SACOG unveils 2025 blueprint project emphasizing housing and transportation solutions

The Folsom City Council meeting on February 25, 2025, spotlighted the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and its ambitious 2025 Blueprint Project, aimed at addressing the region's rapid growth and housing crisis. James Corless, SACOG's Executive Director, presented a comprehensive overview of the long-range plan, which projects significant population increases and the need for substantial infrastructure investments over the next 25 years.

Corless emphasized that the Greater Sacramento region, which includes Folsom, is one of California's fastest-growing areas, with a projected population surge of 600,000 residents by 2050. This growth necessitates the construction of approximately 278,000 housing units, with Folsom alone expected to accommodate 30,000 more people and 14,000 new housing units. The plan aims to provide diverse housing options and enhance transportation systems, responding to community feedback that highlighted a lack of affordable housing as a primary concern.

The presentation also outlined the importance of a collaborative approach, with SACOG engaging local jurisdictions to tailor the plan to specific community needs. Corless noted that the draft plan will be released in May, followed by a public comment period, with final adoption anticipated in November. He underscored the urgency of meeting state mandates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are critical for securing future transportation funding.

In addition to housing, the meeting touched on ongoing local projects, including the Empire Ranch interchange and initiatives to improve connectivity and support mixed-use development around transit stations. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to revitalize existing areas while accommodating new growth.

As Folsom prepares for its future, the Blueprint Project stands as a pivotal framework for sustainable development, aiming to balance the needs of current residents with the demands of a growing population.