There are now two efforts by city officials to analyze plans for a new sports arena and entertainment complex in Sacramento.

While Mayor Kevin Johnson has recently assigned a task force to work on ideas for a new complex, the city manager’s office continues to participate in talks to build an arena at Cal/Expo.

Though Johnson is a city official, his task force is considered unique from the city manager's project.

Assistant City Manager John Dangberg told the City Council Tuesday that Johnson’s task force is a “private effort.” Dangberg continues to update the City Council periodically on negotiations involving Cal/Expo.

The National Basketball Association and Cal/Expo officials are involved with plans for an arena at Cal/Expo.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s 12-member “Sacramento First” task force includes real estate, finance and communications executives. Task force positions are unpaid.

The task force will make recommendations to the City Council on a sports and entertainment complex. Task force co-chairman Chris Lehane has said the group’s recommendations may be ready in mid-March.

The task force is meeting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, at the South Natomas Community Center. At that meeting, a panel will explain how arenas elsewhere -- including the Staples Center in Los Angeles and AT&T Park in San Francisco -- have provided benefits to cities. The meeting is open to the public.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.