On Friday, November 7, the Inaugural State of the City Address was given by Rancho Cordova Mayor Linda Budge. The address which was hosted by the Cordova Community Council was held in the City Hall. The luncheon event for residents, business, community and civic leaders was hosted by Councilman David Sander and included many notable local leaders including Sacramento County Supervisor Don Notolli and even a special guest appearance by Sacramento’s Mayor-elect Kevin Johnson. Mayor Budge presented Mr. Johnson with a key to the City of Rancho Cordova, but also noted comically that the same keys to the City had been presented to one of the Budweiser Clydesdale horses. Mayor-elect Johnson took it in stride and even expressed some envy of the City of Rancho Corodva and its’ budget surplus. The City of Sacramento has a $58 million deficit.

The turnout for the first ever event was strong, filling the entire American River rooms of the City Council. The Mayor spoke about achievements the City has accomplished in the past year including such things as the Capital Village project, Kilgore Cemetary renovation, infrastructure investment in roads and transportation and redevelopment efforts throughout the city. The Mayor also spoke about the bright future which lies ahead for this young five-year-old city. She described a new city bus system named the Rancho Cordova Roundabout which will provide a much needed transit option for the business parks and surrounding neighborhoods. She described the new development projects like Zinfandel Place just off Highway 50 which has the slogan “Alive After Five” where residents will be able to enjoy two new restaurants and other shopping options. There is also the redevelopment along Folsom Boulevard, especially the expanded and more easily accessible Target shopping center renovation.

In contrast to the doom and gloom outlook of the US economy and the State of California, this little city is looking upward and outward with an eye towards growth, prosperity and a better quality of life. One of the very telling statistics is that Rancho Cordova has only experienced a 3% housing foreclosure rate. In comparison to our neighbors in Sacramento and Elk Grove we are doing well and housing is becoming more affordable in this down economy. The message of the day expressed by the Mayor is that the State of the City is sound and we’ll weather this storm of uncertainty and continue to grow.

If only the State of California could have it so good. Maybe Governor Schwarzenegger and President-elect Obama should pay us a visit too, they might learn a thing or two about budgets and fiscal planning.