Board initiates application to LAFCo for formal study and public input process

EL DORADO HILLS – The El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors has taken the first formal step toward potentially transforming the unincorporated community into a city. During its most recent meeting, the board voted unanimously to begin the process through the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to study the feasibility of cityhood for El Dorado Hills.

The decision follows three prior meetings filled with public engagement, spirited discussion, and careful deliberation. While the concept of cityhood has historically sparked division, the board’s move marks a unified commitment to exploring whether incorporation could provide better local control, enhanced municipal services, and more direct representation for El Dorado Hills residents.

“Cityhood was a big part of my campaign for the CSD Board,” said Board President Steve Ferry. “I am grateful to my board colleagues who also have the vision and see the value in pursuing the information we need to confirm the feasibility of becoming a city—delivering a higher level of service to our residents while having local control of our destiny.”

Ferry emphasized the inequities in the current system, where El Dorado Hills contributes substantial tax revenue to the county but is represented by only one supervisor. “Cityhood offers us five elected council members from El Dorado Hills, accountable to our community,” he added.

The LAFCo process is designed to provide an objective analysis of the feasibility and implications of incorporation. This includes assessments of service delivery, local governance, and financial sustainability. The board stressed that the vote is not a declaration of cityhood, but a step toward gathering data and hearing from the public.

“As a 40+ year resident, this is about more than cityhood to me,” said Director Heidi Hannaman. “It’s about coming together during a pivotal time and taking a responsible, community-centered approach to evaluating what’s best for the long-term health and vitality of El Dorado Hills. Ultimately, this is about having local control over our future, with an El Dorado Hills-centric approach to maintaining the beauty of our community—controlled by our community.”

Director Martinelli echoed the sentiment, adding, “I’m hopeful the next steps in the cityhood process will give our community the information necessary to make an informed decision about whether or not to incorporate.”

Originally formed by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors in May 1962, the El Dorado Hills CSD was established to provide parks and recreation services to the growing suburban region. Over time, its responsibilities have expanded to include solid waste and recycling, and cable services.

Currently, the only two incorporated cities in El Dorado County are Placerville and South Lake Tahoe, which together have a population of about 31,000. By comparison, El Dorado Hills has grown significantly and continues to evolve, prompting renewed discussion about local governance.

For updates on the cityhood study process and upcoming opportunities for community input, residents can visit edhcsd.org/cityhood.

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