The City of Rancho Cordova officially incorporated on July 1, 2003, becoming the 478th city in California. 

Rancho Cordova had a 40-year endeavor to become its own city, starting in the 1960s. The community chose to incorporate to further improve its identity and quality of life, increase representation and accessibility of local government, provide greater control over local decisions affecting the community, and provide an increased level of service to residents.

Watch the documentary film Rancho Cordova: From the Gold Rush to the Space Race to learn about our city's history and how we got to where we are today.

Milestones

Approximately 78% of voters voted in favor of incorporation on November 5, 2002. Five longtime residents and community leaders were elected to be the first Council Members, including Linda Budge, Kenneth Cooley, Robert McGarvey, David Roberts, and David Sander.

In 2010, our city accomplished another milestone with the annexation of a 1.2 square mile sliver of land south of Highway 50, between Sunrise Boulevard and Hazel Avenue.

Rancho Cordova Today

Today, the city is an emerging urban center with a small-town feel. Our workforce of 65,000+ makes us one of the largest employment centers in the region, and our over 81,000 residents enjoy both new and existing homes for every budget and lifestyle.

Whether you call us All-America City, Playful City USA or Tree City USA, our friendly and safe neighborhoods reflect diversity, opportunity, partnerships and fun, making Rancho Cordova a community where anyone can live, work, learn and play.

Learn more about the city by visiting the links below.