Garrett Gatewood stands alongside his wife as he is sworn in by Steven Gatewood as the 2026 Rancho Cordova Mayor during the Dec. 15 City Council meeting. Photo courtesy of the City

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova City Council selected its leadership for 2026 during a special meeting Dec. 15, appointing Vice Mayor Garrett Gatewood as mayor and Councilmember Linda Budge as vice mayor following public comment and council discussion.

The appointments were made in accordance with City Council Resolution No. 131-2025, which governs the annual selection of council leadership officers. The council amended earlier resolutions No. 5-2004 and No. 185-2004 on Nov. 17, to update the date for those years selection do Dec. 15. The swearing-in for both positions took place later that day at the regular City Council meeting.

City Clerk Stacy Leitner outlined the process for selecting the city’s mayor and vice mayor, noting that while the council typically follows a rotation among its members, there is no fixed or mandated order.

“While the selection is a rotation amongst council members, it’s important to note that there is no fixed or mandated order for which that rotation takes place. It is up to the City Council to determine who will serve in these particular leadership roles,” said Leitner. “This is an annual process and provides the opportunity for each council member over time to be considered.”

Several residents addressed the council during public comment, urging specific appointments and raising concerns about council dynamics.

Helen Whelan Bashaw, a Rancho Cordova resident, criticized deviations from what she described as an established order and voiced support for Councilmember Joe Little.

“I would like to discuss this issue of rotating people around to the juniors at the bottom of the list. I think that’s appalling,” Bashaw said. “In order to train and develop the whole council you need to keep to the order that was established. Garrett Gatewood should be moved to mayor and Joe Little to vice mayor.”

Bashaw also expressed concern about how Little, the council’s newest member, has been treated.

“My concern is based on outward displays of contempt towards Joe Little,” Bashaw said. “Joe Little’s legal background makes him a vital asset to the council as he understands the legal cause and effect when self-motivated decisions are made favoring a particular interest and the people’s interest.”

Another resident, James Garcia, submitted comments echoing support for Gatewood as mayor and Little as vice mayor.

“I am writing to respectfully recommend that the City Council nominate Vice Mayor Garrett Gatewood as mayor and Councilmember Joe Little as vice mayor,” Garcia said.

Following public comment, Councilmember David M. Sander, Ph.D. made a motion to nominate Gatewood for mayor and Budge for vice mayor. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Siri Pulipati and passed by the council.

With the vote, Gatewood will serve as Rancho Cordova’s mayor for 2026, while Budge will assume the role of vice mayor. The formal swearing-in and ceremonial presentations took place later that evening during the City Council’s regular meeting.

 City Clerk Stacy Leitner administered the oath of office to Vice Mayor Linda Budge during the Dec. 15 City Council meeting. Photo courtesy of the City

City Clerk Stacy Leitner administered the oath of office to Vice Mayor Linda Budge, who swore to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” adding that she accepted the obligation freely and would “well and faithfully discharge the duties” of her office.

Mayor Garrett Gatewood was sworn in by Steven Gatewood and addressed the audience following the oath. Gatewood expressed gratitude and reflected on the historic significance of his appointment.

“I am truly honored to be the mayor of Rancho Cordova,” Gatewood said. “It’s going to be such an amazing year. I am the first African American male to be elected as a councilmember, but also the mayor of this city. Thank you to my wife, my parents and my friends.”

Gatewood outlined three priorities he said will guide his term: technology, economic development and service to the community.

The meeting also included a presentation recognizing outgoing Mayor Siri Pulipati for her year of service. Gatewood praised Pulipati’s leadership and noted the milestones achieved during her tenure.

“This year, Siri made history as the first woman of color to serve as mayor,” Gatewood said. “She brought a calm, thoughtful and community-centered approach to the role. She put strong emphasis on the issues residents cared most about — safe neighborhoods, clean and connected communities, and programs to uplift our kids.”

Gatewood highlighted progress made under Pulipati’s leadership, including public safety initiatives such as new technology tools, the Real Time Innovation Center, expanded efforts to address mail theft and the launch of a new neighborhood watch program.

The meeting also included a presentation recognizing outgoing Mayor Siri Pulipati for her year of service. She stands alongside her two children and mom at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

“She made technology and education a priority for our city,” Gatewood said. “The one thing Siri kept front and center all year long was our young people.”

Pulipati also addressed the council and community, reflecting on her time as mayor and her ongoing commitment to public service.

“A major part of my job is listening to the residents,” Pulipati said. “That’s what I’ve been doing all of my years as a councilmember and now as mayor. I go by three things whenever I rule on anything. that it is legally, ethically and morally correct.”

Pulipati said her priorities of education, public safety and economic development will continue as she remains on the council.

“I do have high hopes for the city,” Pulipati said. “As for myself, I’m here to serve in any capacity that I can.”