City Council Explores Four Development Scenarios for Folsom Boulevard Project

The Rancho Cordova City Council held a special meeting on September 2, 2025, to discuss the future of a significant development project, focusing on four potential scenarios for the site entitled for a community health building, art center, and event space. The meeting began with a presentation outlining the urgency of project direction due to upcoming grant deadlines, including $9 million for site work and a $7 million behavioral health grant.

The first scenario proposed a full build-out of the $120 million project, which includes three buildings: a 36,000 square foot community health building, a 25,000 square foot art center, and a 10,000 square foot event space. This option would utilize all available grant funding. The second scenario suggested a reduced project, eliminating the event space, resulting in a $105 million project that would also use the full grant funds.

Stefan Heisler, the city's housing manager, presented the third scenario, which focused solely on site infrastructure improvements, utilizing $9 million in infrastructure grants. This option would not include community facilities but would prepare the site for future housing or commercial development. The fourth scenario proposed pausing the project entirely, which would forfeit the grants but allow for future planning without immediate financial commitments.

Public comments reflected a strong preference for the fourth scenario, with residents expressing concerns about financial feasibility and the project's impact on the community. Speakers emphasized the need for adequate parking and questioned the project's overall viability, suggesting that the city should reconsider its approach to development on Folsom Boulevard.

Council members engaged in a robust discussion, with many expressing skepticism about the project's escalating costs and the lack of community enthusiasm. Some members advocated for scenario three, focusing on site work to facilitate future housing development, while others supported pausing the project to reassess the community's needs and potential partnerships.

Ultimately, the council moved towards a consensus on scenario three, emphasizing the importance of utilizing grant funds for necessary infrastructure improvements while remaining open to future development opportunities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the project and explore potential partnerships that align with community interests.