RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – The Rancho Cordova City Council held a busy session on April 7, discussing several key initiatives, including a special proclamation, fiscal updates, homelessness strategies and the city’s new two-year strategic framework.

The meeting opened with a ceremonial proclamation recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Councilmember Linda Budge presented the proclamation to the Sons of the American Revolution, Sacramento Chapter, emphasizing the historical importance of the day.

“We’re very pleased to present this proclamation that the National League of Cities has asked us to commemorate, and we’re happy to do that,” Budge said. “April 19, 1775 marks the date of the battles that began the path to American independence. The bravery and sacrifice of those who fought are a defining symbol of liberty and self-determination.”

The proclamation was part of a nationwide effort led by the National League of Cities to encourage cities to honor the events and reflect on their enduring legacy.

In a follow-up presentation, management analyst Randi Kay Stephens provided an update on the city’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) grant process for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The city received 89 applications requesting more than $5 million in funding. However, with only $3.125-million allocated for distribution, staff is set to return on April 29 with an adjusted summary and recommendations for grants totaling approximately $1.2 million.

Councilmember David M. Sander, Ph.D., raised concerns about businesses applying for grants to expand revenue rather than fund community initiatives.

“We have this perennial issue of businesses looking to expand their revenue through a grant from us,” Sander said. “That is generally not what these are intended for. The idea is to leverage something that serves the community.”

Stephens confirmed that changes in the grant process this year include a separate funding track for economic development and a streamlined micro-grant program for smaller projects under $10,000.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the city’s Homeless Outreach Team, which includes the Rancho Cordova Police Department, Neighborhood Services Division and other community partners. Russell Ducharme, Neighborhood Services manager, presented an update on the team’s efforts, noting a slight decrease in homelessness countywide.

“The state of homelessness has increased, but in general, things have subsided a little bit in the county,” Ducharme said.

The team employs a “Service FIRST” approach, balancing accountability with compassion in its efforts to engage with the homeless population. Police Chief Matthew Tamayo emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions while also offering services, such as transportation, housing assistance and mental health support.

In a discussion about abandoned shopping carts, Mayor Siri Pulipati questioned the high number of carts collected in relation to the homeless population.

“One-hundred-and-fifty that are unhoused and 3,000 carts?” Pulipati asked.

Ducharme explained that there is no direct correlation between the number of carts and the homeless population.

“Our job is to get them off the streets, so they don’t become a problem,” Ducharme said.

Councilmember Joe Little suggested the city might need more coordination with local businesses on the issue, asking, “Are we keeping track of where these carts are coming from? It’s easy to tell, generally, based on the carts, what stores they came from.”

Ducharme acknowledged that there is room for improvement, particularly in working with businesses to ensure carts are retrieved more efficiently.

“Every company that has shopping carts has to provide the responsible party to go pick up their carts,
Ducharme said. “The challenge here is that those retrieval companies will not pick up carts with any debris in it.”

City Manager Micah Runner added “I would say there is a policy choice on how aggressive to get with your stores and there’s been a balanced approach. There is an opportunity to have a policy discussion on how aggressive to enforce their cart removal programs.”

Lastly, City Manager Micah Runner presented the council with a new strategic framework, outlining goals and priorities for the next two years. The city’s vision is to become “a unified and innovative city with a can-do approach, where quality services, infrastructure and technology, together with engaged residents, businesses and partners, create an outstanding quality of life.”

The framework includes five strategic focus areas, including growing strong neighborhoods, building robust infrastructure, leading community growth and innovation, creating vibrant community and cultural places, and promoting organizational excellence.

“I was reviewing the draft metrics, particularly in terms of making our city smarter and more sustainable. The key goal here is to focus on what innovative steps we are taking for our city. I would like to see that added as a metric, along with an additional focus on smart and sustainable initiatives,” said Pulipati.

The next Rancho Cordova City Council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. April 21 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive.