Folsom mayor showcases interchange, trails and transit projects during CTC hearing

Mayor Justin Rakel welcomed the Commission to Folsom and outlined major regional transportation needs and projects tied to housing growth. "My name is Justin Rakel and I have the honor and privilege of serving as the mayor of Folsom this year," Rakel said, then described planned interchanges, trail expansions and transit investments that the city and region are pursuing.

Rakel highlighted a number of locally significant projects: the Hazel Avenue interchange (Sacramento County), Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Phase 2 in Citrus Heights, a Laguna Creek pedestrian overcrossing at State Route 99, the southeast connector corridor and the Gold Line light‑rail modernization that includes a Folsom passing track and new low‑floor light rail vehicles. He told commissioners the city has used public‑private partnerships to deliver pedestrian overcrossings and other community enhancements, and thanked the commission and Caltrans partners for prior funding commitments.

Why it matters: Folsom and the broader Sacramento metropolitan area are experiencing near‑term housing growth and have significant infrastructure needs for multimodal travel and goods movement. Mayor Rakel framed local projects as necessary supports for affordable housing and economic growth and urged continued state investment.

Commissioner reaction: Commissioners praised the morning field tour and cited project delivery examples that they said illustrated the value of design‑build, BIM modeling and other cost‑saving approaches. Vice Chair Cruz thanked the mayor and noted regional connectivity benefits to Rancho Cordova and Sacramento.

Next steps: No formal action was taken on the presentation. Staff and commissioners encouraged continued coordination on project delivery and funding as the commission considers SB1 program allocations over the coming months.