New Rohnert Park mayor sworn in; council lays out priorities for 2026

Rohnert Park formally installed a new mayor during the Dec. 9 city council meeting and used the reorganization to set priorities for 2026, including improving resident communications, strengthening emergency preparedness, and advancing downtown revitalization.

Outgoing Mayor Gerard Judich received tributes and a commemorative album from the council and staff. Multiple members thanked Judich for his year of service; Council member Adams said Judich had been a ‘‘tender‑hearted’’ leader and highlighted his work on regional collaboration.

City Manager (unnamed in the transcript) introduced the presentation items and a year-in-review video that highlighted staff, volunteers and community partnerships. Several public speakers and residents attended the ceremony and offered thanks to the outgoing mayor.

Incoming Mayor Samour thanked the council, staff and community and outlined a set of operating priorities: clearer communication with residents, enhancing emergency preparedness across departments, and continuing work on the downtown project and general-plan updates. Samour quoted Clarissa Pinkola Estés to describe the council’s local focus: "ours is not the task of fixing the entire world at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach." The mayor said collaboration and listening would guide the council’s approach.

Council members offered their support for the mayor’s agenda. Several emphasized infrastructure and transportation work to support future development and noted ongoing volunteer and business contributions to community programs, including a holiday toy drive and donations to the Noah food pantry.

The meeting closed with invitations to take photos and refreshments; the council formally adjourned the December meeting.