Folsom will unveil streetscape plans and four proposed branding concepts for its Central Business District at a public meeting Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The session starts at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers at Folsom City Hall, 50 Natoma Street. The City of Folsom and Choose Folsom, the city's economic development arm, are hosting the meeting for business owners, property owners and community members.

The district stretches along East Bidwell Street from Riley Street to Blue Ravine Road, a corridor that includes the aquatic center and Lembi Park.

What's on the agenda

According to the city's meeting page, topics include infrastructure and streetscape projects, sidewalk and accessibility upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, beautification efforts and marketing partnerships.

One item likely to draw attention: four proposed branding concepts for the district. The names under consideration are "The CORE," "Central District," "The Midway" and "Riley & Bidwell." The names are not final. The city said on its meeting page that public feedback will help guide the design as it is refined.

How the plan got here

The Folsom City Council directed the planning effort in March 2023. On Aug. 22, 2023, the council formed an 18-member Central Business Advisory Committee of business owners, residents and stakeholders representing transportation, tourism, education and economic development. The committee met eight times over the following year.

The city also collected more than 800 responses through an online questionnaire and hosted pop-up outreach events, including one outside Karen's Bakery and another at the Historic Folsom Farmers Market on Dec. 16, 2023.

The City Council approved the resulting Central Business District Vision Plan on Nov. 12, 2024. The plan is a 10-to-20-year guide for development, infrastructure and branding along the corridor, according to the city's project page. No rezoning or General Plan amendments are proposed. The effort was funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.

How to participate

The Oct. 21 meeting marks what the city describes as a shift from planning to implementation. Residents who cannot attend can sign up for project updates at folsom.ca.us/CBDMeeting.