The Sacramento Old City Association (SOCA) was born in 1972, when downtown homeowners discovered they could not obtain financing from lending institutions to restore and rehabilitate their homes. Lenders at the time did not consider central city homes worthy of investment. These pioneers banded together and formed SOCA, and because of their efforts, many of the city’s historic homes and civic landmarks have been saved and restored.

Today, our mission continues. SOCA engages in action that preserves and enhances the quality of life for city residents, businesses and visitors by promoting harmonious relationships among residential and commercial interests in the ‘old city’.

SOCA is an all volunteer organization. Members devote their time to increasing public awareness of the irreplaceable historic and cultural resources of the city. Other activities include advocating appropriate policies that ensure a quality urban environment that is respectful of our historic buildings and traditional neighborhoods.

The following have demanded our attention in recent years: Restoration of the Memorial Auditorium, The Railyards, implementation of the R Street Plan, plans to keep the historic Southern Pacific Rail Depot as a functioning passenger rail station, and many other projects that focus attention on the need to preserve and protect our historic places.