RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - In a milestone meeting on Sept. 23, the Rancho Cordova City Council approved two transformative initiatives: a $5-million investment to launch an AI and Robotics Ecosystem in partnership with NVIDIA and the Human-Machine Collaboration Institute (HMCI), and a major agreement to develop a 28-acre mixed-use entertainment district anchored by a 7,500-seat arena.

The first of the two milestone approvals came with Item 10.1, a $5-million investment in an AI & Robotics Ecosystem, including a professional services agreement with the Human-Machine Collaboration Institute (HMCI) and a joint memorandum of understanding with technology giant NVIDIA.

“The future of innovation is changing and we want to be a part of the front side of that innovation,” said Rancho Cordova City Manager Micah Runner. “We are a community that’s built in a history of rocket science. We are excited to take the next rocket, which is the AI ecosystem and really catch the wave of innovation.”

Presented by Runner and Economic Development Manager Laura Fickle, the initiative aims to make Rancho Cordova the nation's first mid-sized city to build a community-first AI infrastructure, incorporating training, workforce development and real estate activation. The $5-million funding will support operational partnerships, curriculum pathways and infrastructure development.

The city began exploring the concept in March through a letter of intent with the Human-Machine Collaboration Institute. Since then, the proposal gained momentum with support from educational institutions, local companies and industry leaders, culminating in City Council’s formal direction in May and further backing at a Technology Subcommittee meeting this month.

Sadi Saint Laurent, CEO of Rancho Cordova-based the Human-Machine Collaboration Institute, called the approval a “turning point.”

“Rancho Cordova has the chance to be the first city in the nation to turn the AI wave into a community-first opportunity,” Saint Laurent said. “We ask ourselves, ‘How can we make technology more accessible and more beneficial to all?’ That’s how we came up with our Ecosystem AI.”

The project’s phase one collaborators include NVIDIA (flagship and curriculum partner), SMUD, Solidigm, Folsom Cordova Unified District, Folsom Lake College, FarmGPU and UC Davis.

J.P. Lewis, representing NVIDIA, said the partnership between Rancho Cordova, HMCI, and NVIDIA creates “a national model for innovation, jobs and community growth.”

Public comments reflected strong community support. Eric Swanson, superintendent of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, shared excitement about new education opportunities.

“I'm excited about the opportunity for our students,” Swanson said. “The school board approved a property on Prospect Road for an innovative high school focused on career tech education, within the AI ecosystem, and a new STEM academy at Cordova High.”

Diann Rogers, CEO of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, highlighted how the chamber works with local businesses and expressed the importance of this project to those businesses.

“Just over six weeks ago the chamber hosted AI training sessions for our small and mid-sized businesses. The feedback was clear, businesses are eager to understand how AI can help with data analysis administrative tasks, marketing and making daily operations more efficient,” said Rogers. “This is why the proposed AI robotics ecosystem is so vital; it converts the excitement we see into real opportunities. Let’s not shoot for the stars; let’s go beyond them.”

Community members and local business leaders echoed the importance of workforce development, inclusive training pathways and the long-term economic benefits of branding Rancho Cordova as a hub for emerging technologies.

“This initiative aligns with our district’s priorities around jobs, education, small-business growth and regional competitiveness,” said Assembluman Josh Hoover in an email. “I believe our communities that will benefit directly from high-quality training pathways, business opportunities, and good jobs created by this ecosystem.”

Councilmember David Sander said the project was decades in the making.

“What you’re seeing tonight is the culmination of 20 years of work to get to this level of maturity. We finally have all the right parts of the equation,” said Sander.

Vice Mayor Garrett Gatewood echoed that sentiment.

“This is going to reach out to make waves throughout the world. This is the future. We are leading the path,” said Gatewood.

The motion passed with a 4–1 vote.

Shortly after, the council unanimously approved Item 11, authorizing an Economic Development and Participation Agreement (EDPA) to develop a 28-acre sports and entertainment district at 2875 Kilgore Road, a privately financed project anchored by a 7,500-seat arena.

Proposed by KozPure Development, LLC and Alpha One Sports and Entertainment Group, the project will include two or more hotels totaling at least 800 rooms, a retail and dining district, a movie theater, 640 residential units and a public plaza.

“This is an opportunity to establish Rancho Cordova as a destination,” said City Manager Runner. “It’s not just something for the city; this will serve the entire region.”

Project founders and Rancho Cordova locals described the development as the city’s long-awaited “City Center,” a vibrant, family-friendly gathering place combining professional sports, live music, festivals and dining.

The economic impact could be significant: more than $4.5 billion in output and nearly 37,000 jobs over 12 years, according to the developers. The project also promises youth sports programming, cultural festivals and the city’s first New Year’s Eve celebration.

Public comment was extensive, with more than 20 speaker cards submitted. Representatives from the building trades, education and sports communities spoke in strong support.

Dan Branton, senior representative for the NorCal Carpenters Union, emphasized the long-term economic benefits.

"This project is a job creator. It’s about creating sustainable, long-term careers right here in Rancho Cordova and that’s exactly what we need,” said Branton.

Council members responded with enthusiasm and gratitude.

“This is a momentous night,” said Councilmember David Sander. “We finally get a City Center, a place to be proud of. This facility will fill a key role in our city and is a statement about the future of Rancho Cordova.”

Vice Mayor Gatewood added, “This council believes in the vision and we’re going to help get this over the finish line.”

Mayor Siri Pulipati called it a “generational opportunity” and praised the community-driven approach.

“Together, we dream big. This will be something lasting for generations to come,” Pulipati said.