Two Rancho Cordova Council Members Earn Leadership Award

Rancho Cordova Mayor Robert J. McGarvey and Vice Mayor David Sander have been awarded the Diamond Level Certificate of Achievement in Leadership by the National League of Cities (NLC). Only 30 elected officials nationwide reached the top ranking this year.

As part of the NLC commitment to create stronger communities, the Leadership Training Institute provides local officials with professional development opportunities. Nearly 3,000 mayors, council members, and local leaders participate annually in NLC’s leadership seminars and programs that address core areas of municipal leadership.

McGarvey began the program in 2003 because of its educational value. “It provides an opportunity for elected officials to learn better ways to run a city,” he explained, “especially valuable to such a young and progressive community as Rancho Cordova.”

Sander said he started the program in about 2004 because “leadership is not inherited, it’s learned.” He continued that trying “to do this job without getting any insights from others who’ve faced similar challenges seems shortsighted and frankly dangerous.”

He said that dozens of classes were necessary to get to the Diamond status but the standout sessions for him were ones on interest-based negotiation that has substantially affected City policy as a result and community engagement. “By leveraging City resources with enormous volunteer muscle from local organizations, our rejuvenated and efficient Cordova Community Council puts on outstanding local events that improve the quality of life for our residents, enrich local non-profits, build community, and enhance our community image. We get huge bang for the buck . . . all inspired by the courses I’ve taken at NLC.”

McGarvey said he got the most benefit from serving on the First Tier Suburb Steering Committee. First Tier Suburbs are cities that are located just outside large metropolitan communities. And not only did he benefit educationally but the experience provided contact with federally elected officials who provide funding and grant opportunities.

NLC is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. It is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, representing more than 218 million Americans.