Auburn City Council selects new mayor, vice mayor

The Auburn City Council held a special meeting Monday to complete the annual rotation of leadership. Before the rotation, outgoing Mayor Sandy Amara thanked her family, fellow council members, city staff and the Auburn community for their support and commitment to making the city a better place to live over the past year. "... I will miss my role as the primary spokesperson, advocate and facilitator of the government operations for our little city of Auburn," Amara stated. "Serving this wonderful community has been a true honor and privilege, for which I am forever grateful." Amara ended her comments by outlining some of Auburn's accomplishments in 2025, like approving Measure F, solar installation projects across city facilities and being the first jurisdiction in Placer County to approve entertainment zones. Incoming Mayor Kelley Davis thanked Amara for her service and presented Amara with a new bike helmet. "Sandy, your dedication to this community has been steady, thoughtful and deeply rooted in service," Davis said. "You have led the council, engaged our community and navigated challenges with grace, focus and care." The council approved appointing Davis as mayor and Councilmember Rachel Radell-Harris as vice mayor for 2026. Davis' oath of office was performed by her mother, Sandy Colditz, and Auburn City Clerk Amy Lind performed the oath for Radell-Harris. "Sitting up here today, I feel both the weight and the privilege of this role," Davis said during her incoming address. "Auburn is not just a dot on the map to any of us. It's our home and the home to many who came before us." Davis went on to state she will focus on continuing to build Auburn as a family-friendly and community-connected city. Davis confirmed her goals for the year include championing youth programs, supporting walkable and bikeable roads and trails to advance the active transportation plan, supporting and bringing forth opportunities that will enhance gathering spaces and shared outdoor areas, and ensuring every resident "feels like they belong here." "The council can set the direction, but all of you give Auburn its heart," Davis said as she looked out into the chambers. "Together, we will protect what makes Auburn special. We will prepare Auburn for the future, and we will keep Auburn a place where people are excited to visit and proud to call home. Thank you all so much for being a part of this community. I am honored to serve you and look forward to the year ahead." Davis closed out the night by inviting the chambers to Two Ass Brewing for a pint and a hug and then adjourned the meeting.