Kelly Davis sworn in as Auburn mayor; council names Rachel Riddell Harris vice mayor

Kelly Davis was selected and sworn in as mayor of Auburn during the council meeting. The council unanimously approved her nomination and administered the oath of office, after which Davis delivered an address outlining priorities including active transportation, infrastructure planning and community events.

The council opened nominations for mayor; an attendee nominated Kelly Davis and a second was offered. After a roll-call vote in which council members voted in favor, the presiding official announced the nomination passed. Kelly Davis took the oath of office administered by Sandy Kolditz, identified in the meeting as Davis's mother. "I will faithfully discharge the duties of mayor in and for the city of Auburn," Davis said during the oath.

The outgoing mayor offered brief remarks before the transition, thanking family, volunteers, staff and council colleagues and listing recent accomplishments. The outgoing mayor cited passage of "Measure F," adoption of solar projects across city facilities and steps to attract new businesses. On the city’s energy work, the outgoing mayor said taking advantage of the NEM 2 window "will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long term." She also noted Auburn approved an entertainment zone and authorized the city’s first dedicated bike lane, planned for 2026.

The council also nominated and confirmed Rachel Riddell Harris as vice mayor. Harris recited the oath of office and pledged to discharge vice‑mayor duties for the city of Auburn.

Votes at a glance Kelly Davis — Nomination carried by roll call; council members recorded "aye" votes and the presiding official announced the motion passed. Rachel Riddell Harris — Nomination carried by roll call; sworn in as vice mayor.

In her first address as mayor, Davis said the administration will "advance the active transportation plan by supporting walkable and bikeable roads and trails," and will continue to use the general plan, a strategic plan and a capital improvement plan to address infrastructure needs. She acknowledged the Nisenan people and described Auburn as "a place where people feel connected," emphasizing efforts to balance growth with preservation of local character. Davis closed by inviting attendees to a post‑meeting gathering "behind Old Town Pizza" and then adjourned the meeting.

The meeting included no public-comment speakers and concluded with the council exchanging seats in the mayoral rotation and formal adjournment.