By Cris Alarcon | July 25, 2025 | El Dorado County
El Dorado Hills is once again pursuing the path to cityhood, reviving an effort last seriously considered in 2005. With a population of approximately 51,000 and a footprint of 49 square miles, proponents believe the unincorporated community is now better positioned for success, with early planning pointing toward a possible 2027 vote.
Backers of the proposal argue that incorporation would allow El Dorado Hills to govern itself with greater autonomy—particularly over zoning, land use, and emergency services.
“This community is ready to take the reins,”
said Steve Ferry, president of the El Dorado Hills Incorporation Committee, in a public meeting Tuesday evening. “We have the population, the tax base, and the desire to shape our own future.”
The renewed push comes amid ongoing concerns about growth, traffic, and the allocation of county resources. Supporters say incorporation would empower residents to set their own policies, prioritize spending, and plan long-term infrastructure without waiting on decisions from Placerville or Sacramento.
The 2005 effort failed at the ballot box after a contentious campaign and questions over financial viability. This time, organizers are preparing early and working with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to conduct an updated Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (CFA), a requirement for moving the process forward.
El Dorado County Supervisor John Hidahl, who represented the area, said he supported the community’s right to explore the option.
“If residents want to revisit cityhood, they should be given the facts and the tools to make an informed decision,” he said on the first try for Cityhood in 2005.
Opponents of incorporation remain cautious. Some local voices warn that cityhood could result in higher taxes or inadequate service delivery, especially without the broader support of county infrastructure.
The next step will be the submission of a formal application to LAFCO, followed by feasibility studies and a public outreach campaign. If the proposal passes each stage, voters could see a cityhood measure on the ballot by November 2027.
As the effort gains traction, residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming town halls and follow updates from the El Dorado Hills Incorporation Committee. The outcome could reshape governance in one of the fastest-growing communities in the Sierra foothills.
