SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Former NBA star Kevin Johnson formally announced Wednesday that he will run for Sacramento mayor, and that he wants to create a strong economy with jobs and put more police on the streets.

"We need a change in the city and I believe we need a change now," Johnson said.

Johnson, 42, made his announcement at the Guild Theater in Oak Park.

During his speech, he said wants to build a strong economy in Sacramento with jobs, increase police presence on the streets to fight crime, and ensure city government is run efficiently and is responsive to its residents.

"After weeks of soul-searching, I've come to the unequivocal conclusion that I have to do this because we need change in this city, and we need it now. I am here today to announce my candidacy for mayor of Sacramento because I believe I can lead this change, and together we can spark this change throughout the city," Johnson said in a statement.

Johnson urged people to vote in the upcoming mayoral election, and said it doesn't matter who gets their vote, as long as they participate in the democratic process.

"I'm here to tell you I'm an outsider and I'm proud of it," Johnson said.

Johnson has an appointment Thursday to file paperwork with the city clerk.

Incumbent Mayor Heather Fargo, general contractor Shawn Eldredge and real estate broker Richard Jones have all filed official paperwork to run.

"We've been making a lot of progress throughout the city," Fargo said. "He has a great image and a great star quality as a basketball player, but that's a far different job than being mayor of a city."

As for her run for a third term as mayor, Fargo said voters should consider both her and Johnson's records before choosing a candidate.

"We both have been entrusted with public money, taxpayer money, and I think we need to review those records, and I think the public will be much more comfortable with mine," Fargo said. "The improvements that he's touting in Oak Park were all done with taxpayer money and that's why we have to take a look at that."

Johnson attended Sacramento High School and played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns. He is the founder of St. Hope Academy.