On July 1, 2025, California (un)Incorporated's Chair, Michael Seaman, and Vice President, Katherine Borges, attended the first birthday celebration of the City of Mountain House. The City is doing a remarkable job of serving its residents and nurturing its emerging commercial and academic sectors.

Incorporated in 2024, Mountain House was the first new city formed in California since 2011.  San Joaquin County approved the development of Mountain House as a planned community in 1994. Construction began in 2001 and the Mountain House Community Services District was formed in 2008 - also with assistance from the County. In March of 2024 more than 90% of the community's voters approved the ballot measure for cityhood. 

Once an unincorporated community, Mountain House is something of a special case for a new city. The County planned for the community to become incorporated and supported it as it changed from cow pastures to subdivisions. Developers and Mello-Roos financing have been important elements for the city's success - advantages most existing communities do not have. Still, as California's first new city in 13 years, Mountain House is not allowed to derive any revenue from the property tax component of vehicle license fees. As such, it is the ONLY one of California's 483 cities that has no access to that revenue stream. So there is still work to be done to create a truly-level playing field for the city. 

Mountain House was one of the founding communties of California (un)Incorporated and we have been delighted to have the city establish our "Alumni Club". Beyond the basics of establishing a city, though, are the actions necessary to ensure success going forward. Based on the State of the City report presented to the public at the 1-year celebration event, it is clear that the City of Mountain House is on course to thrive. The City emphasizes transparency, listening and service, practices sound fiscal management, plans for the long-term, invests in what residents and businesses want and manages its infrastructure responsibly. We wish the city continued success into the future.

The event started with public enjoying food from local restaurants and checking out exhibits from service providers.

Sarah Ragsdale (L) is the City's Administrative Head. She, Katherine Borges (Center) of Salida and Michael Seaman (R) of Arden Arcade were part of California (un)Incorporated's visit to the Capitol in 2017.

City Manager Steve Pinkerton (Center) has gotten the city off to a great start.

After the informal gathering, residents where invited to hear their first State of the City address.

Erika Cuevas, from the Office of Senator Jerry McNerney, presented Mayor Su with a proclamation from the State Senate. The Legislature values having cities carry out urban policies. Unincorporated communities are NEVER recognized this way.

Each member of the City Council and the City Manager presented sections of the report

City Councilman Matt Disko covered parks and community gatherings and brought Sparky along to emphasize the new dog parks.

San Joaquin County Supervisor Rickman closed with congratulations from the county, which had been instrumental in bringing the city into being.

After the State of the City presentation, residents were treated to a drone show