On Tuesday, the Sacramento City Council voted 7-2 to move ahead with further investigation of a plan to lease out city parking lots with the goal of raising nearly $250 million towards construction of a new a new downtown arena. This was a big step in the right direction and gives fans a clearer idea of which council members are likely to support this project when it comes down to a final vote in early 2012. Mayor Kevin Johnson is meeting with NBA commissioner David Stern on Friday to discuss funding amounts to be issued by the NBA and Maloofs. He will be bringing a representative from AEG, the firm selected to manage the proposed arena.