ELK GROVE - The city of Tracy did it. Now Elk Grove is trying to lure consumers to its auto mall with a pretty attractive offer. Car buyers can earn five-hundred dollars in gift certificates starting August 1. The city council unanimously approved a stimulus plan Tuesday night. It's aimed at pumping money into the local economy. The gift certificates are valid at Elk Grove businesses. This comes at a time when car sales have been dropping.

"The sales tax that has been generated at the auto mall has been decreasing and it has been significant," said Becky Craig, Elk Grove's finance director.

"There's never been a better time to buy a new car with the federal stimulus rebates, the cash for clunkers, savings on your income tax. Now the city's thrown a little extra sweet thing on top of it," said John Driebe, general manager of Elk Grove Nissan.

Local business owners hope the program will encourage people to shop local.

"I think it's pretty good. It'll stimulate people to do something, because you're going to get something back. Nowadays you have to make your money work for you," said Yolanda Regalado, of Elk Grove Boutique.

You don't have to be an Elk Grove resident to participate, as long as you purchase the car there. Only the first five-hundred car buyers will receive the gift cards.