Strategy

After over a year of recalibration, California Forever has revealed its revised plan to build “America’s next great city” but with a twist. Rather than creating an entirely new city, the project now focuses on expanding Suisun City, a small town in Solano County struggling with budget deficits and limited growth. This move aims to build a vibrant, walkable community with neighborhoods for 400,000 residents, an entertainment district, and a manufacturing park. Shifting Strategy: From a New City to Suisun City Expansion Initially, California Forever sought to establish an entirely new city in Solano County, but the revised plan now integrates the project into the existing Suisun City. This change allows the developers to avoid the need for county-wide voter approval by instead working with the Suisun City Council and the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for approval. This shift eases the approval process, but local opposition remains. Solano County’s smallest city by area, Suisun City has long been constrained by budget issues and limited growth opportunities. By bringing this expansion under the Suisun City framework, California Forever aims to revitalize the area while avoiding the legal and logistical hurdles that would accompany creating a new city from scratch. Ambitious Plans for Housing, Jobs, and Manufacturing The expansion will include the construction of 175,000 homes, prioritizing family-sized units over rentals. California Forever has emphasized creating a “real city” rather than a “bedroom community” by incorporating a variety of housing types, from small parcel developments to walkable neighborhoods. In addition to residential areas, the plan includes a shipyard in Collinsville and an enormous manufacturing district making it one of the largest industrial parks in America. Sramek’s vision aims to blend jobs, shops, and entertainment with nature, creating a balanced, thriving city. The entertainment district will be inspired by major urban centers like  New York’s Meatpacking District and Chicago’s Fulton Market. Rather than relying on large apartment complexes, the plan calls for a smaller-scale fabric of development, encouraging mixed-use neighborhoods with community-driven design. Local Support and Opposition: The Road to Approval While the Suisun City Council has expressed support for the plan, including approval of the application, there are significant hurdles ahead. The project faces opposition from well-organized local groups who argue the development violates long-established land-use policies in Solano County. Former Solano County Supervisor Duane Kromm has noted that the LAFCO review will be a “deep dive,” emphasizing that this approval process will not be a formality. One of the main concerns from opponents is the potential for the developers to use special legislation to bypass local control. Additionally, environmental reviews and public hearings will play a crucial role in determining whether this project will move forward. A 40-Year Vision for Solano County’s Future If approved, California Forever’s plan will unfold over 40 years. Sramek has emphasized that the goal is not just to build homes, but to create a fully integrated community with employment opportunities, recreational spaces, and a sustainable environment. Suisun City, once constrained by its geographical limitations, would become a dynamic hub of growth and innovation. The project’s phased approach could transform Suisun into a vibrant metropolis, one that combines industry and residential life in a way that is rare in California’s current urban landscape. Heimata Breakdown California Forever’s decision to expand Suisun City instead of creating a new metropolis reflects a more grounded vision of growth. The plan acknowledges that innovation does not always mean starting anew but can instead come from reinvesting in existing communities, strengthening their foundations, and creating opportunities where people already live and work. 🔗 Read the full article here: San Francisco Chronicles Stay Informed on the Latest Real Estate Trends