FOLSOM, Calif. — Construction within the Folsom Plan Area, coined Folsom Ranch, has gradually progressed through 2023 since a plan to create parks, jobs and other essentials and amenities within the community was finalized 12 years ago.
Folsom Ranch consists of 3,500 acres closed by Highway 50, White Rock Road, Prairie City Road and the El Dorado County line, according to the city. Folsom voters passed Measure W, calling for the city to annex the area, in 2004.
“Although permitting has started to show some decline, the projects are still progressing nicely and we look forward to continuing to welcome the Folsom Plan Area as part of our active and vibrant community,” said Christine Brainerd, a city spokeswoman.
Here’s the construction status as 2023 comes to a close, according to Brainerd:
- Two of five planned elementary schools are nearly completed. The remaining three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school are in planning stages with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
- Roughly 2,650 “dwelling units,” a combination of owned or rented single-family and multi-family residencies, are occupied.
- Prospector Park, the first of 11 planned parks, is under construction and slated to open summer 2024.
- Eight miles of Class I trails, shared between bikes and walkers, have been built. Three extra miles will be built in spring and summer 2024.
- Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Folsom Ranch’s first commercial business, will open Thursday.
- Fire Station 34 is under construction.
- UC Davis Folsom Center is under construction.
Folsom Ranch is approved for 11,461 dwelling units and is estimated to house a population of approximately 27,510 people, Brainerd said.
“At its build out, the plan area community will provide approximately 7,800 new jobs,” she said.
There is also a planned town center and neighborhood center, according to the city.
Brainerd said roughly 30% of the area is expected to be preserved “in perpetuity” as natural open space, allowing Folsom Ranch to value wetland protection and preservation.
