Folsom · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Folsom public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Streamlined building permits and fee reduction
Simple permits like water heaters and EV chargers can soon be approved in hours through an automated system, and cost about $20 less. One resident flagged ADA/Section 508 accessibility compliance concerns.
First quarterly capital projects report
A new quarterly snapshot of 50+ projects — the Highway 50 trail undercrossing, Riley Street sidewalks, a new Folsom Plan community park, sewer and water upgrades — showing departments coordinating to avoid tearing up streets twice.
Police Leadership
Folsom has a brand new top cop in town! Matt Davis is stepping up to lead the police department after the old chief packed up for Placer County.
Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MICO) Opt-Out Recommendation
The council debated whether to support county authorization of home-based restaurants under AB 626, weighing entrepreneurship opportunities against potential neighborhood nuisance and zoning conflicts.
Automated License Plate Readers (Flock Safety Cameras) Privacy Concerns
A resident raised privacy and accuracy concerns regarding the city's use of Flock Safety automated license plate reading cameras, urging a pause and review of the program.
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Support and Operations
Numerous volunteers and docents spoke passionately about the value of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, urging ongoing budget support and highlighting community engagement.
2025 Urban Water Management Plan Adoption
The council adopted the updated water management and shortage contingency plans, confirming reliable water supplies through 2050.
Jackrabbit Hill Park Master Development Plan
The city approved the master plan for Jackrabbit Hill Park, an 11-acre neighborhood park in the Folsom Plan Area featuring sports courts, play areas, and gathering spaces.
Campaign Contribution Limits
The committee discussed raising individual campaign contribution limits from $150 to $750 to counter the influence of outside PAC money. The council agreed to separate this issue from the charter review for further discussion.
Folsom Boulevard Pedestrian Overcrossing Grant Applications
The city is applying for state and federal grants to fund design and environmental work for a pedestrian overcrossing connecting the trail system to light rail and business districts along Folsom Boulevard.
Folsom Tourism Business Improvement District Assessment Rate
The council reviewed a proposal to increase the Folsom Tourism Business Improvement District assessment from 4% to 8%, generating funds to invest in sports tourism infrastructure and physical capital improvements.
State of the City address
Folsom Mayor Justin Raithel gave the annual State of the City address, recapping what the city accomplished and previewing priorities for 2026. It’s a quick way to see what City Hall is focused on next.
Castle Park Play Structure Replacement Project
Community build dates were announced for April 7-12, backed by enthusiastic volunteer sign-ups. The council approved key construction contracts and Measure A funding to handle site grading, utility prep, and concrete work.
Economic Development
Even though Intel is laying people off, Folsom's mayor is doubling down on growing and diversifying the local economy. The city is aggressively working to bring in new industries so the job market stays stable.
City Manager Retirement
Folsom’s city manager is retiring, which means a new person will soon run day-to-day City Hall operations. That leadership swap can shift priorities, budgets, and how quickly projects and services move forward—so it’s worth watching who gets picked next.
Code Enforcement Dispute
A Folsom homeowner followed all the local rules to build a backyard treehouse, but the city is still forcing him to tear it down. It's a frustrating example of red tape crushing a totally harmless home project.