At the Feb. 17 City Council meeting U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. joined council members to present a proclamation recognizing March 21 as National Day of Play. From left are Mayor Garrett Gatewood, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, Councilmember David Sander, Ph.D. (back), Vice Mayor Linda Budge (front), Councilmember Joe Little and City Manager Micah Runner. Photo courtesy of U.S. Representative Ami Bera

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova City Council on Feb. 17 recognized a new national initiative encouraging outdoor activity, approved increased funding for a local college scholarship program and authorized staff to explore potential sites for future community centers.

The meeting opened with a proclamation recognizing March 21, 2026, as National Day of Play, a community-driven effort aimed at encouraging device-free outdoor activities and strengthening social connections.

Earlier that day, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. joined city leaders at a press conference to discuss bipartisan legislation in Congress to designate the first Saturday after the spring equinox as the National Day of Play.

Mayor Garrett Gatewood said the initiative addresses growing concerns about social isolation and declining physical activity.

“The U.S. surgeon general has declared an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation causing depression, heart disease, dementia and shortened lifespan,” Gatewood said. “Play is fundamental in social connection and, as you know, we are a fun city.”

Bera said the proposal is intended to help rebuild a sense of community nationwide.

“Within Congress, Democrats and Republicans, a handful of us have really been talking about how we rebuild a sense of community, a sense of country,” Bera said. “Rancho Cordova already does this through its festivals and various community events. We really just want folks to get out and enjoy the beauty of our region. Let’s go out and play.”

Later in the meeting, council members received an update on the Rancho Cordova College Promise Program, presented by city staff and partners from Folsom Lake College.

The program, launched with the graduating class of 2017, aims to reduce financial and informational barriers that can prevent local students from enrolling in and completing college. It serves Rancho Cordova graduates and veterans, particularly low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students. The program provides up to $886 per semester for up to two years, with participation requirements.

City staff asked the council to provide direction for the next Community Enhancement & Investment Fund cycle by choosing whether to maintain current funding or expand the program.

Under the current funding level of $150,000 per year, the program is estimated to support 62 to 74 students, with capacity for up to 18 new students annually. Increasing funding to $200,000 per year would support an estimated 83 to 99 students and allow up to 41 new students each year.

Ian Winbrock, a management analyst with the city, said participation projections are based on historic enrollment patterns and could grow with expanded outreach.

Dr. Art Pimentel, president of Folsom Lake College, said the city’s investment has helped improve student success.

“The commitment that Rancho Cordova has made has been exceptional,” Pimentel said. “The students that you are investing in are making sure they are returning that investment by succeeding and completing.”

In terms of student success Winbrock said persistence is used as one of the strongest features of the program.

“Persistence is one of the strongest early indicators that a student is going to complete some form of certificate,” said Winbrock. “The Rancho Cordova College Promise Program has a significantly higher persistence rate relative to the college-wide persistence rate in Folsom Lake College.”

During public comment, resident Helen Beshaw asked for more clarity on program expectations and outcomes.

“I want to make sure that there is a contract written that gives a standard and lets the public know what the expectation for those students are,” Beshaw said. “We need to see what the real return of our investment is.”

Several council members expressed support for expanding the program.

“This is the cheapest use of money to the greatest effect in the city. I am fully in favor,” said Gatewood.

Councilmember David Sander, Ph.D. said he did not want the city to be in a position of turning students away.

The council voted unanimously to approve the higher funding option with Councilmember Siri Pulipati absent.

The council also unanimously approved the appointment of real property negotiators to explore potential sites for future community centers and other civic improvements.

City Attorney Adam Lindgren said the action allows staff to discuss potential acquisitions of several properties, including locations on International Drive, Gold Canal Drive, Zinfandel Drive and Sunrise Boulevard.

“I personally think we shouldn’t be discussing half of these, some of these sound like a waste of time, but I’ll move to pass the motion,” said Vice Mayor Linda Budge.

Resident James Garcia urged the city to consider accessibility and parking when evaluating potential sites.

“Think location, think purpose and not just ‘this is a property we can buy,’ because it may not fit the need for everything that it needs to do,” Garcia said.

In another discussion item, the council considered possible changes to its discretionary funding program, which provides money for local nonprofits and community activities.

The program, established in the 2006-07 fiscal year, allocates $12,500 annually to the mayor and $10,000 to each council member. The amounts have not changed since the program began.

City Manager Micah Runner said staff reviewed how other local agencies manage discretionary funds and found approaches vary widely.

Council members discussed increasing the allocation to either $15,000 or $20,000 across the board. Councilmember Joe Little said $15,000 could be appropriate when compared with neighboring cities.

Gatewood ultimately proposed raising the amount to $20,000.

“There’s a lot of nonprofits as we have grown as a city and we have a lot more people in need,” Gatewood said.

Sander said the funding often helps organizations that provide immediate services in the community.

“These dollars all end up with local nonprofits,” Sander said. “It saves the city some time because we can make rapid decisions as an individual.”

The council voted unanimously to increase the discretionary funding amount to $20,000, with Pulipati absent.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for March 2 at 5:30 p.m. with a special meeting starting at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive.