UC Davis Opens $1.1 Billion Aggie Square Innovation District in Sacramento

UC Davis has officially opened the first phase of Aggie Square, a $1.1 billion innovation district in Sacramento, after nearly a decade of planning and collaboration with public and private partners. The new campus, located next to the UC Davis Medical Center, offers research labs, classrooms, startup offices, housing, and community spaces, with a focus on biotechnology, medicine, and academic research. Aggie Square is designed to foster regional economic growth and job creation, with at least 20% of the new jobs set aside for residents in nearby neighborhoods. A robust Community Benefits Partnership Agreement has committed over $60 million to affordable housing, anti-displacement measures, and neighborhood enhancements, and a portion of future property tax revenue will support continued local investments. The innovation hub also announced international partnerships, including a program to support South Korean biotech startups expanding into the U.S. market. University officials and local leaders highlighted Aggie Square as a model for community engagement and public-private collaboration.