Congratulations for a very well-deserved national designation, as reported by the Rancho Cordova Post.
An excerpt.
“The city of Rancho Cordova has joined the prestigious ranks of more than 500 communities from around the country to be selected as an All American City! Every year, the National Civic League honors ten communities countrywide for their civic accomplishments. Community members found out months ago that Rancho Cordova had been selected for the second consecutive year, as an All-America City finalist.
“Each of the 27 communities that were chosen as finalists have spent the week in Kansas City, Missouri culminating in a 10 minute presentation and a 10 minute question and answer period earlier today. The 2010 All-America City finalists have addressed issues such as serving youth despite financial hurdles, diversifying the labor force, providing affordable housing, and increasing the tax base to fund schools.
“The delegation of community members from Rancho Cordova presented three projects that represent the city. Project 680, led by Ryan Lundquist, is a community driven effort that collects much needed, socks, underwear, and shoes for homeless children in the area. Rancho Cordova Cultural Heritage (Saturday) Schools, a collaborative effort of immigrant parents and the Folsom Cordova Unified School District to preserve and honor arts and culture of mother countries. The Rancho Cordova City Hall Project provides a “civic heart” for Rancho Cordova, incubating business and community engagement as well as serving as a home for municipal services.
“The full list of 2010 All America City winners include [alphabetically by state]: Chandler, Arizona; Lynwood, California; Rancho Cordova, California; North Miami, Florida; Acworth, Georgia; Des Moines, Iowa; Salisbury, Maryland; Gastonia, North Carolina; Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; El Paso, Texas.”
Showing posts with label Rancho Cordova. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rancho Cordova. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, July 20, 2009
Rancho Cordova Vision
Ted Gaebler, city manger of Rancho Cordova, one of the most astute and skilled pubic administrators in our region, further validated by the national award he just won, explains his vision for Rancho Cordova in this story from the Rancho Cordova Post.
An excerpt.
“City Manager Ted Gaebler has a dream for Rancho Cordova, and it is one he is intent on fulfilling.
"Gaebler, who just won the ICMA Career Development Award and is also the best-selling author of “Reinventing Government,” spoke to members of the Cordova Community Council yesterday at their monthly luncheon about how the government behind the city is run and where he sees it going in the future.
“We specifically set out not to build a government that would start out being disrespectful,” he said. “They wanted me to create a community that we can be proud of.”
“When Gaebler joined the city in Oct. 2003, the City Council charged him with helping to shape the way their government would grow.
“Their aim was to create ”a city government that has never existed before in California,” he said.
“That’s been in writing for six years, and it guides what we as a staff do. We’re trying to create something that gets back to the luster, joy and hope and aspirations that Americans have for their institutions.”
“He described the government he and the City Council set out to create as “different, more respected and less bureaucratic,” as well as more flexible and innovative.”
An excerpt.
“City Manager Ted Gaebler has a dream for Rancho Cordova, and it is one he is intent on fulfilling.
"Gaebler, who just won the ICMA Career Development Award and is also the best-selling author of “Reinventing Government,” spoke to members of the Cordova Community Council yesterday at their monthly luncheon about how the government behind the city is run and where he sees it going in the future.
“We specifically set out not to build a government that would start out being disrespectful,” he said. “They wanted me to create a community that we can be proud of.”
“When Gaebler joined the city in Oct. 2003, the City Council charged him with helping to shape the way their government would grow.
“Their aim was to create ”a city government that has never existed before in California,” he said.
“That’s been in writing for six years, and it guides what we as a staff do. We’re trying to create something that gets back to the luster, joy and hope and aspirations that Americans have for their institutions.”
“He described the government he and the City Council set out to create as “different, more respected and less bureaucratic,” as well as more flexible and innovative.”
Monday, July 13, 2009
Rancho Cordova Governance
We could not agree more with this editorial from the Sacramento Bee and have been a fan of the Rancho Cordova governance model from the beginning, advocating for their inclusion among the governing entities for the Parkway.
