RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Items discussed at the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on June 1 included the Jobs and Talent Attraction Economic Incentive Program and Award aimed at diversifying the local economy and creating high quality jobs.

The City of Rancho Cordova's Economic Development Jobs and Talent Attraction Program attracts new businesses, headquarters and expansions within targeted industries. By encouraging these entities to establish operations or grow their employee base within the city, the program seeks to enhance Rancho Cordova's competitive edge.

The second resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with Clutch for a Jobs and Talent Attraction Economic Incentive Award marks a significant step forward in partnership with Clutch, a local enterprise located at 3249 Quality Drive.

Mayor David M. Sander, Ph.D., welcomed Clutch, expressing optimism: "It's a pleasure to have you guys here and we are benefiting as a community. We look forward to a strong and fruitful partnership."

This program targets headquarters companies, expansions and satellite operations, aiming to generate at least 20 new net jobs. Any position with a base salary of $100,00 in W-2 wages qualifies for a $10,000 incentive paid over five years, contingent upon the job's retention. Employers must enforce a "work from the office" policy for at least three days per week.

Discussions on the job requirements, specifically the “work from the office policy” for a minimum of three days, sparked debate.

Councilmember Linda Budge raised concerns about mandatory office presence: "When you tell the employer they are mandated to be in the office a certain number of days a week, it messes with their personal practices."

City Manager Micah Runner defended the policy as essential for maximizing return on investment. But Councilmember Donald Terry expressed openness to flexibility: "If this was the sticking point between landing somebody and not landing somebody, I'm OK with that not being there as a mandatory thing."

Sander highlighted the advantage of having people in the office as they are more likely to shop and live in the area and said, “Three days a week might be reasonable but I think there is also the need to probably have some consideration on how that might work. We might need a bit of flexibility.”

Another resolution, approving a Conditional Use Permit, marked another step toward the Mather Veterans Village Phase 4 housing project aimed at supporting homeless and disabled veterans. Adoption of the resolution would also adopt findings overruling the Airport Land Use Commission incompatibility determination.

Councilmember Donald Terry highlighted the project's significance: "We saw a 30% reduction in homeless counts, we are at the precipice of getting to functional zero for veteran homelessness within the city."

Councilmember Garret Gatewood praised the project's location: "Homeless veteran housing on a retired air base next to a VA hospital — you can't plan it better than that." 

The Rancho Cordova Class XVII of Leadership Rancho Cordova presented a needed check to the Rancho Cordova Food Locker.

Executive director Carrie Johnson expressed the importance of the Leadership Rancho Cordova program: “This program is invaluable to our city promoting better ways to collaborate, communicate and lead this great city.”

The class raised an impressive $36,000, resulting in a $20,000 donation to the Food Locker, which provides food- related support to those in need.

Sander praised the initiative stating, “It is so great to see leaders in our community come together to achieve something special for our community.”

Celebrations continued as Rancho Cordova officially marked its 21st anniversary.

“It’s remarkable to think how far we have come as a city and the efforts we have undertaken,” Sander said, reflecting on the city’s journey.