The Abridged version:
- Abridged by PBS KVIE asked young professionals about the challenges and opportunities facing the Sacramento region.
- Some said Sacramento’s high cost of living is a challenge, while opportunities exist in several job sectors.
- The region’s business, civic and elected leaders are in Washington, D.C., this week to meet with federal officials through the annual Cap-to-Cap program.
As the Sacramento region’s business, civic and elected leadership gather this week in Washington, D.C., for the annual Capitol-to-Capitol event, Abridged by PBS KVIE asked young professionals for their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing the region.
Some see strong opportunities in the region’s education, health care and technology industries. They also point to signature projects taking shape in the Downtown Railyards and other areas as signs of the region’s potential.
At the same time, young professionals in the Sacramento region face a competitive job market and housing costs that are placing intense pressure on their bank accounts.
The answers below are from some of the region’s emerging leaders who are part of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation’s Metro EDGE program, made up of early- to mid-career professionals.
Katie Durham
Communications, Sutter Health
Metro EDGE Leadership Council, 2026 Co-Chair
The under-40 crowd in the Sacramento region has a lot going for us. We’re a part of a community that, for the most part, genuinely believes in opening doors for new voices and perspectives. Young professionals in this region benefit from a strong network of mentors, connectors and organizers who understand what’s at stake when the next generation isn’t pulled into the conversation early.
Sacramento has always been about its people — collaborative, civic-minded and supportive — and our down-to-earth culture is an opportunity for young people to lead, serve and make an impact early on. Of course, opportunities in our region are not without our challenges: from rising cost of living and housing insecurity to homelessness and the evolving impacts of technology and health. Still, I’m optimistic — the under-40 crowd is showing up together, bringing empathy, creativity, and shared responsibility with us.
Nancy Eldred
Vice President of Public Affairs at NAMI California
Metro EDGE Leadership Council, 2026 Co-Chair
Young professionals in the Sacramento region are the next generation of leaders, bringing fresh ideas and energy to a growing economy. Key challenges include rising housing costs, a competitive job market and the need for clear career pathways.
At the same time, Sacramento offers strong opportunities in public service, health care, education and emerging industries, supported by a collaborative and engaged community. With the right professional development investments and community support, young professionals will not only adapt to Sacramento’s future but also actively lead it, shaping a more innovative, inclusive and resilient region.
Vanessa King
Community Engagement & Growth, Molina Healthcare
Metro EDGE Leadership Council
Young professionals in the Sacramento region face a mix of economic and career-related challenges. The job market has not kept pace with the growing number of qualified candidates, often pushing individuals to pivot into different roles just to stay financially stable while waiting for positions that better match their long-term goals.
Opportunities for advancement can also be limited in certain industries, making long-term growth uncertain. At the same time, rapid developments in (artificial intelligence) are reshaping job expectations and raising concerns about future stability. Networking has become increasingly important, with connections often playing a key role in accessing opportunities and advancing careers.
Sacramento is experiencing rapid growth and emerging as a leading city in California with significant potential. Major developments such as the Railyards project, expansion of Sacramento State and investment in the River District are creating new opportunities for young professionals to build careers and establish long-term roots. The region is also attracting a more diverse population, including individuals relocating from higher-cost cities. While this growth brings economic vitality, it also presents challenges, particularly rising housing costs and affordability concerns for young professionals who hope to settle down and start families in the area.
Madison Torres
Public Affairs Professional, Paschal Roth
Metro EDGE Leadership Council
Sacramento is not as affordable as people think. Rent continues to rise, housing can feel farther out of reach, and everyday costs like gas, groceries and utilities add up quickly. A lot of young professionals are working hard, doing everything they are supposed to do and still wondering when it actually gets easier. Milestones like buying a home or feeling financially stable can feel delayed.
Sacramento has so much to offer, but affordability plays a major role. At the same time, new investment and continued local growth are starting to strengthen the region’s economy, creating more opportunities for stability over time.
Sacramento still feels connected in a way bigger cities often don’t. It has that small-to-medium city energy where opportunities are built through real relationships, but they don’t just land in your lap. Through networking groups, community events and volunteer spaces, it is genuinely possible for young professionals to meet people, get involved and grow quickly, but you have to show up for it.
There is real momentum here right now: more events, more growth, more people building community again. Sacramento is the kind of place where if you put in effort, connection turns into opportunity, and opportunity turns into real stability and success.
Ryan Advincula
Regional Director of Philanthropy, American River College
Metro EDGE Leadership Council
Job market volatility is soaring in Sacramento and nationwide. Oversaturation in growing industries, some declining sectors and slow response to industry change define this moment. It’s incredibly hard for young professionals to predict where both established and new industries will be in just a few years.
Sacramento has the tried and true — government, education and health care to lean on. For the daring, this high volatility leaves fortune ripe for those with foresight. Folks with a strong grasp of technology and consumer behavior have more access to tools, talented young professionals, and fast adoption to new products.
Kevin Olson
Director of Sales and Marketing, Capitol Tech Solutions
Metro EDGE Leadership Council
A key issue facing young professionals in Sacramento is its awkward midmarket positioning, combined with delayed wealth-building. The region no longer offers the affordability it once did, yet salaries often lag behind larger markets. This creates frustration for ambitious professionals who feel they are paying near big-city costs without receiving comparable compensation or opportunities. As a result, many struggle to save, invest or purchase a home, even with stable careers.
This delay in building equity and financial security puts them behind peers in higher-paying regions and previous generations locally, making it harder to establish long-term roots and confidence in staying in Sacramento.
Sacramento offers strong opportunities through accessible career paths in government, health care and emerging industries, along with a highly connected professional community that allows young professionals to build relationships and step into leadership roles earlier. However, these opportunities come with challenges tied to compensation and long-term financial growth. While careers can progress, income often does not scale at the same rate as rising costs, making it difficult to build wealth. This creates tension between professional growth and financial stability, leading some to explore opportunities outside the region. Sacramento must address this balance to retain and support its next generation of leaders.
Ryan Lillis is the Associate General Manager of News at PBS KVIE.