The type of public private partnership and entrepreneurship they represent was written about in a classic text in the public administration field, Reinventing Government: How the Entrepreneurial Sprit is Transforming the Public Sector, by David Osborne and Ted Gaebler.
Ted Gaebler is the city manger of Rancho Cordova.
An excerpt from the Bee editorial.
“Citing the state's inability to close its budget deficit, Fitch, the bond rating service, downgraded California's bonds last week from A- to BBB. The downgrade could cost the state's taxpayers as much as $7.5 billion in added interest over a 30-year period.
“But as California's credit rating falls, the ratings for the city of Rancho Cordova, population 65,000, have risen. Standard & Poor's, another national rating service, last month upgraded the city's credit rating two notches, to A+.
“It's difficult to compare a city the size of Rancho Cordova with the state of California and its 38 million residents. Rancho Cordova has a measly $27.1 million in debt. California owes $77.6 billion. Less debt makes maintaining good credit a lot easier.
“That said, there are things about the way Rancho Cordova conducts business that the state and local governments such as Sacramento County, which, like the state, had its credit rating downgraded recently, might want to emulate.
“Like the rest of the world, Rancho Cordova has experienced a severe drop in income during the current recession. Sales and property tax revenue fell 19 percent last year.
“But the city didn't wait months or years to react to declining income. As soon as receipts started dropping, City Manager Ted Gaebler, in consultation with the City Council, began trimming expenses. The city cut its number of building inspectors from double digits to just two. The city also cut back on street maintenance.”
The type of public private partnership and entrepreneurship they represent was written about in a classic text in the public administration field, Reinventing Government: How the Entrepreneurial Sprit is Transforming the Public Sector, by David Osborne and Ted Gaebler.
Ted Gaebler is the city manger of Rancho Cordova.
An excerpt from the Bee editorial.
“Citing the state's inability to close its budget deficit, Fitch, the bond rating service, downgraded California's bonds last week from A- to BBB. The downgrade could cost the state's taxpayers as much as $7.5 billion in added interest over a 30-year period.
“But as California's credit rating falls, the ratings for the city of Rancho Cordova, population 65,000, have risen. Standard & Poor's, another national rating service, last month upgraded the city's credit rating two notches, to A+.
“It's difficult to compare a city the size of Rancho Cordova with the state of California and its 38 million residents. Rancho Cordova has a measly $27.1 million in debt. California owes $77.6 billion. Less debt makes maintaining good credit a lot easier.
“That said, there are things about the way Rancho Cordova conducts business that the state and local governments such as Sacramento County, which, like the state, had its credit rating downgraded recently, might want to emulate.
“Like the rest of the world, Rancho Cordova has experienced a severe drop in income during the current recession. Sales and property tax revenue fell 19 percent last year.
“But the city didn't wait months or years to react to declining income. As soon as receipts started dropping, City Manager Ted Gaebler, in consultation with the City Council, began trimming expenses. The city cut its number of building inspectors from double digits to just two. The city also cut back on street maintenance.”
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Eppies Great Race
One of Sacramento’s wonderful traditions, attracting people from far and wide, is Eppie's triathlon on the Parkway, and it is on board for later this month as reported by the Rancho Cordova Post.
An excerpt.
“Some of us cringe at the thought of running 6 miles. Then add in cycling over 12 miles… No thanks. If that isn’t enough for your morning work out, try paddling for another 6 miles. While many would prefer to cheer from the sidelines, others will challenge themselves in what may be the oldest triathlon in the world. Every year, Eppie’s Great Race turns the American River Parkway along Rancho Cordova into an all out triathlon.
“On Saturday, July 18th, athletes will turn out for Eppie’s Great Race; a triathlon including a 5.82 mile run, 12.5 mile cycle, and 6.35 mile paddle. The start times begin at 8, and the adaptive divisions (one person must have a disability) begin just two minutes earlier. There are many team divisions to choose from, where different people take on their own individual leg of the race. The ironpersons division is for the hard core triathlete who will take on each leg on their own.”
