El Dorado Hills, Calif. (May 9, 2025) — El Dorado Hills stands at a pivotal juncture as the community explores the possibility of cityhood while simultaneously grappling with a recall effort aimed at three members of its Community Services District (CSD) Board of Directors.
CSD Board Initiates Cityhood Feasibility Study
On May 1, the El Dorado Hills CSD Board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-09, marking the first formal step toward potential incorporation. The resolution authorizes the district to act as the lead agency in collaboration with the El Dorado Hills Citizens for Cityhood (EDHCC) group to fund a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) study assessing the feasibility of cityhood.eldoradohillscsd.org
The EDHCC, led by Chris Nicholson, has pledged up to $250,000 toward the study, with the CSD committing to cover the remaining costs, up to $500,000. The study will evaluate financial viability, governance structures, and potential impacts on municipal services. eldoradohillscsd.org
Board President Steve Ferry emphasized the potential benefits of incorporation, stating,
“Cityhood offers us five elected council members from El Dorado Hills, accountable to our community.”
Proponents argue that cityhood could provide greater local control over land use decisions and municipal services. However, critics express concerns about potential increases in taxes, government bureaucracy, and crime associated with higher-density development
Recall Effort Targets Three CSD Board Members
Concurrently, a group of residents operating under the name RecallEDH has initiated a campaign to recall three CSD board members: Steve Ferry, Michael Martinelli, and Noelle Mattock. The group alleges mismanagement of taxpayer funds, violations of voter intent, and conflicts of interest.
RecallEDH contends that the board’s focus on cityhood detracts from pressing community needs, such as park maintenance and fiscal accountability. They are currently collecting signatures with the aim of placing the recall on the 2026 ballot.RecallEDH.com
Community Engagement and Next Steps
The LAFCO study is expected to take several months, with findings anticipated by early 2026. Should the study deem cityhood feasible, the proposal could be presented to voters in the November 2026 election.
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming public meetings and forums to voice their opinions on both the cityhood initiative and the recall effort. Engagement in these civic processes will play a crucial role in shaping the future governance of El Dorado Hills.
For more information on the cityhood initiative, visit the El Dorado Hills CSD’s official website. Details about the recall effort can be found at recallEDH.com.
