
City of Lodi to tackle growth at upcoming workshops
Jun. 3—The future begins now for the City of Lodi.
City officials will take a first step toward planning future growth when the City Council receives a presentation at today's special meeting outlining development visions for areas within the city's sphere of influence (SOI) and an update to the general plan.
The presentation kicks off a three-part workshop series aimed at aligning land use, infrastructure, and financial strategies as Lodi positions itself for responsible, sustainable expansion.
The initial workshop, hosted by the Community Development Department, will provide an overview of three major SOI growth areas and introduce the forthcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) to update Lodi's general plan. The RFP will focus on integrated growth management, infrastructure planning, environmental review, and robust community engagement.
The three growth areas identified include:
Westside Vistion: A proposed 350-unit walkable neighborhood near Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road. Plans include mixed housing types, open space, commercial areas, and new public safety facilities. An annexation application is already underway.
Eastside Vision: An 850-acre business park east of Highway 99, designed to attract employment-generating industries such as light manufacturing and tech. The plan prioritizes transit access and reduced vehicle miles traveled.
South Study Area: An 800-acre master-planned residential community south of Harney Lane, with 3,000 housing units, two schools, parks, commercial centers, and smart-growth features.
Upcoming workshops will focus on infrastructure and financing, and include:
Workshop 2: June 10
Presented by Public Works and Lodi Electric Utility, this session will tackle infrastructure planning — addressing how essential services like water, electricity, and stormwater systems will be extended to the SOI areas, and the challenges involved.
Workshop 3: June 17
Led by growth financing expert Michael Colantuono, this final session will examine financial tools to fund growth. Topics include Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), developer fees, and how to ensure that new development pays its own way.
What's next?
City staff will incorporate feedback from all three workshops into the scope of the general plan RFP, expected to be released later this year. The goal: to ensure that Lodi's growth strategy reflects a shared vision, is fiscally sustainable, and maintains quality of life for residents both current and future.
Today's meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Carnegie Forum, 305 W. Pine St.
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