An excerpt.
“Some of us cringe at the thought of running 6 miles. Then add in cycling over 12 miles… No thanks. If that isn’t enough for your morning work out, try paddling for another 6 miles. While many would prefer to cheer from the sidelines, others will challenge themselves in what may be the oldest triathlon in the world. Every year, Eppie’s Great Race turns the American River Parkway along Rancho Cordova into an all out triathlon.
“On Saturday, July 18th, athletes will turn out for Eppie’s Great Race; a triathlon including a 5.82 mile run, 12.5 mile cycle, and 6.35 mile paddle. The start times begin at 8, and the adaptive divisions (one person must have a disability) begin just two minutes earlier. There are many team divisions to choose from, where different people take on their own individual leg of the race. The ironpersons division is for the hard core triathlete who will take on each leg on their own.”
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Rancho Cordova
Several days ago Rancho Cordova was notified that it is a finalist for an award as a great American city, and it is an acknowledgement surely merited, as this Sacramento Business Journal story reveals.
This puts Rancho Cordova into pretty good company as you can see by the list of other finalists.
We were living in Gold River when Rancho was in the initial process of its incorporation and I tried to get my neighbors to join the effort, but was unsuccessful; though the subsequent history has certainly shown that it would have been a smart move by Gold River to have become part of the new city.
There are many reasons for Rancho Cordova’s success, beginning with the folks who led the effort and continue to exert their wise influence over its growth.
The hiring of Ted Gaebler, one of the country’s best public administrators and the co-author of a public administration classic, Reinventing Government: How the Entrepreneurial Spirit is Transforming the Public Sector, was a very good decision; and even the struggle with Sacramento County during the incorporation and after, all of which led to a baptism by fire of the new city and its leaders, developing skills that are serving them well now.
One of the major results of the incorporation has been their involvment in the American River Parkway, which is a very good thing.
An excerpt from the news story.
“Rancho Cordova is a finalist for an All-America City Award, a high-profile honor that recognizes communities that address issues from crime to economic development.
“The city, which was incorporated in 2003, is among 32 finalists for the honor. The National Civic League will award 10 cities with the All-America City Award in June in Tampa, Fla.
“We feel honored and privileged to be finalists in this very prestigious competition,” Rancho Cordova city manager Ted Gaebler said in a news release. “Even though we are a young city, we have responded to and developed strong relationships with the various segments of our community that demonstrate the inclusiveness, collaboration, civic engagement and innovation of the All-America City Award.”
“The city has earned a two-step upgrade in its bond rating to an A+ by Standard & Poor’s, and Rancho curbed property and violent crimes by 25 percent and 14 percent during the past year, respectively.”
This puts Rancho Cordova into pretty good company as you can see by the list of other finalists.
We were living in Gold River when Rancho was in the initial process of its incorporation and I tried to get my neighbors to join the effort, but was unsuccessful; though the subsequent history has certainly shown that it would have been a smart move by Gold River to have become part of the new city.
There are many reasons for Rancho Cordova’s success, beginning with the folks who led the effort and continue to exert their wise influence over its growth.
The hiring of Ted Gaebler, one of the country’s best public administrators and the co-author of a public administration classic, Reinventing Government: How the Entrepreneurial Spirit is Transforming the Public Sector, was a very good decision; and even the struggle with Sacramento County during the incorporation and after, all of which led to a baptism by fire of the new city and its leaders, developing skills that are serving them well now.
One of the major results of the incorporation has been their involvment in the American River Parkway, which is a very good thing.
An excerpt from the news story.
“Rancho Cordova is a finalist for an All-America City Award, a high-profile honor that recognizes communities that address issues from crime to economic development.
“The city, which was incorporated in 2003, is among 32 finalists for the honor. The National Civic League will award 10 cities with the All-America City Award in June in Tampa, Fla.
“We feel honored and privileged to be finalists in this very prestigious competition,” Rancho Cordova city manager Ted Gaebler said in a news release. “Even though we are a young city, we have responded to and developed strong relationships with the various segments of our community that demonstrate the inclusiveness, collaboration, civic engagement and innovation of the All-America City Award.”
