Rancho Cucamonga City Council Candidate David VanGorden Plans Community Listening Sessions Beyond Election Day
First post-election meeting aims to give residents a direct voice in shaping priorities for Rancho Cucamonga's future.
While most political campaigns focus on Election Day, Rancho Cucamonga City Council District 2 candidate David VanGorden is looking beyond it.
VanGorden has announced the launch of a Community Listening Series, an initiative designed to provide residents with ongoing opportunities to discuss issues affecting Rancho Cucamonga before and after the election.
The first Community Listening Session is already being planned and will take place after Election Day.
According to VanGorden, the decision is intentional.
"Residents often tell me they see politicians everywhere during election season, but much less once the election is over," said VanGorden. "I want people to know that my commitment to listening doesn't end on Election Day."
The Community Listening Series is intended to create a more direct connection between residents and those seeking to represent them.
Rather than holding meetings exclusively in formal government settings, VanGorden plans to host listening sessions in casual neighborhood locations throughout Rancho Cucamonga.
"I don't expect residents to come to me," VanGorden said. "I will come to them. These conversations should happen where people are comfortable—close to home, in familiar settings, and without barriers."
Potential topics include public safety, homelessness, traffic congestion, infrastructure, development, quality of life issues, local business concerns, preservation of community character, and the proposed Etiwanda Heights project.
VanGorden says resident participation will play an important role in shaping his priorities if elected to the Rancho Cucamonga City Council.
"Too often residents are asked to react to decisions after they have already been made," he said. "I believe residents should have an opportunity to help shape those conversations from the beginning."
The initiative also supports VanGorden's Open Door Policy and his Oath to Rancho Cucamonga residents, both of which emphasize accessibility, accountability, transparency, and regular communication with the community.
Unlike a traditional town hall, the Community Listening Series is intended to be an ongoing program that continues throughout the election season and beyond.
Supporters say the concept reflects a growing desire among residents to have more direct access to local elected officials and a greater voice in decisions affecting their neighborhoods.
The first Community Listening Session will be announced in the coming weeks. Residents will be invited to submit questions, concerns, and discussion topics in advance.
David VanGorden is a candidate for Rancho Cucamonga City Council District 2. He is running against incumbent Kristine Scott and candidate DeJonae Shaw in the November 2026 election.
Residents can learn more about the Community Listening Series, suggest discussion topics, and read David's Oath to the Residents of Rancho Cucamonga by visiting:
https://www.vangordenforrancho.com/community-listening-series
About David VanGorden
David VanGorden is a retired law enforcement professional with more than 30 years of public service experience. He is running for Rancho Cucamonga City Council District 2 on a platform focused on public safety, responsible growth, infrastructure planning, transparency, and community engagement.