Solano County, California, October 15, 2025
News Summary
California Forever has proposed the creation of a new city in Solano County, aimed at housing 400,000 residents. This ambitious plan includes a 2,100-acre manufacturing park and the largest shipbuilding operation in the U.S. with a comprehensive growth strategy outlined in over 250 pages. The project is designed to ensure sustainability and job retention in California, while addressing community needs through an inclusive development approach. Initial approvals will cap the population at 150,000, allowing for phased growth over 20 years.
California is set to potentially host a new city accommodating up to 400,000 residents as California Forever advances its ambitious expansion plans in Solano County. This project will not only create a significant urban space, but it will also establish a 2,100-acre manufacturing park and the country’s largest shipbuilding operation.
The final annexation plan submitted to Suisun City includes over 250 pages outlining a comprehensive 20-year growth strategy. As part of this initiative, California Forever has also submitted a fire protection plan and proposed amendments to Suisun City’s general plan and municipal code to facilitate the annexation process.
Suisun City Manager Bret Prebula expressed his satisfaction with the submission and noted that city staff would undertake evaluations, conduct environmental reviews, and perform necessary technical and financial analyses. California Forever’s project aims to create a walkable community with downtown areas and entertainment districts, promoting a vision referred to as “the next great American city.”
This manufacturing hub is intended to keep jobs within California, aiming to reduce the outsourcing of positions to other states such as Texas and Florida. The proposed annexation would increase Suisun City’s size by over tenfold, marking a significant expansion for the region.
Initial resistance to the annexation surfaced when the Suisun City Council first approved the idea of exploring the proposal. However, California Forever has committed to covering all costs associated with the annexation. The evaluation process for this proposal could take several weeks or months, with a focus on ensuring the project meets the needs of both Suisun City’s existing residents and future inhabitants.
Stage one of the development will limit the initial population to 150,000 residents, triggering further approvals after a 20-year timeframe. This phased approach aims to address community concerns while avoiding direct referendum processes, relying on city council approvals instead.
California Forever’s land use plan has been refined to incorporate community feedback while remaining aligned with the original vision outlined in their 2024 plan. The project seeks to connect existing urban areas with new growth zones, with the goal of revitalizing Suisun City economically and socially.
A public meeting regarding the expansion proposal has been scheduled for October 27, signaling the company’s commitment to engaging with the community. Earlier, in June 2024, California Forever withdrew a controversial ballot measure that would have allowed the company to bypass zoning restrictions, indicating a response to local opposition and concerns regarding community consensus on the annexation approach.
If the annexation is approved, California Forever has pledged $10 million to Suisun City, which would further assist in facilitating the expansion. The plan highlights the intention to transform unincorporated land near Suisun City into a thriving urban area, with a strong focus on housing and industry.
In summary, California Forever is making significant strides towards creating a new manufacturing and residential hub in Solano County, reflecting a long-term vision for economic growth and sustainable living within the state.
Key Features of California Forever’s Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Projected Population | 400,000 residents |
| Manufacturing Park Size | 2,100 acres |
| Shipbuilding Operation | The nation’s largest |
| Annexation Document Length | Over 250 pages |
| Growth Strategy Duration | 20 years |
| Initial Population Cap | 150,000 residents |
| Pledged Funds for Suisun City | $10 million if approved |
FAQ
What is the main goal of California Forever’s project?
California Forever is pushing ahead with plans to construct a new city for 400,000 residents in Solano County.
What are the components of the expansion project?
The project’s scope includes a 2,100-acre manufacturing park and the nation’s largest shipbuilding operation.
How detailed is the submitted annexation plan?
The final annexation plan submitted to Suisun City comprises over 250 pages and includes a 20-year growth strategy.
What is included in the annexation proposal?
California Forever also submitted a fire protection plan and proposed amendments to Suisun City’s general plan and municipal code to facilitate annexation.
What did Suisun City Manager Bret Prebula say about the project?
Suisun City Manager Bret Prebula expressed satisfaction with California Forever’s application.
What will occur during the evaluation of the proposal?
The city staff will evaluate the proposal, conduct environmental reviews, and perform technical and financial analyses.
What is the community vision for the new city?
California Forever’s project is referred to as “the next great American city,” aiming to create a walkable community with a downtown and entertainment district.
What is the intent behind the manufacturing hub?
The manufacturing hub is intended to keep jobs within California, reducing the outsourcing of jobs to states like Texas and Florida.
How would the annexation impact Suisun City?
The proposed annexation would increase Suisun City’s size by more than tenfold.
What initial reactions were there regarding the annexation?
Initial pushback against the annexation was noted when the Suisun City Council approved exploring the proposal.
Who will fund the annexation process?
California Forever intends to fund all associated costs for the annexation process.
How long will the evaluation process take?
The evaluation process for the proposal could take weeks or months.
What is the cap for the initial population during stage one?
Stage one of the development includes a population cap of 150,000 residents to trigger further approvals after 20 years.
How will the project consider current residents?
The committee will ensure the project addresses the needs of Suisun City and its existing residents.
What changes were made to the land use plan?
Jan Sramek, CEO of California Forever, stated that the land use plan remains similar to their original 2024 plan while being more detailed.
How did community feedback influence the project?
The plan was altered following community feedback and aims to avoid referendum processes by focusing on city council approvals.
What is the vision for the land surrounding Suisun City?
The project aims to bridge existing urban land with new growth areas, potentially revitalizing Suisun City.
When is the public meeting scheduled?
A public meeting concerning the expansion project is scheduled for October 27.
What happened to the ballot measure in June 2024?
In June 2024, California Forever withdrew its ballot measure that would have allowed them to bypass zoning restrictions.
What did California Forever pledge to Suisun City if approved?
If the annexation is approved, California Forever has pledged to pay Suisun City $10 million.
What is the overall goal for the unincorporated land near Suisun City?
California Forever aims to turn unincorporated land near Suisun City into a substantial urban area with homes and an industry-focused environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- San Francisco Chronicle: California Forever’s New City in Solano County
- Wikipedia: California
- CBS News: California Forever Submits Final Application
- Google Search: California Forever Solano County
- California Forever: Suisun Expansion Project Application
- Google Scholar: California Forever Suisun
- SFist: Manufacturing Park and New Residents in Suisun City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Expansion Projects
- SFGate: California Forever’s New Bay Area City
- Google News: California Forever
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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