The City of Folsom has a rich history beginning with the '49ers during California's great Gold Rush. But it's also a forward-looking city -- the site the West's first railroad and the world's first long-distance transmission of electricity.
It is a high-tech town as well, with firms ranging from small to large international corporations. The good network of area freeways has drawn distribution facilities to the City as well. A steady influx of new residents has kept local contractors busy, and the retail section is about to get a tremendous boost from two malls in the planning stage. As part of the four-county Sacramento Metropolitan Statistical Area, the City is part of a robust regional economy as well.
An adopted general plan sets out the path the City will likely follow into the 21st century. It shows a growing city that intends to keep its human scale. It places large retail centers in places easily accessible to regional shoppers, without cramming more traffic into the City's core. It paints a picture of sparkling new neighborhoods as well as a carefully preserved historical district.
The City's General Plan, adopted October 31, 1988, also takes note of the family orientation, calling for a minimum of five acres of park land for each 1,000 residents, and for city co-sponsorship of special activities that involve the entire family. Although the City has the flavor of a small city, it does not lack the conveniences of modern living. It has ample shopping and cultural facilities, either in town or within a few minutes drive, and there are plans for more. It also has new hospital facilities and an expanding corps of professional specialists, such as doctors, lawyers and financial consultants.
The incorporation of the City in 1946 was a move that has major significance in the self-determination of the City today. Being incorporated allows the City's residents to elect a city council and to govern themselves. The City's primary governing body is the City Council, made up of five members who are elected at large and serve four years. The council members choose a mayor and vice mayor from their own ranks. The current City Council members are: Mayor Steve Miklos, Vice Mayor Jeff Starsky, Kerri Howell, Andy Morin and Ernie Sheldon. The City Manager in charge of day-to-day operations is Kerry Miller, who reports to the City Council.
Newcomers Seeking High Quality of a Life
The City is attracting a stream of newcomers seeking good housing or good jobs. Between the years 2000 and 2010, the number of citizens in the City is expected to be somewhere between 65,000 and 70,000. That number should be about the population limit, according to the City's current general plan. Many residents work in Sacramento, which also is enjoying rapid growth. They find the City an easy commute and an attractive alternative to the more congested Sacramento urban scene. Folsom is also becoming a city in which residents find their employment right here. Many high-tech companies have built large production facilities. Industrial growth continues with new business parks and retail expanding throughout the city. box
These newcomers are significantly altering the character of the City's population, which used to have a higher proportion of retirees. Many of the newcomers are families with children, and this is giving the City more of an orientation toward young families.
Residents Enjoy Retail Expansion
The downtown area of the City is only minutes away from four major freeways, five airports, freight and passenger rail lines, bus lines and even an inland seaport.
Folsom's retail activity is expanding enormously with major developments taking shape. The shopping centers at Highway 50 and East Bidwell Street in southeastern Folsom continues to grow adding new retail stores, hotels, and restaurants. The Folsom Automall along Folsom Boulevard and Highway 50 has grown to over six dealerships. Two new hotels have opened next to the Folsom movie theaters. The Outlets continue to grow, making it a major shopping center, bringing shoppers from miles away.
Folsom Lake Offers Year 'Round Fun
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is the most popular multi-use, year 'round unit in the California State Park System. Each year visitors flock to the 18,000-acre park to fish, hike, camp, picnic, ride horseback, water ski, boat, swim and study nature. Two-third of the park's surface area is water. Folsom Lake, the larger of the area's two lakes, is formed behind Folsom Dam and has 120 miles of shoreline.
Community information provided by City Website.
