FOLSOM CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

The Folsom City Council unanimously approved a strategic plan that sets goals, strategies, and priorities to guide the city's work over the next five years. The action-oriented plan outlines the city's vision, mission, operating principles, and priority areas of focus aimed at supporting financial sustainability, increasing public safety resources, boosting economic and community development, and maximizing organizational effectiveness.

The plan outlines the City Council's core goals:

• Financial Stability and Sustainability: Support fiscal health through long-term planning, cost control, heightened efficiency, increased revenue, and cost recovery.
• Public Safety and Infrastructure: Enhance the provision of public safety resources; invest in technological solutions; and maintain, repair, and improve public facilities and infrastructure.
• Economic and Community Development: Promote effective use of existing amenities and resources to create future opportunities that enrich the community.
• Organizational Effectiveness: Build strong connections and support for the community and employees through a commitment to local government best practices and employee development, support, and retention to meet community needs.

The City Council's short-term priorities include:

• Identify a funding plan to expand police department facilities to meet department needs.
• Identify funding to increase police department staffing to meet community needs.
• Initiate technology solutions to streamline the organization and improve efficiency.
• Complete the River District Master Plan to enhance the city’s waterfront and waterfront-adjacent recreation and development opportunities.
• Develop a funding/sponsorship plan for the Johnny Cash Art Trail.

Learn more.

MAY IS BIKE MONTH 

Bike Month is celebrated throughout the nation every May to highlight the benefits of bicycling and to encourage more people to give it a try. Throughout May, riders across the region are joining forces to swap cars for handlebars, encourage new riders, engage in friendly competitions, and win prizes.

Get in on the Bike Month fun:

• Join the Friends of the Folsom Parkways team and log the miles you ride throughout the month of May.
• Take part in the free May 6 PedalQuest events. Little ones ages 5 years and under can register for the Balance Bike Bash obstacle course in Historic Folsom. Riders of all ages can choose their “quest” from routes ranging from 1.5 to 30 miles that showcase the city’s amazing trail system. Learn more and register.
• Take the “End to End” challenge: ride every mile of Folsom’s trail network (north of HWY 50) in May. Print the trails map in black and white and highlight the segments you ride and note the date. Send your completed map no later than June 2 to earn the new Friends of the Folsom Parkways decal. This challenge is a great way to learn about and explore some of the lesser-known gems along the city’s trail system.
• Enter the photo contest; pro or amateur photographers of all ages can submit photos highlighting the beauty of Folsom’s trails. Photos can be entered in two themed categories, and winners will be selected each week of May; grand prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest. Find more details on the Friends of the Folsom Parkways website.

May is a great time to explore and enjoy some of Folsom’s 50+ miles of paved recreational trails. Safety and courtesy make for a positive experience for all trail users. Cyclists should keep to the right side of the trail, maintain a safe speed, and pass on the left side of oncoming pedestrians. Find updated trail maps and additional tips for trail safety and etiquette on the City of Folsom website.

TRAFFIC ALERT: DELAYS ON NATOMA STREET AND RILEY STREET

A construction project is underway on Natoma Street between Riley Street and Bridge Street to replace an existing deteriorated storm drain pipe and upgrade drain inlets, manholes, and other drainage appurtenances to current standards. Construction will extend through the end of June, motorists should expect traffic delays with lane shifts and intermittent lane closures on Natoma Street and Riley Street during this time. Alternate routes are encouraged.  

FOLSOM BOULEVARD BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN OVERCROSSING STUDY BEGINS

To improve safety and close a gap in the Humbug-Willow Creek Trail system, the City of Folsom Parks & Recreation Department has begun a feasibility study for a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Folsom Boulevard between Blue Ravine Road and Glenn Drive. The city was awarded an American Rescue Plan Act grant to fund this study, which will identify the preferred alignment location and a conceptual architectural design of the bridge. The goal of the feasibility study is to identify a safe, convenient, and cost-effective active transportation connection across Folsom Boulevard, linking transit, neighborhoods, businesses, and recreational attractions such as the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.

The city has identified four preliminary alignment alternatives for the overcrossing. To gather input from the public, the city is hosting an Online Community Questionnaire until May 12. For more information, email Project Manager Brett Bollinger or call 916-461-6632.

THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE LOVE MY MOM FAMILY FITNESS EVENT

The 9th annual Love My Mom 5K and Kids’ Dash takes place Sunday, May 7. This popular event that celebrates family and community is presented by Folsom Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Palladio and Kaiser. New this year: the 5K course finish line and post-race festivities move to the Palladio Piazza. The starting line will still be located by Whole Foods, and the course route is fast and flat, making it an ideal route for runners, walkers, and stroller striders–leashed dogs are welcome, too. The fun Kids’ Dash for ages 10 and under will be held prior to the start of the 5K, with medals awarded to all registered participants.

Participants in the 5K will be electronically timed and special awards will be presented to top finishers in a variety of categories including single and double strollers, top mom, top female, and top male. All registered 5K participants will receive a custom dry-fit shirt and unique commemorative finisher’s medal. At the finish area, all participants can explore vendor booths, enjoy DJ music, and refuel with light refreshments. Save on registration: use code “CityNews” for a $5 discount on each 5K registration at raceroster.com.

Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteers are needed to help direct runners, distribute medals and provide finish line cheer, and many other tasks. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult; learn more about the volunteer positions and register online.

TAP INTO TECH TO HELP SAVE WATER, MONEY AND YOUR LAWN

It’s time to get smart and declare your irrigation independence. Free yourself from hose dragging and watering sidewalks. Let technology help you save water, money, and your lawn.

A smart sprinkler timer such as the Rachio 3 Controller allows your landscape’s irrigation system to be as efficient as possible by tuning into weather and soil conditions. It can immediately make a big difference in home water use, as well as the health of your plants. Temperature and moisture levels, both in air and soil, can widely fluctuate. Smart controllers take the guesswork out of adjusting irrigation to fit swings in temperature and moisture. They also allow you to plug in any local watering guidelines, such as two- or three-day-per-week watering schedule.

Folsom is offering direct purchases of this $220 controller at $75 plus tax to Folsom residents. This offer is on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is exhausted. Apply at rwa.rachio.com.

NATURE SEMINAR: TODAY’S CLIMATE

Join presenter Kari Bauer with the American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 to learn about the science of global warming, the environmental impacts, and clean energy solutions. 

This educational program is presented in partnership with ARNHA. The seminar will be held at the Rotary Clubhouse, 7150 Baldwin Dam Road. The registration fee is $5/person; ages 10 through adult are welcome to attend. Preregistration is mandatory; call 916-461-6601 with questions.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

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City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us