“The city has earned a two-step upgrade in its bond rating to an A+ by Standard & Poor’s, and Rancho curbed property and violent crimes by 25 percent and 14 percent during the past year, respectively.”
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Rancho Cordova Bond Ratings
One of our local cities is doing well financially, as reported by the Rancho Cordova Post.
An excerpt.
“A report issued by financial leader Standard & Poor’s, upgrades the City of Rancho Cordova by two steps to an A+ rating. “This is outstanding news for such a new city, especially in trying economic times,” said Dan Skoglund, Mayor of Rancho Cordova.
“This is a great recognition of the hard and conscientious work of our City Manager, Ted Gaebler, our Finance Director, Donna Silva, and the rest of the staff who works day in and day out to make our city fiscally sound,” the Mayor continued.
“This boost in our bond rating is a tribute to our staff and Council,” said Ted Gaebler, City Manager. “This is a strong and thriving city which is especially significant in light of the downgrading of the State’s credit rating.” Standard and Poor’s downgraded the State of California to an A in February and Fitch just reported a downgrading on the State from A1 to A2. California now has the lowest bond rating in the nation.”
An excerpt.
“A report issued by financial leader Standard & Poor’s, upgrades the City of Rancho Cordova by two steps to an A+ rating. “This is outstanding news for such a new city, especially in trying economic times,” said Dan Skoglund, Mayor of Rancho Cordova.
“This is a great recognition of the hard and conscientious work of our City Manager, Ted Gaebler, our Finance Director, Donna Silva, and the rest of the staff who works day in and day out to make our city fiscally sound,” the Mayor continued.
“This boost in our bond rating is a tribute to our staff and Council,” said Ted Gaebler, City Manager. “This is a strong and thriving city which is especially significant in light of the downgrading of the State’s credit rating.” Standard and Poor’s downgraded the State of California to an A in February and Fitch just reported a downgrading on the State from A1 to A2. California now has the lowest bond rating in the nation.”
Friday, October 10, 2008
Rancho Cordova Development
A new development was recommended for approval by Sacramento County Planning Commission, consisting of about 1,400 acres, and best of all, it has plans for trail space connecting to the American River Parkway.
An excerpt from the Rancho Cordova Post article.
“The development plan includes 4,883 units of residential in various densities and 4.2-million square feet of other development, including 1.3 million square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment venues and 2.9 million square feet of office space and fine art venues, among other things. The area would also include 480 acres of open space and parks and a network of biking and walking trails that would be conveniently linked to the American River Parkway and the Hazel Light Rail station.
“The project is located between Hazel Avenue and Prairie City Road south of Highway 50 and will be the first building venture for GenCorp. Sacramento County is preparing a final EIS for the County Board of Supervisors hearings that will occur later in the year. The project also will need approvals from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service before any more can be done.”
An excerpt from the Rancho Cordova Post article.
“The development plan includes 4,883 units of residential in various densities and 4.2-million square feet of other development, including 1.3 million square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment venues and 2.9 million square feet of office space and fine art venues, among other things. The area would also include 480 acres of open space and parks and a network of biking and walking trails that would be conveniently linked to the American River Parkway and the Hazel Light Rail station.
“The project is located between Hazel Avenue and Prairie City Road south of Highway 50 and will be the first building venture for GenCorp. Sacramento County is preparing a final EIS for the County Board of Supervisors hearings that will occur later in the year. The project also will need approvals from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service before any more can be done.”
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Parkway Editorial
We couldn’t agree more!
Editorial: Parkway politics
County shouldn't ask Rancho for a dime
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, June 28, 2007
The beautiful American River continues to remain the site of an ugly display of politics and petulance in Sacramento County. In short, Sacramento County wants to maintain an excessive amount of control over the river. Meanwhile, it wants money from the city of Rancho Cordova, which borders the river.
