RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The City of Rancho Cordova’s Council Member David M. Sander, Ph.D., has been elected Vice Chair of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) for 2018 and is expected to serve as Chair for 2019. Council Member Sander will fill in as Chair for the absent Chairman at the SACOG Board Meetings, as well as serve on the Strategic Planning Committee that organizes and advises staff on the annual calendar of work at the agency.

“Vice Chair David Sander has demonstrated that collaboration and innovation from communities large and small in our region are what will propel us to greater success,” says James Corless, the CEO of SACOG. “He brings innovative thinking around pilot testing, performance measurement, and evaluation to all projects at SACOG. He understands that their strengths come from the diversity of our region, making him an excellent leader for our council of governments."

SACOG is an association comprised of local governments in the six-county Sacramento Region. Its members include the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, YOLO, Yuba and the 22 cities that are within.

They identify its purpose as providing transportation planning and funding for the region, and serves as a forum for the study and resolution of regional issues. They also approve the distribution of affordable housing in the region and assists in planning for transit, bicycle networks, clean air and airport land uses.

“SACOG is at an interesting point in its history, having achieved some national renown, and is considered one of the best Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Council of Governments in the nation,” says Council Member Sander. “That comes with opportunities and responsibilities for the organization. We need to stay on the cutting edge of transportation analysis, planning, and investments – and also make sure our region competes at the highest level for state and federal transportation grant funding.”

The impact on the City of Rancho Cordova will become even more crucial to the development of the City, given the influx of residents that now call Rancho Cordova their home, place of business, and place of leisure.

“It’s important that Rancho Cordova be active at SACOG, and that we are a leader in the region on best practices for local government in terms of efficiency and innovation in our transportation spending,” says Council Member Sander. “We need not only the best road and bike infrastructure for our residents, but also one that works for our business community. We also need to plan for the future in terms of our own growth as a City, as well as for changing technologies in transportation, such as automated cars, automated transit, or other intelligent transportation options. Being active at SACOG maximizes Rancho Cordova’s opportunities in these areas.”