One day while serving as Chairman of the Vacaville Planning Commission, Len Augustine walked into City Hall and offered to develop a Strategic Plan for the City of Vacaville - a roadmap that would guide the future and allow for aggressive approaches to economic development. When his idea wasn't taken seriously, he opted instead to run for City Council.
That strategic plan 16 years ago has been the catalyst behind the City's many successes - from landing anchor employers like Travis Credit Union and State Compensation Insurance Fund to breathing new life into the Nut Tree and maintaining low crime rates - making Vacaville one of the safest Cities of its size. It also pushed the City to live within its means, showing fiscal restraint and protecting rainy day funds.
As a Councilmember, Vice Mayor and Mayor, Len Augustine helped push projects that rejuvenated the downtown core through the Town Square and the Creekwalk. He worked to expand the senior center and formed the Commission on Aging and Senior Roundtable. Recognizing the $1.5 billion impact of Travis Air Force Base on the regional economy, Len was part of the successful lobbying effort for the C-17 mission and led Vacaville's efforts for affordable housing for military families. As a transportation leader, he helped convince CalTrans to move up the schedule of interstate improvements through the region by more than two years - improving the flow of traffic.
A native of the Pennsylvania coal mining country, Len lost his father when he was just eight years old. His mother worked two jobs to ensure young Len would have the opportunity to succeed and serve - and he did. After graduating from Lehigh University with a degree in Engineering, Len went on to a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, commanding the 89th Military Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force - best known for its role operating and maintaining the Air Force One fleet. Colonel Augustine retired as a command pilot with more than 5,000 hours, including 700 combat hours.
Len and his wife, Sue, a retired library assistant, have two sons and two grandchildren.
Current and Past Service
Mayor of Vacaville, 2002 - 2010
Vice Mayor, 2000 - 2002, 1996 - 1998
Councilman, 1998 - 2000
Member, Planning Commission, 1992 - 1994
Chairman, Planning Commission, 1994 - 1996
Board of Directors, Travis Credit Union
Chairman, Solano Transportation Authority
Chairman, Solano County Water Agency
Vice Chairman, City County Coordinating Council
President, North Bay Division, League of California Cities
Chairman, Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee
Member, Select Committee on City/Schools Relations
President, Friends of Vacaville Schools
President, Vacaville Sunrise Rotary Club
Commander, 89th Military Airlift Wing, Andrews AFB
Colonel, USAF (Retired)
Member, Board of Directors of North Bay Stand-Down
Active member, Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board Member, On Stage Vacaville
Member, Executive Forum, Solano EDC
Board of Directors, Tools of Learning for Children
Board of Directors, Bill's Kids
Member, American Legion,
Veterans of Foreign Wars and AmVets
Member, Knights of Columbus, Elks and
Moose Lodges, Odd Fellows
Member, Daedalians, The Retired Officers Association