Ben Glickman for El Dorado Hills CSD Board

About Ben

Why I'm Running

Ben Glickman with his wife and two daughters in El Dorado Hills — Ben, Emily, and their two daughters

El Dorado Hills is an extraordinary community. My wife and I chose to raise our family here because of its outstanding parks, recreation programs, and strong sense of community.

I'm running for the CSD Board to help preserve and strengthen those qualities.

This work isn't new to me. I have been president of the Taz Swim Team since 2021, was Jackson Elementary's PTO VP and president, and currently serve as Vice Chair of the CSD's LLAD Citizens Advisory Committee. I've built playgrounds, launched programs, balanced budgets, and — as my wife can attest — sat through a lot of public meetings.

As an attorney specializing in government, constitutional, and election law, I solve complex legal and public policy problems that demand rigorous analysis and sound judgment. That's the same discipline I'll bring to the District's budget, its facilities, and its programs.

I believe local government should focus on people, not politics. I will bring integrity, transparency, and practical problem-solving to every decision to serve El Dorado Hills.

I respectfully ask for your vote.

Service in Our Community

Ben Glickman volunteering at a Jackson Elementary school event

Jackson Elementary PTO

Vice President & President, 2020–2023

As Jackson's PTO president, I helped rebuild our school community after COVID — and led efforts to build the county's first fully accessible school playground, replace the school's field so students and sports teams could safely use it, and beautify the campus with murals. And we threw a couple of great Galas!

Governor Park in El Dorado Hills, pond with fountain

EDH Community Services District

CSD Working Groups & LLAD Advisory Committee, 2020–present

I've served on the District's planning and youth sports working groups, and since January 2023 on its Landscape & Lighting Assessment District (LLAD) Citizens Advisory Committee, where I'm currently Vice Chair. Our committee has held workshops and listened to neighbors' concerns about LLAD amenities and assessments. Our work led the District to lower the administrative overhead it charges neighborhoods — so more of what homeowners pay goes to the parks and landscaping it's meant for.

Ben Glickman and a young swimmer, both wearing announcer headsets, at an El Dorado Hills swim meet

EDH "Taz" Swim Team

President since 2021

Taz is one of our community's largest youth organizations, and I've had the privilege of serving as its president since 2021. In that time, I've worked with hundreds of families and volunteers to strengthen financial oversight and improve programs — and launched Swimclusion, the region's only adaptive swim team for children with disabilities.

Organizational affiliations are listed for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

Priorities

What I'll Work On

The CSD manages the parks, trails, open space, and recreation programs that make this community what it is. Here's where I'll focus.

The core problem

Our Town Grew. Our Parks Didn't.

In 2000, about 18,000 people lived in El Dorado Hills. Today it's more than 50,000. Our facilities and services have not kept up.

We have no community center.
Our seniors need more services and places to gather.
A second aquatics facility has been on the "to-do" list for 20 years.
The last significant expansion of sports fields was in 2007.

The list goes on.

This isn't a mystery, and it isn't new. We've had three master plans in twenty years. The problem was never the plan — we need a process that turns plans into projects, and projects into parks. And someone willing to see it through.

When Jackson Elementary wanted an accessible playground, I worked with community partners to marshal the resources, and we built the county's first. When Taz needed a better way to accommodate swimmers with support needs, I created Swimclusion and obtained grant funding to launch it. Campus murals, a new sports field, an online check-in app for swim meets.

I get things done.

EDH Population

18,0002000
42,0002010
50,0002020

CSD Master Plan

Item	2007	2016	2021
Second aquatics facility	on the 2007 plan	on the 2016 plan	on the 2021 plan
Multi-generational community center	on the 2007 plan	on the 2016 plan	on the 2021 plan
Sports field complex	on the 2007 plan	on the 2016 plan	on the 2021 plan

Three plans, 20 years, not yet built.

Room to Gather, Play, and Swim

El Dorado Hills has many needs, but lacks a real vision. A master plan shouldn't be a dream journal; it should be actionable policy using available resources. That means an honest capital plan with real numbers, real timelines, and real accountability — not another study that sits on a shelf.

