Sacramento State’s plans for a Capital Campus in downtown Sacramento are getting a major boost, with Meta investing $50 million toward development efforts.Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that the social giant’s investment will be used to transform three state-owned buildings for a mixed use academic and affordable housing district for Sacramento State University students, faculty and staff. The redevelopment is targeting the former Employment Development Department (EDD) headquarters at 800 Capitol Mall, the EDD Solar Building at 751 N Street, and the State Personnel Board Building at 801 Capitol Mall.A previous effort to transform the state’s underused buildings near the Capitol for housing failed when a developer backed out.What’s planned with the new development at this early stage:Affordable housing for CSUS students, faculty and staff, along with more market rate housing.A new School of Public Affairs that is adjacent to the Capitol.A mixed-use performing arts and music venueAn Artificial Intelligence Center to support a new bachelor’s degree in AI Business Management.A boutique hotelMeta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a statement that its investment would “help strengthen our communities and support the next generation of leaders and innovators.” Department of General Services Director Ana M. Lasso said the contribution “enables CSUS to fast-track this project, turning state assets into a thriving hub of academia, arts and affordable housing while helping to reimagine a key corridor of the capital city.”Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood released the following statement: “This investment will be catalytic and transformational not only for downtown Sacramento, but for the future of Sacramento State. This project positions Sacramento State as a flagship university, one that embodies economic vitality, expands access to opportunity, and integrates academic excellence with innovation, housing, and community in the heart of California’s capital. Thank you to Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta leadership team, Governor Gavin Newsom, the Department of General Services, and Michelle Willard at Sacramento State, among many others, for helping make this vision a reality. We could not be prouder to have Meta as a partner as we reimagine how a public university can serve its students, its city, and its region.” Next steps for the project will be focused on initiating design development, conducting building testing, and launching the environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel