Rancho Cordova · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rancho Cordova public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rio Del Oro Parcel 67E Residential Project
A residential project in the Rio Del Oro specific plan area won major design review approval with no debate or public comment. Residents who attended hoping for a presentation were told the project had already been approved on the consent calendar.
New Sports Arena and Plaza Fee Waivers
The most contested issue: whether tax sharing and fee waivers constitute a subsidy worth roughly $185 million over 35 years. Supporters call it performance-based revenue sharing with no general fund risk; opponents call it giving away public money before the full deal is public.
Douglas 103 Subdivision Final Maps
Lennar's 1,298-home project south of Douglas Road got its design review approved. Homes range from about 1,700 to 3,200 square feet across three collections, and some commissioners again raised concerns about short driveways and tight side-yard setbacks.
Opportunity Zones 2.0 designation
Four census tracts around the airport and Mather business park will be nominated for the state's new Opportunity Zones program, offering tax incentives to investors — though the city hasn't seen direct benefits from the original round.
Douglas 103 subdivision final map (Lennar)
The council was to approve the large lot final map for the Douglas 103 subdivision and a subdivision improvement agreement with Lennar Homes of California, moving a new housing project forward.
Asteria Flats Affordable Multifamily Housing Bonds
The city is lending $5 million to get a 236-unit affordable project for working families built at Sunrise and Chrysanthe, serving households earning roughly 30-70% of area median income. Construction could start in June with occupancy by end of 2027.
166-home Capital Village Residences development
166 single-family homes with 59 ADUs are proposed on vacant corners at International Drive and Kilgore Road, replacing a previously approved 417-unit apartment project that became financially unworkable. The design uses motor courts, pocket parks, and hoped-for trail connections to the Folsom Canal Trail, with a future restaurant parcel set aside. The commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the City Council, which makes the final call.
Data Centers — Preparing Before a Proposal Arrives
Council members debated whether the city should get ahead of data center proposals. Some see revenue potential; residents at public events are often surprised the city already hosts several. Staff will do due diligence and bring back analysis.
Future Community Center at Former VSP Campus
The city bought 18 acres and 150,000 square feet of former VSP office buildings for $11.5 million to eventually create a community center for learning, arts and innovation. Council members called it the most significant project in the city's 25-year history, benefiting virtually every resident.
Transformative Climate Communities Grant Application
The city will apply for a state grant funding projects like the Hornbroad light rail station, EV chargers, a community food hub and a resilience hub. Final application is due September 30, with awards expected next spring.
Public Acquisition of International Drive and Zinfandel Drive Properties
The city is buying three parcels in the Downtown Planning Area — two on International Drive and one on Zinfandel Drive — for public use. The commission confirmed the purchase fits the city's General Plan, a required legal step under state law.
Property Negotiations with VSP Holding Company Inc.
Behind closed doors, the council gave direction to negotiators on buying the three parcels that would house the community center — the first concrete step toward securing the site.
Tourism Business Improvement District modification
The council started the process to modify the Rancho Cordova Tourism Business Improvement District, keeping the 4.5% hotel assessment citywide but creating a central "Dova Zone" at 6%. Hoteliers get their say at a June 15 public meeting and July 6 final hearing.
Canceling Douglas 98 and Sundance development agreements
First readings of ordinances canceling development agreements for the Douglas 98 and Sundance projects.
Mills Crossing right-of-way infrastructure
Two contracts — $211,643 for streetlights and $306,978.20 for a stormwater vault — were proposed to build out infrastructure for the Mills Crossing project.
Walmart expansion impacts on adjacent neighborhoods
Walmart wants to expand its Folsom Boulevard Supercenter with an online pickup area right behind homes on Sherona and Chabisa ways. Neighbors reported bright lights in bedrooms, overnight cardboard baling noise, trash, trespassing, and safety concerns — and commissioners pressed Walmart on all of it before continuing the project.
Mercantile Drive industrial parcel split
A 3.44-acre light-industrial site near Trade Center Drive will be divided into three parcels, opening the door to separate ownership and possibly new tenants. The key safeguard is a shared parking and access agreement that stays with the land.