Trails are where we can move fastest. The District already owns hundreds of acres at Bass Lake, the old golf course, and beyond — connecting it doesn't take a bond or a decade.

But we shouldn't stop there:

A multi-generational community center so our seniors, schools, and nonprofits can host events in El Dorado Hills.
A new or expanded aquatics facility sized for today's needs.
A park and gathering place to honor our veterans.
Softball fields so our girls aren't twisting ankles on fields up the hill. Soccer, baseball, biking, golf. And yes, pickleball.

It's time to stop bouncing from one developer-led project to the next. That's how you end up with parks without parking or duplicated amenities next door. We can do better. Let's make a plan for El Dorado Hills, and let's execute.

How We Pay for Our Parks

El Dorado Hills' first-rate parks are part of what makes our community great, but the way we fund them is anything but. While Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts provide vital revenue for our neighborhood landscaping and parks, they are an antiquated, imperfect mechanism for a community of our size.

We need a more sustainable path forward. As Vice Chair of the LLAD Advisory Committee, I have spent years navigating the technical realities and challenges of LLADs and their alternatives — giving me the experience to hit the ground running on day one to build a smarter, lasting support system.

LLADs are only one part of that equation. El Dorado Hills also must secure its fair share from the county and from the developers building here. Growth should pay for the parks that growth demands.

Services for Every Resident

Recreation shouldn't stop after youth sports. Our seniors deserve real programming and places to gather. Every child deserves a chance to participate, and I'll keep opening more doors to make sure no one is left on the sidelines.

That means investing in multi-generational park spaces, trails that connect our neighborhoods, improving accessibility across our facilities, and expanding year-round recreational opportunities for adults and active seniors. The tax dollars funding our parks and programs should deliver real value for the whole community.

Rebuilding Trust

Trust between the District and the people it serves has frayed — and so have some of our relationships with the partners who make this community work: our school districts, youth sports leagues, our volunteer organizations, and the county.

None of that gets repaired from a dais. It gets repaired by showing up, listening, and following through. That's how I've run every organization I've led, and it's how I'd approach this one.

One Agenda: Serve the People

The CSD isn't a partisan body and shouldn't act like one. I'll listen to residents, ask hard questions, and judge every proposal on one standard: does this actually serve the people of El Dorado Hills?

The goal is simple: keep our town great, and give all of our residents — ages 0 to 100 — the services they deserve.

Endorsements

Neighbors Who Know the Work

People who have worked alongside me — on pool decks, at school sites, and in District meetings.

I have worked with Ben on the EDH CSD Landscape and Lighting Assessment District Citizens Advisory Committee, where I have seen firsthand his willingness to listen to neighbors, consider different perspectives, and look for innovative solutions. Ben doesn't just talk about community service — he has demonstrated it.

John DaveyChair, EDH CSD LLAD Citizens Advisory Committee; Chair, EDH Area Planning Advisory Committee

Read the full endorsement

As a 30-plus-year resident of El Dorado Hills, I have seen our community grow and change in many ways. I have also had the privilege of working alongside neighbors who share a common goal: making El Dorado Hills an even better place to live.

That is why I am proud to endorse my friend and neighbor, Ben Glickman, for the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors.

I have worked with Ben on the EDH CSD Landscape and Lighting Assessment District Citizens Advisory Committee, where I have seen firsthand his willingness to listen to neighbors, consider different perspectives, and look for innovative solutions. I have also worked alongside him on the EDH Central Park working group, exploring opportunities for recreation and open space at the former golf course.

Ben doesn't just talk about community service — he has demonstrated it. His leadership at Jackson Elementary's PTO helped bring an all-abilities accessible playground to the school and community. Under his leadership, the TAZ Swim Team has strengthened its financial oversight while introducing innovative programs such as Swimclusion.

Ben is also a regular participant in EDH CSD Board and EDH APAC meetings. He understands that the CSD plays an important role in shaping our community and recognizes both the opportunities ahead and the responsibility that comes with them.

Our community has important decisions ahead: services for seniors, a second aquatics facility, expanded sports fields and recreation opportunities, and the need for a true community center. These priorities require thoughtful planning, careful attention to detail, and a realistic understanding of how to responsibly fund our goals.

