The topic of incorporation has surfaced once again in Rio Linda/Elverta, with residents and community leaders weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of becoming a city. As discussions continue, it’s important to examine the facts and consider how incorporation could impact the future of this growing region.
On February 24th, 2025, the Rio Linda Elverta Neighborhood Association invited Michael Seaman from California [Un]Incorporated to speak on the possibility and process of incorporation.
Understanding the Basics
With an estimated population of 22,610 in 2025, Rio Linda/Elverta is larger than 40% of the cities in California. Currently, the community receives municipal services from a variety of sources:
- Special Districts:
- RLE Rec and Park District (recreation and parks)
- RLE Community Water District (water supply)
- Metro Fire District (fire & rescue, EMS)
- Other Agencies:
- CHP (traffic law enforcement)
- SMUD (electric utilities)
- Sacramento County (all other services)
The Question of Satisfaction and Control
A key question facing residents is whether they are satisfied with the current level of service provided by Sacramento County. Concerns often revolve around:
- Public works (roads, sidewalks, storm drains)
- Land use and development
- Community appearance
- Animal control
- Building permits and business licenses
- Local law enforcement
- Economic development
Beyond service delivery, there’s the fundamental issue of local control. In an unincorporated area, decisions are often made by county officials who may not fully understand the community’s specific needs and priorities. Incorporation would shift this balance of power, giving residents a greater say in shaping their own future.
The Challenges of Incorporation
The process of incorporation in California is often described as:
- Broken: The current system is seen as flawed and in need of reform.
- Expensive: The financial hurdles can be significant.
- Undemocratic: The process doesn’t always ensure fair representation for the affected community.
These challenges have led organizations like California (un)Incorporated to advocate for changes that would make incorporation more accessible.
Potential Benefits of Cityhood
Despite the difficulties, incorporation offers several potential advantages:
- Local Control: Residents gain the ability to make key decisions about their community.
- Revenue Shift: Tax dollars allocated for municipal services would be redirected from the county to the new city.
- Increased Influence: As a city, Rio Linda/Elverta would have a stronger voice in regional decision-making bodies like the League of Cities, RT (Sacramento Regional Transit), and SACOG (Sacramento Area Council of Governments).
- Access to Funding: Cities are often eligible for grants and funding opportunities that are not available to unincorporated areas.
The Path Forward
For Rio Linda/Elverta to seriously explore incorporation, several steps are crucial:
- Form Local Organizations: Establish groups to educate the community and campaign for incorporation.
- Engage with Officials: Actively participate in meetings with the Board of Supervisors and LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission).
- Inform the Public: Utilize media outlets like letters to the editor and opinion pieces to raise awareness.
- Involve Special Districts: Collaborate with existing special districts in the area.
The decision of whether or not to pursue incorporation is a complex one with no easy answers. By carefully weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks, and by actively engaging in the process, the residents of Rio Linda/Elverta can determine the best path forward for their community.
