AGENDA TITLE:
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Receive a Presentation Concerning Planning for Future City Growth within the Sphere of Influence and Upcoming General Plan Update (CD)
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MEETING DATE:
June 3, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Cynthia Marsh, Community Development Deputy Director/City Planner
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive a presentation concerning planning for future City growth within the Sphere of Influence and upcoming General Plan update.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This staff report provides a snapshot of the City’s upcoming series of workshops with the City Council related to future growth planning within Lodi’s Sphere of Influence (SOI). This series will be introduced by the Community Development Department (CDD), Public Works, and Lodi Electric Utility. The first workshop, presented by CDD, will introduce the City’s vision for growth in key areas and discuss the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for the General Plan update. Two subsequent workshops will be presented by the Public Works and Electric Utility Departments, with the final in the series presented by a specialized consultant regarding infrastructure financing.
As Lodi considers responsible, sustainable growth to meet long-term community needs, planning efforts must be aligned across land use, infrastructure, and financing. The City's SOI includes three primary growth areas, each with distinct land use visions and planning considerations.
This workshop series is intended to inform and engage the City Council early in the process as the City prepares to issue a General Plan RFP to hire a qualified consultant, and anticipates future annexation proposals.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Workshop #1 - Community Development Department
Date: June 3, 2025
This initial workshop provides an overview of three key SOI areas and their planning visions. It will also outline the scope of the upcoming General Plan Update RFP, which will emphasize growth management, infrastructure planning, environmental review, and community engagement.
Key SOI Areas:
1. Westside Vision
A ±350-unit walkable residential neighborhood northwest of Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road. The concept includes a mix of housing types, a new Fire Station and Police Sub-station, open space, community amenities, and mixed-use commercial along Kettleman. Infrastructure connections are generally in place.
Note: An annexation application is currently in process.
2. Eastside Vision
A walkable business park east of Highway 99, designed to attract and retain employment-generating uses such as industrial, light manufacturing, R&D, and technology businesses. This ~850-acre area prioritizes mobility and sustainability with integrated bike lanes and transit access to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
3. South Study Area Vision
An ~800-acre master-planned community south of Harney Lane envisioned to include ~3,000 housing units, two new schools, parks, neighborhood commercial, and active transportation features. The plan is centered on smart growth principles with a strong emphasis on health, connectivity, and self-sufficiency (e.g., Blue Zones planning concepts).
Workshop #2 on June 10, 2025 - Utilities & Infrastructure Planning
Presented by: Public Works & Lodi Electric Utility
This workshop will detail infrastructure challenges and requirements associated with extending services (electricity, water, sewer, stormwater) to SOI areas, including timelines, constraints, and coordination needs.
Workshop #3 on June 17, 2025 - Growth Financing Strategies
Introduced by: CDD and Presented by: Michael Colantuono, partner with Colantuono, Highsmith, Whatley P.C., and an expert in local government revenue and infrastructure funding mechanisms
The final workshop will focus on funding tools to ensure that new development pays for itself. Topics will include Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), impact fees, and developer agreements.
NEXT STEPS:
Staff will use Council input from the workshop series to help shape the scope of the General Plan RFP and guide long-term strategies for growth, infrastructure coordination, and financial sustainability.
STRATEGIC VISION:
2E. Economic Development: Grow the City through East Side annexation.
2G. Economic Development: Attracting tech and non-agriculture jobs.
4C. Housing: Continued progress towards Regional Housing Needs Assessment goals.
4F. Housing: Develop policies that will promote affordable housing, generational housing, and diverse housing.
5D. Infrastructure: Ensure capacity for future growth.
5E. Infrastructure: Proactive infrastructure development for Sphere of influence & growth areas.
8A. Public Well-Being: Increase opportunities for physical, recreational, and cultural activities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.