Ben brings those qualities to the table. He understands that effective community leadership means listening, planning carefully, and turning good ideas into sustainable results.

When Ben says he is ready to serve on the EDH CSD Board, I believe he means it in the simplest and most important sense: Community. Service.

I am proud to endorse and support Ben Glickman for Director of the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board.

John Davey — 30-plus-year resident of El Dorado Hills; Chair, El Dorado Hills Area Planning Advisory Committee; President, Bass Lake Action Committee; Chair, EDH CSD Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts Citizens Advisory Committee; Past Member, El Dorado Hills Community Council Leadership Team.

What stands out to me most about Ben is that his commitment to our community didn't begin with a campaign. He has been doing the work for years. He sees opportunities to make things better, brings people together, and then rolls up his sleeves and helps make it happen.

Holly ReiningerExecutive Director, Walk with Austin

Read the full endorsement

I'm proud to endorse my friend Ben Glickman for CSD Director.

I've known Ben for six years, and in that time I've watched him consistently show up for this community — not because there was a title attached to it, but because he saw a need and wanted to help.

While raising his own kids here, Ben has somehow found the time to give back in just about every way imaginable. He has been a lead volunteer for events with my nonprofit, Walk with Austin, and helped us obtain our TRY-athlon trademark. He has volunteered with PTOs at multiple schools, championed the effort to bring an all-abilities playground to Jackson Elementary, served on the TAZ Board and now as its President, and even created the Swimclusion program to make swimming more inclusive and accessible.

What stands out to me most about Ben is that his commitment to our community didn't begin with a campaign. He has been doing the work for years. He sees opportunities to make things better, brings people together, and then rolls up his sleeves and helps make it happen.

That's exactly the kind of person I want representing our community on the CSD Board. Ben already has a long track record of service, leadership, inclusion, and follow-through, and I'm excited to support him for CSD Director.

Ben's level of commitment to our community is second to none. While working with Ben as the PTO President at Jackson School we were able to complete many projects, including the first all-ability playground in El Dorado County. Ben was open and available, brought creative ideas to the table, and was efficient with time and money. And he always finished what he started. He would be a wonderful asset to the CSD Board.

Michele WilliamsonPrincipal (ret.), Jackson Elementary School

I've had the opportunity to see Ben's leadership firsthand through his work with Taz. He is a true servant leader — community-minded, collaborative, inclusive, and always willing to step up and find solutions. Ben genuinely cares about El Dorado Hills and the people who call it home, and I would love to see his thoughtful, dedicated leadership continue as a member of the CSD Board.

Alison Guzenski GreenValley View PTO

My dad goes to a LOT of meetings. I think he'd be really good at this.

A. Glickman, age 10

Also endorsed by

Heidi HannamanDirector, El Dorado Hills CSD

Ben has intelligence, drive, compassion, but most importantly for this position, he possesses a genuine love for El Dorado Hills. He has my wholehearted support.
Tim WhiteBoard Member, El Dorado Hills Fire Department
Eileen Hidahl48-year El Dorado Hills resident
Allan PriestDirector, El Dorado Hills CSD (2014-2021); Board Member, El Dorado Community Foundation
Cheryl Cook-KallioPresident, Alameda County Board of Education

I have known Ben for over 25 years. His commitment to civic education leads him to want to serve the community. I have watched him in his journey since college to becoming that neighbor, that community member who cares deeply about our society. I have watched him spend hours mentoring high school students learning about the Constitution, volunteerism that not only benefits Californians but young people across this country. I know he will bring this same commitment to serving the community.

