Folsom City Council candidate Jag Nagendra has been named one of the 2026 Top 60 Change Makers, a prestigious regional accolade presented jointly by The Sacramento Bee and the Nehemiah Leaders Programs. This recognition underscores Nagendra’s extensive contributions across engineering, public service, and civic leadership as he pursues a seat on the Folsom City Council.
Background, Immigration, and Civic Engagement:
Nagendra immigrated to the United States at age 29, initially establishing roots in Virginia before relocating to California. His civic journey began with involvement in the India Association of Davis, followed by a tenure on the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office outreach board. After making Folsom his home, he became a consistent and active participant in local government affairs and City Council meetings.
Professional Career and Leadership Roles:
Professionally, Nagendra serves as a Principal Engineer with the California Department of Water Resources, leading a multidisciplinary team of IT professionals and engineers dedicated to managing the state’s critical water infrastructure. Beyond his state duties, his civic footprint includes an eight-year term on the California Expo and State Fair Cultural Advisory Council, alongside active participation in the Sacramento Valley chapter of the Project Management Institute.
Reflecting on the honor, Nagendra shared, “As an immigrant who left everything behind in India to start from scratch in the United States, I never imagined I would one day be recognized for decades of work helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.”
