Published April 9, 2025
Gina Plata-Nino, JD, Deputy Director of SNAP, and Martha Guerrero, MSW, Mayor of West Sacramento, California
This article is part of a series exploring the varied impacts of proposed SNAP cuts. Today’s conversation is with the Mayor of West Sacramento, who shares her perspective on how these changes would affect her city and its residents.
Tell Us About Your Role
West Sacramento is a vibrant riverfront community in Northern California, known for its innovation and as a growing hub for commerce and the food industry. Food companies from around the globe have chosen to build facilities here. Urban farms dot our landscape, providing fresh produce to residents and restaurants alike.
As mayor, my role is to help guide and carry out our city’s mission: delivering high-quality municipal services, maintaining strong infrastructure, and inspiring community improvements that enhance residents’ lives. We are committed to being a financially sound, efficient, and forward-thinking city, recognized as a leader in our region.
What Role Do Federal Funds Play in Maintaining That Financial Stability?
Like many cities, West Sacramento operates with a mix of local revenues — such as taxes and fees — and essential federal funding. These federal dollars not only support city programs directly but also flow into the broader economy through programs like SNAP and Medicaid, which are administered at the county level but make a direct impact on our residents.
When these essential programs are cut, the pressure doesn’t go away — it shifts to local governments. We face increased demand for social services, food assistance, and emergency resources without the additional funds needed to meet that demand.
What Are Your Concerns About the Proposed Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?
Many of my residents work incredibly hard, but with the rising cost of living, a job loss, or an unexpected medical emergency, families can quickly find themselves struggling. SNAP is an essential resource during these times, helping people afford food while they get back on their feet.
Cuts to SNAP would harm not only individuals and families but our entire city. These benefits support local grocery stores, small businesses, and the employees they hire. West Sacramento is also home to many food industry companies. SNAP cuts will reduce household spending, affecting not only dinner tables — it will impact retailers, suppliers, and job opportunities across our food economy.
This is not just a human issue; it’s an economic one.
What Actions Are You Taking to Address These Concerns?
I’m leading efforts with colleagues across party lines and representing both urban and rural areas — to advocate against these cuts. I’m organizing a letter to federal policymakers, making it clear that cities cannot absorb the fallout from reduced SNAP benefits on their own.
The rising costs of food, housing, and child care already stretch our residents’ budgets thin. Any further cuts would have a devastating ripple effect — not just on individual families, but on the health and stability of our communities and local economies. I’m urging lawmakers to reconsider these reductions and recognize the critical role SNAP plays in keeping families fed and cities thriving.