The money is for parkway planning. But the planning process is a case study in outdated governance and inappropriate behavior by all involved. The county launched a new discussion of parkway management after the creation of Rancho Cordova in 2003.
It could have advanced the legislative changes necessary to give the new city a direct seat at the table. But it didn't. It proceeded as if the new city (which it never really supported) didn't exist.
Inevitable friction surfaced. Rancho Cordova realized it was treated as the jilted cousin along the river. And it reacted in kind. State Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks, drafted a bill to give Rancho Cordova equal say in the governance of the parkway.
The county was outraged. Cox was easily outflanked by Sacramento's Democratic allies. The county preferred to be indignant rather than to get the message: It is time to share power.
Editorial: Parkway politics
County shouldn't ask Rancho for a dime
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, June 28, 2007
The beautiful American River continues to remain the site of an ugly display of politics and petulance in Sacramento County. In short, Sacramento County wants to maintain an excessive amount of control over the river. Meanwhile, it wants money from the city of Rancho Cordova, which borders the river.
The money is for parkway planning. But the planning process is a case study in outdated governance and inappropriate behavior by all involved. The county launched a new discussion of parkway management after the creation of Rancho Cordova in 2003.
It could have advanced the legislative changes necessary to give the new city a direct seat at the table. But it didn't. It proceeded as if the new city (which it never really supported) didn't exist.
Inevitable friction surfaced. Rancho Cordova realized it was treated as the jilted cousin along the river. And it reacted in kind. State Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks, drafted a bill to give Rancho Cordova equal say in the governance of the parkway.
The county was outraged. Cox was easily outflanked by Sacramento's Democratic allies. The county preferred to be indignant rather than to get the message: It is time to share power.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Rancho Cordova & the Parkway
Some good comments mixed in this political endorsement editorial about Parkway governance and Rancho Cordova’s role in it.
An excerpt.
Editorial: Rancho Cordova
Vote for Linda Budge and Dan Skoglund
- Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, October 6, 2006
Incorporated just four years ago, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County's latest new city, is off to a rollicking good start. Its first-generation City Council has been smart, congenial and productive. The only complaint: Council meetings have run too long, a problem that largely has been corrected.
Like most of the region's new cities, Rancho Cordova has followed a contract model, negotiating mostly with private vendors rather than the county for municipal services such as garbage removal and animal control. Using that model, Rancho Cordova has been able to deliver better services to residents at lower costs than the county.
The council has moved quickly to spruce up the city's aging core, especially along gritty Folsom Boulevard.
It has engaged in a number of important issues, most notably governance of the American River Parkway, the regional jewel that slices through Rancho Cordova. City leaders have pushed hard to gain authority to decide what happens on the 14 miles of river parklands within city limits.
Some county officials see Rancho Cordova leaders' actions as intrusive, but it makes sense for cities to partner with the county in maintaining the parkway and planning for its future. The county should welcome city input, particularly if the engagement comes with city revenues.
An excerpt.
Editorial: Rancho Cordova
Vote for Linda Budge and Dan Skoglund
- Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, October 6, 2006
Incorporated just four years ago, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County's latest new city, is off to a rollicking good start. Its first-generation City Council has been smart, congenial and productive. The only complaint: Council meetings have run too long, a problem that largely has been corrected.
Like most of the region's new cities, Rancho Cordova has followed a contract model, negotiating mostly with private vendors rather than the county for municipal services such as garbage removal and animal control. Using that model, Rancho Cordova has been able to deliver better services to residents at lower costs than the county.
The council has moved quickly to spruce up the city's aging core, especially along gritty Folsom Boulevard.
It has engaged in a number of important issues, most notably governance of the American River Parkway, the regional jewel that slices through Rancho Cordova. City leaders have pushed hard to gain authority to decide what happens on the 14 miles of river parklands within city limits.
Some county officials see Rancho Cordova leaders' actions as intrusive, but it makes sense for cities to partner with the county in maintaining the parkway and planning for its future. The county should welcome city input, particularly if the engagement comes with city revenues.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)