UKIAH, CA., 8/20/26 — A new city attorney was appointed at the Ukiah City Council meeting on Wednesday after the current one announced his retirement.
On Wednesday afternoon, the council voted unanimously to appoint Darcy Vaughn, who has served as assistant city attorney in Ukiah for 16 years. Vaughn will replace current city attorney David Rapport.
Part of the resolution that passed approved making the city attorney a city employee position rather than a contractor. The city has received legal services for decades through an agreement with Rapport and his law firm, and Vaughn also worked at the firm on behalf of the city.
Shannon Riley, Ukiah deputy city manager, said in an email to The Mendocino Voice that now the city attorney position justifies full-time work, which it didn’t 43 years ago when the city was recruiting for an attorney. Riley also said that hiring Vaughn as a city employee “allows her to focus entirely on city matters.”
Ukiah officials did not respond to questions about what the city’s costs will be to make the change.
Sheri Mannion, human resources and risk management director for the city, introduced the resolution at Wednesday’s meeting. Mannion expressed gratitude to Rapport and noted the experience Vaughn will bring to the position.
“[Rapport] has had a much valued and distinguished service here with the city,” Mannion said. “[Vaughn] brings years of municipal law experience and a lot of institutional knowledge.”
City Manager Sage Sangiacomo said Vaughn will take the oath of office at the beginning of the next City Council meeting. Sangiacomo said that Rapport will continue to provide specialty services to the city, “during this transition and into the foreseeable future.”
“I’m very pleased that Darcy has assumed this position,” said Rapport. “I think she has earned it. I’ll miss all of you … I think it’s time. It’s going to be a big change, but I know it’s going to be good.”
Vaughn was equally as pleased with her new role.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to work for Ukiah as city attorney,” Vaughn said in an email to The Mendocino Voice. “Serving the public as assistant city attorney in the community where I was born and raised has been incredibly meaningful. I have been very lucky to be mentored by City Attorney David Rapport, who has modeled how to serve with integrity, diligence and a deep respect for the role of local government.”