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Welcome to the City of Rancho Cordova's news page. Read current and archived news, and access media contacts and press announcements.

Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Innovation in Rancho Cordova

Post Date:04/03/2026 10:18 AM

The city is proud to recognize several outstanding team members whose leadership and service continue to make a lasting impact in Rancho Cordova.

After more than a decade of service, Russ Ducharme has been appointed Director of Neighborhood Services. Russ and his team continue to meet evolving community needs, guiding efforts in code enforcement, homelessness, and animal services. His strategic leadership and commitment to staff development continue to support safe, stable, and livable neighborhoods.

Michelle Mingay was promoted to Assistant Director of Administrative Services – Finance, recognizing her five years of exemplary service as Finance Manager as well as over 20 years of experience in public sector finance. Michelle has successfully overseen daily finance operations, led the city’s annual audits, and implemented innovative systems to enhance budget management efficiency. Her professionalism and collaborative leadership make her a trusted partner across the organization.

Brenda Roach was also recently promoted to Assistant Director of Administrative Services – Human Resources. Over the past seven years, Brenda has provided steady leadership while advancing continuous improvement across Human Resources. Her collaborative approach and adaptability have played a key role in supporting organizational goals and strengthening the department’s impact.

In addition, Rita Gass, the city’s Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, was honored at the Women in Data 10th Anniversary Gala for her leadership in advancing innovation and expanding opportunities for women in technology. Her work, including pioneering the region’s first AI robotics ecosystem, is helping create new pathways into emerging fields. The recognition, held during Women’s History Month, reflects the strong partnerships and shared commitment to innovation across our community.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding team members on their well-deserved achievements and continued service to Rancho Cordova.

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Press Announcements

Media Contacts

Maria Chacon Kniestedt
Communications & Public Affairs Director
916.851.8791
916.200.6181 (cell)
mkniestedt@cityofranchocordova.org

Samantha Mott
Senior Communications Officer
916.851.8796
916.579.0671 (Cell)
smott@cityofranchocordova.org

Danielle Hale
Communications Officer
916.851.8792
916.809.0465 (cell)
dhale@cityofranchocordova.org

Lauren Burke
Communications Officer
916.851.8723
916.247.2587 (Cell)
lburke@cityofranchocordova.org

City of Rancho Cordova Opens $8.4M Youth Center

On November 3, 2022, the City of Rancho Cordova opened the Rancho Cordova Youth Center, the first youth center in the community. The Youth Center will provide a welcoming, central and safe environment for year-round youth programs, build relationships with local youth, and show local youth how much the community cares about their success and future in Rancho Cordova.

City of Rancho Cordova Breaks Ground on Citywide, Ultra-High-Speed Gigabit Broadband Network

On February 28, 2022, the City of Rancho Cordova, SiFi Networks and GigabitNow announced the launch of Rancho Cordova FiberCity®, a revolutionary infrastructure project to bring a fast, affordable, and reliable all-fiber internet network to every home, business, and institution in Rancho Cordova.

For more information, please contact Danielle Hale at 916.809.0465 or dhale@cityofranchocordova.org.

Mather Veterans Village Dedication Event

On October 12, 2021, Mercy Housing California, Nation’s Finest, the City of Rancho Cordova and the County of Sacramento celebrated the completion of all three phases of Mather Veterans Village, the first permanent supportive housing development for homeless and disabled veterans in the Sacramento region.

These documents are password protected. Please contact Danielle Hale at 916.809.0465 for access.

Crime Drops in Rancho Cordova by 61%

The City of Rancho Cordova is proud to announce that violent crime and property crime combined has decreased by 61% from 2004-2019 when adjusted for population. Since the city incorporated and established the Rancho Cordova Police Department 18 years ago, the city has implemented creative and proactive policing programs that have led to this significant drop.

Media Advisory about Crime Drop in Rancho Cordova
Fact Sheet on Programs
Speaker Bios from Crime Drop Announcement
B-Roll, Photos and Crime Statistics (This is password protected. Please contact Ashley Downton at 916.542.3875 for access.)
News Release: Crime Drops in Rancho Cordova by 61%

Rancho Cordova Breaks Ground on Rio Del Oro Development

Elliott Homes, Inc. and the City of Rancho Cordova are breaking ground on Rio Del Oro, the largest development in the city’s history. Rio Del Oro spans 3,800 acres in Rancho Cordova and could fit Downtown Sacramento in its footprint. The development will feature thousands of new homes, over 7.6 million square feet of commercial, professional and industrial space, one of the largest parks in the region at 130 acres, and the city’s next high school.

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