Cyrus Abhar, who has served as the City of Rancho Cordova’s city manager for the past seven years, announced that he plans to retire in December 2022.
In a closed City Council session on September 27, 2022, and after an exemplary review, Mr. Abhar informed the Council of his intention to retire at the end of 2022. He indicated he would be willing to stay into 2023, or until the recruitment process is complete, and in order to facilitate a smooth transition.
Mr. Abhar began his career with the City of Rancho Cordova as one of its first employees when the city incorporated in 2003. In his nearly 20 years at the city, he has served as chief building official, public works director and, for the past seven years, city manager.
“I have had the great pleasure of serving the Rancho Cordova community these past 20 years with integrity, care, vision and humility. Our organization has a solid foundation and strong leadership, and it has been my absolute honor and privilege to serve here,” said Mr. Abhar. “We have accomplished so much in 20 years, and the future will continue to be bright for Rancho Cordova.”
Over the past 20 years, there have been many successes, including creating new communities and neighborhoods, building a City Hall and police station, renovating a historic cemetery, creating a center for arts and culture, investing hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure projects, building a youth center, building an award-winning housing project for homeless and disabled veterans, and attracting many new businesses and jobs, including a recent announcement that Solidigm will bring 1,900 high-paying tech jobs.
“Cyrus has been a fantastic city manager. His leadership has helped our city grow and thrive—even during the pandemic,” said Mayor Donald Terry. “We thank him for his service to our community and wish him all the best in retirement.”
In addition to many successful projects, the city is financially healthy; acquiring properties and planning for large community projects like Mills Crossing, which is a $100 million public-private partnership to build a civic amenity in the heart of the city; assisting businesses and the city’s workforce with economic recovery programs; and continuing to build and nurture collaborative relationships with other agencies and nonprofit organizations.
“Cyrus Abhar has been a foundation of our city for nearly 20 years. He led us out of the recession and through the pandemic. He has implemented city goals, maintained a balanced budget, and ensured that our Community Enhancement & Investment Fund has stayed true to its intended purpose—to enhance the quality of life in Rancho Cordova,” said Vice Mayor Linda Budge. “All of us in the City of Rancho Cordova have benefited immeasurably from his leadership, integrity and vision. He will be deeply missed.”