The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is a small urban community located in the south Orange County, along the Santa Ana Mountains. The City has a population of approximately 50,000 residents living in 13 square miles. The City is a master planned community designed to offer the advantages of a small city, plus the quality of life of a small village. The City’s motto: “A Small City With the Soul of a Small Village” reflects this concept. Incorporated on January 1, 2000, Rancho Santa Margarita is a general law city with a Council-Manager form of government. Five Council Members elected at-large serve as the legislative policy-making body. The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for making policy recommendations to the City Council and implementing them as adopted.