Choose Folsom presentation marks first State of the City address by Mayor Justin Raithel
Folsom’s annual look ahead will take center stage this Wednesday as Choose Folsom presents the 2026 State of the City at Lakeside Church, bringing together business leaders, community stakeholders and residents for a comprehensive update on the city’s direction and priorities.
The annual event kicks off the year ahead in Folsom, looking back at key accomplishments from 2025 while outlining priorities and expectations for residents and business owners in 2026.
This year’s presentation will be led by Mayor Justin Raithel, who will deliver his first State of the City address since being selected as mayor by his City Council peers at the conclusion of last year. Raithel’s appointment came just one year after joining the Folsom City Council and following his prior service as vice mayor, marking a notable milestone early in his tenure on the dais.
Raithel represents District 2 and brings a diverse background to the city’s top leadership role, including experience as a small business owner, licensed professional engineer and longtime community volunteer. Before his election to the City Council, he served on both the Folsom and Sacramento County Planning Commissions, as well as the Historic District Commission and the Library Commission, providing him with a broad perspective on land use, preservation and civic services.
His community involvement extends well beyond government service. Raithel is a founding member and past chair of Folsom’s Community Service Day and the creator of the Neighbors Helping Seniors program, an initiative designed to connect volunteers with older residents in need of assistance. A past president of the Rotary Club of Folsom, he has played a leadership role in numerous service-driven initiatives and was recognized as Folsom’s 2020 Volunteer of the Year by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce. He resides in the Briggs Ranch neighborhood with his fiancé and two stepchildren.
In addition to the mayor’s remarks, Joe Gagliardi, president and CEO of Choose Folsom, will also take the stage during the event. Gagliardi is expected to address economic development efforts, business attraction and retention, workforce initiatives and the role of public-private collaboration in supporting Folsom’s continued growth.
The 2026 State of the City will be held at Lakeside Church, located at 745 Oak Avenue Parkway, with the program scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. The annual gathering has become a key forum for civic leadership and the business community to align on priorities and reinforce collaboration as the city moves into the new year.
Tickets for the event are available through Choose Folsom’s website atwww.choosefolsom.com.
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