR and to fully understand environmental and financial consequences first.

Read the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce's official statement supporting the project as an economic development engine.

Five-generation local family said they spend entertainment dollars in other cities and urged approval to keep them local.

Supports the project but urged scrutiny of financial liabilities and VMT analysis gaps that could expose the city to CEQA litigation.

Chairman of FARS Best nonprofit voiced strong support, citing jobs and youth opportunity pathways.

Longtime resident recounted city history, a failed 2012-13 entertainment center attempt, and urged passing the project to council.

45-year resident voiced support, citing gathering spaces and trust in the city's fiscal management.

Local real estate broker voiced strong support citing growth along the Highway 50 corridor.

Top-selling local realtor and disclosed project investor urged support, saying the project shifts the region's center of gravity to Rancho Cordova.

Voiced support using a 'ripple effect' metaphor, citing small business growth and cleanup of the vacant quarry site.

Young local said he grew up driving to Folsom and Roseville for fun and wants kids to have a real downtown.

Investment banker cited the project's socioeconomic impact for a young population and voiced full support.

Works near the site for 18 years and urged turning the vacant, fire-prone parcel into something that brings jobs and pride.

Anatolia parent coalition co-founder supports the arena but fears it will lock up money needed for the Sun Creek schools, delaying them past 2029.

Moldova immigrant and church deacon voiced support, saying a city needs a heart and this project can provide it.

Lifelong area resident commended the commission's due diligence and voiced support.

28-year resident in tech said companies skip Rancho Cordova because there's nothing to do; the city center would attract investment.

Southern California transplant said the project would give the city an identity and put it on the map.

Grandmother urged approval, citing grandchildren's entertainment needs and teen job opportunities.

Stone Creek business owner since 1998 said failing to act would be a 'big loss' and urged swift approval.

Community volunteer and mother urged approval so her children will want to return to Rancho Cordova as adults.

Local pastor and father of seven said kids currently leave the city for activities and urged the commission to move the project forward.

Young resident said she'd happily contribute taxes to an entertainment venue rather than keep driving to Roseville or El Dorado Hills.

Former Mather Community Campus case manager said Dova's jobs would keep local graduates and underserved residents employed in the city.

Small business owner asked the commission to decline or continue the item until residents get a full accounting of public commitments and neighborhood impacts.

Self-described chief architect of the general plan urged denial, saying the project shoehorns a 20-year-old plan, misfits the site, and would raise taxes.

Anatolia resident voiced support and appreciated the commission's public engagement on unanswered questions.

Business owner and father voiced support, citing economic growth and inspiration for his children.