Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Wednesday at the Capitol Heights Academy that he is running for re-election.

“I am thrilled to announce – after much deliberation, prayer, conversation and discussion with many of you out there today – I have decided to run for another term (as) the mayor of Sacramento,” Johnson said before a crowd of more than 200 supporters.

Johnson said he plans to approach his campaign for re-election by working harder and longer than anyone else to earn votes. He emphasized community involvement as the most important means for his success in the election.

Johnson will be holding listening sessions throughout the city, and town hall meetings will be held in October, November and December to foster ideas and feedback from the community.

Johnson said he will introduce his second-term plan in January and February after gathering and evaluating the information from the community over the next three months.

“You can’t do it alone,” Johnson said. “It’s going to take a team. It’s going to take a community. It’s going to take all of us really working together. So this election isn’t about me. It’s about us – it’s about community. It’s about all of us getting together to shape the future of Sacramento.”

Johnson, a third-generation native Sacramentan, said that he loves the community and plans to do everything to ensure Sacramento reaches its potential.

Johnson identified children as the most valuable asset in the community, and he said he is going to continue his efforts to improve education in the city through the third grade reading initiative, Sacramento Reads. By 2020, Johnson said, he hopes to have all third graders reading at grade level.

“Young people have a sense of possibility,” Johnson said. “They have a willingness to act. They personify the spirit of Sacramento. They are the future.”

Johnson said he also plans to move the city forward in the green initiative, making Sacramento the “Emerald City”. Johnson said his goal is to create 14,000 new jobs in the green sector of the city by 2020.

“As I reflect back on my first term, and look toward the future, I realize that there’s still much work to be done,” he said. “Sacramento, we’ve come a long way. But we still have a long way to go.”

Community members cheered and celebrated the news of Johnson running for re-election. The phrase “four more years,” rang throughout the crowd.

“I think it’s right on,” said Empress Nontsikelelo, a “change agent” from Sacramento. “He is the leader that we need – a leader with vision.”

“I feel optimistic,” community member John Anderson said. “I’m optimistic about Kevin’s willingness to invest four more years of his life in helping Sacramento move forward.”

Prominent figures in the Sacramento Community also spoke to support and endorse Johnson’s re-election. Speakers included Bishop Sherwood Carthen, Jimmie Yee, Betty Williams, Patrick Mulvaney, Mark Otereo, Brent Mayer and Melinda Guzman.

Betty Williams, president of the Sacramento chapter of the NAACP, says she regards Johnson as one who listens to the community.

“He hears them when they come to the City Council,” she said. “He hears them when they show up in the hundreds, and he hears them if there is only two.”

“I am impressed with our Mayor Johnson,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Jimmie Yee. “He’s been a great leader, having problems but working hard for the city and getting results. I am proud of what he has accomplished, and I know he can do so much more for the city for the next four years.”

Johnson said he plans to approach the 2012 election just as he did as a challenger in 2008.

“I am going to outwork everybody,” he said. “Let’s remember our future. Let’s not rest on our laurels. Let’s not get complacent. It’s not going to be easy, but if we come together collectively, we can make Sacramento a community that we’re extremely proud of. This can and will be a city that works for everyone. That’s ultimately my vision for Sacramento.”