Riley Palmer

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Riley Palmer

Local Government Reporter

Riley Palmer covers local government and the city of Sacramento at large for CapRadio. In her reporting, Palmer aims to illuminate the triumphs and tribulations of people as a result of the systems they participate in, and the ways in which decisions in council chambers affect said systems.Prior to moving to Sacramento, Palmer reported on city government and education for the Napa Valley Register and got her start in reporting with KQED, the Bay Area's NPR affiliate.Palmer was born in the Bay Area and spent much of her life living, going to school and working there. She has a Bachelor’s in Rhetoric with an emphasis on public discourse from UC Berkeley and an associates in Journalism from the Santa Rosa Junior College.When she isn't on the clock, Palmer seeks to live a joyful life filled with laughter, curiosity, exploration, food and the company of others.

Stories by Riley Palmer

California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36. The state still isn’t helping fund it
February 5, 2026
Voters in 2024 passed a ballot measure to increase penalties for theft and drug crimes, while offering treatment to some defendants. Over a year later, counties lack the resources they need to carry it out, and the state isn’t helping.
Documenting homelessness in Sacramento County: 800 volunteers perform Point-In-Time count
January 27, 2026
The Point-In-Time count has taken place every two years since 2009. The count helps to secure federal funding for the county’s homelessness programs.
Some Sacramento electeds want to ban ICE enforcement on city property. Is it legal?
January 23, 2026
As the city reaffirms its commitment to immigrants in the community at city council Tuesday, some on the council are taking steps towards more concrete actions.
Sacramento’s River District may limit shelter beds offered to unhoused people
January 14, 2026
Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum is proposing to cap the amount of shelter beds available in the River District as a way to put pressure on other areas of the city to do their part.
California’s budget outlook spells trouble for Sacramento’s city and county
January 12, 2026
Those who advocate for cities and counties worry Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed state budget does not prioritize funding for homelessness initiatives or properly respond to healthcare cuts coming down the pike from the federal government.
Sacramento is looking for over 600 volunteers to help survey the region's unhoused at the end of January
January 6, 2026
Volunteers conduct the Sacramento Point-in-Time (PIT) Count every two years by surveying people experiencing homelessness in shelters and on the street. Results are used to determine homeless service funding.
New California laws could reshape housing, AI regulation starting Jan. 1
December 23, 2025
If you work in law enforcement or the health care field, new state laws will regulate what you can and can’t do with AI on the job.
Sacramento’s weather respite centers are open and need donations to care for region’s most vulnerable
December 22, 2025
Officials say they need men’s clothing, including jackets, plus towels, hygiene items and dog food.
New recuperative care center opens in North Sacramento, filling gap for unhoused people leaving the hospital
December 17, 2025
The campus opened Nov. 20 and has helped 28 patients so far, with capacity for up to 50. The center is funded through city, county and private dollars.
Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty is looking to voters for help on homelessness and housing in 2026. What do housing advocates say?
December 12, 2025
McCarty ran for mayor on the platform of making a meaningful impact on housing and homelessness. Now, he hopes to come to the voters with an initiative to get more funding for these issues.

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Riley Palmer Local Government Reporter

Riley Palmer

Local Government Reporter

Stories by Riley Palmer