I enthusiastically endorse Ben Glickman for El Dorado Hills CSD Board!
Hanna CalleriJackson PTO

Ben and I first met when I joined the Jackson Elementary PTO Board as he was wrapping up his time there. Even with no kids left at the school, Ben continued to find ways to support Jackson, including helping with multiple Gala fundraisers. I later joined Ben on the Taz board, where I’ve seen firsthand his passion for constantly improving the experience for our swimmers and families. His commitment to making our community better is contagious and I couldn’t think of a stronger advocate for EDH residents.
Emily OrloffOrloff Real Estate Team
Steve OrloffXpert Home Lending
Liz HarveyLiz Harvey Real Estate

My family and I have been fortunate to call El Dorado Hills home for more than 13 years. I first met Ben Glickman while volunteering on the Jackson Elementary PTO board in 2020. Our PTO Board worked closely with the school district, our principal, the county office of education, and other community partners to fund and complete two major projects at the school: a new sports field and the first All Abilities Playground in El Dorado County. These projects created lasting spaces for our students and the whole El Dorado Hills community to enjoy for many years to come! I’m proud to support Ben because I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to our community. He is someone who is willing to roll up his sleeves, collaborate, and put in the work to make El Dorado Hills a better place for our families!
Allison NovakNovak Real Estate
Lonnie DicksonThe Mortgage Company

I’m happy to recommend Ben Glickman for the El Dorado Hills CSD Board. Our family has gotten to know Ben through the Taz Swim Team, and we’ve consistently been impressed by his attention to detail, clear and concise communication and prompt responses.

Just as importantly, Ben brings a positive and collaborative attitude to everything he does. Based on our experience with him, I believe he would be a thoughtful, responsive, and dependable addition to the CSD Board.
Zoi JonesCEO, El Dorado Musical Theatre
Lora WattsFounder/Artist, Project Luma

Among the many people and schools I’ve worked with on school beautification projects, Ben’s effectiveness on Jackson's mural projects truly stood out. He immediately impressed me with his ability to get results, and I’ve seen firsthand how he moves projects forward both efficiently and thoughtfully. He excels at bringing all interested parties together to create a cohesive, shared vision.

In the various roles I’ve seen Ben take on over the years, he has consistently shown a steadfast and genuine care for the community, with a focus on improving the daily experience of children and families here in El Dorado Hills. His ability to listen, collaborate, and turn ideas into results makes him an excellent fit for the CSD Board.
Jacob Anderson

Ben is a tireless leader in our community. I have seen first-hand not only his dedication, but the positive impact of innovative ideas that have drastically improved the organizations he has led. We are all lucky to have him in our community. I am excited to see how he improves our community further on the CSD Board.
Jamie & Matt Anderson
Candace & Tyler Andujar
Julie & Kurt Arico
Kimber Azevedo
Anna & Brett Ballard
Angela & Mike Beeman
Lana Bermudez
Heidi Bhagat

I had the pleasure of serving with Ben on the PTO at Jackson Elementary, where I saw firsthand his ability to turn ideas into results. He helped secure grants and partner with the CSD to complete the new athletics field and all-abilities playground. Ben understands our community, its needs, and how to bring government, public, and private partners together to get things done. I'm proud to support his candidacy for the CSD Board.
Regina & Jeff Biggs
Heather & Kevin Cadden
Andy Calleri
Kristi & Geoff Canfield
Jane Culbertson
Leah & Drew Davis
Natalie Dickson
Christina & Brian Drever
Debbie & Rich Fiutko
Amy & Steve Frith
Jennifer & Mike Gonzales
Leah Hatfield
McKenna & Todd Haug
Melissa & Josh Jordan
Kristin & Adam Kaplan
Dena & Jason Levine
Molly & Dudley Mallinson
Valerie & Andrew Meyers
Kelley Nalewaja
Megan & Jeremy Palmitier
Laurel & Ryan Plewe
Bill Quinn
Monica Reade

I have been lucky enough to be a part of the Taz swim team for a few years. Ben’s patience, understanding, and commitment to the success of every one of the team's 400+ swimmers is truly remarkable, and I know he would bring that same commitment to El Dorado Hills. Ben’s creation of the Swimclusion program gave my daughter the opportunity to go at her own pace. To make the accommodations when she needed them, but to also push her into becoming the swimmer she is now. Without Swimclusion, I don’t think she would’ve been able to compete or be a part of this amazing experience.
Adam Reininger
Barbora & David Silva
Nicole & Jason Smith
Adaria & Tim Torres
Lacy & Matt Whitworth
Melissa & Mike Wise

Titles provided for identification purposes only. All endorsements are made in the individual’s personal capacity.

Ben Glickman for El Dorado Hills CSD Board — Community.Service.