RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On Monday, October 2, 2023, after a 90-day public process that included seven public hearings and community participation in drafting district maps, the Rancho Cordova City Council voted to adopt an ordinance to transition from at-large to district-based elections.

The process started when, on June 7, 2023, the City of Rancho Cordova received a letter from attorney Scott J. Rafferty, asserting that at-large elections violate the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). At the July 17, 2023 City Council meeting, the city passed a Resolution of Intent to work on transitioning to district-based elections.

Public participation was an important part of this process, and the community was invited to participate in five public hearings and two community meetings and to draw and submit maps, using an online tool. The city also conducted an extensive grassroots effort to reach the community in our diverse city.

Robust community participation in hearings and meetings resulted in more than 30 draft maps being drawn, submitted and numbered. After much discussion at hearings and meetings throughout August, September, and October 2023, the City Council voted to approve and adopt Map 516C.

Members of the Rancho Cordova City Council from Districts 1, 3 and 4 will be elected every four years beginning in the November 2024 election, and members of the City Council from Districts 2 and 5 will be elected every four years beginning in the November 2026 election. Council Districts may be amended from time to time in accordance with state law. The practice of the City Council annually appointing a member of the City Council to serve for one year as Mayor will remain the same.

Information regarding the transition to district-based elections is available at CityofRanchoCordova.org/Districts, including video recordings of the hearings and meetings, outreach materials, maps, Q&A and pertinent background.