California, let’s build the next great American city
Join the growing movement calling on our elected leaders to break ground in 2026
For over a century, California has been more than a state. We’ve been a promise.
A symbol. A dare – to dream big, and to build even bigger. From the shipyards of the Bay Area to the studios of Hollywood, from rockets in the Mojave to microchips in Silicon Valley, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the University of California.
California dreamed.
California designed.
California built.
Rising on 100 square miles in Solano County, halfway between Silicon Valley and Sacramento, the city will include America’s largest advanced manufacturing park, its largest shipyard, and the first walkable city built in a century.
Over the next four decades, this historic $215 billion private investment will create 530,000 new jobs, 170,000 new homes, and more than $16 billion in annual local, state, and federal tax revenues.
The land is ready.
The plans are ready.
The workers are ready.
All we need is permission to get to work.
This is our moment, California. Tell our government to say yes.
There is no better time to break ground on the next great American city than 2026, our nation’s 250th anniversary. To all the builders, makers, employers, future residents, engineers, dreamers, and everyone else who wants our state to build again.
Come join us.
Signatories
Robert Hertzberg
"For generations, California was known as the place that built bigger, better, faster than anywhere..." "For generations, California was known as the place that built bigger, better, faster than anywhere else – and with it, lifted millions of Americans into the middle class. It’s time to go back to that heritage."
Former Speaker of the California Assembly and Majority Leader of the California Senate, and co-author of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act that governs city formations and expansions in California
Garry Tan
"Here’s the thing about California Forever: it’s the most audacious bet on California’s future in..." "Here’s the thing about California Forever: it’s the most audacious bet on California’s future in a generation. For decades, we’ve been told that the state’s best days are behind it. That the housing crisis is unsolvable. That manufacturing left and isn’t coming back. That young people should just accept crushing commutes or move to Austin. California Forever looks at all of that and says: not true. This isn’t some incremental fix. It’s 400,000 people in a walkable, bikeable new city built from scratch - designed right from day one instead of fighting through 50 years of accumulated NIMBYism and broken zoning. It’s America’s largest manufacturing park. It’s a shipyard that could actually build things in the Bay Area again - real jobs, six-figure jobs, for people who don’t have to code for a living. The geographic vision is brilliant: Solano County sits at the center of a mega-region - Bay Area and Sacramento - but it’s been at the edge of each of those places, left out of the prosperity of its neighborsCalifornia Forever is the spark that turns Solano into the beating heart of Northern California. What gets me is the ambition. We’ve spent years fighting inch-by-inch battles to add a few hundred units here, a few thousand there. The California Forever team looked at the math and said: the only way to actually solve this is to build a city. Not fight the existing system - build something new. That’s the founder mentality applied to civic infrastructure. That’s what California used to be - a place where people came to build impossible things. California Forever is proof that spirit isn’t dead. It was just waiting for someone bold enough to try."
CEO
Y Combinator
Jay Bradshaw
"The agreement for the Suisun Expansion and Solano Shipyard is a historic victory for our..." "The agreement for the Suisun Expansion and Solano Shipyard is a historic victory for our members and a testament to what is possible when we dream big. They are the right projects at the right time—for this region, for this state, for California’s working families. It’s time for California to break new ground once again—right now."
Executive Officer
Nor Cal Carpenters Union
Danny Bernardini
"This isn’t just a construction project; it’s a multi-generational promise to the working families of..." "This isn’t just a construction project; it’s a multi-generational promise to the working families of Solano County. With this partnership, we are ensuring that the men and women of the building trades have decades of stable, high-paying work right here in their own backyard."
Business Manager
Napa-Solano Building and Construction Trades Council
Alain Bertaud
"Many plans for new cities are utopian fantasies. This one is real, and ready to..." "Many plans for new cities are utopian fantasies. This one is real, and ready to build. It will provide affordable, high-quality housing in a walkable environment and a large number of diverse new jobs in an area with high demand. Why wait?"
Urbanist, former Principal Planner at the World Bank
Zachary Rosen
"The California Dream has become inaccessible because of policy choices. It is time to reverse..." "The California Dream has become inaccessible because of policy choices. It is time to reverse course, and build again. We are proud to support California Forever."
Founder
Abundance Network
Jason Crawford
"America needs more homes and more vibrant cities. It's a tragedy that we can't build..." "America needs more homes and more vibrant cities. It's a tragedy that we can't build housing, transit, or infrastructure anymore. California Forever is showing the way!"
Founder & President
Roots of Progress Institute
Dolores Huerta
Labor and Civil Rights Leader
Bill Dodd
"I’m incredibly excited by the amazing progress California Forever has made in how they have..." "I’m incredibly excited by the amazing progress California Forever has made in how they have partnered with Solano County, Suisun City, and the entire community, and their plans to create good jobs in manufacturing and a residential area that offers great quality of life at attainable prices for workers. Restoring our region’s shipbuilding legacy underscores the unique promise the project offers. The agreement with the California Building Trades Council and the Northern California Carpenters Union is simply historic in its scale and the opportunities it creates."
Former State Senator
California, District 3 (including Solano County)
Dan Dunmoyer
"The only way California can build more housing for more Californians is for its government,..." "The only way California can build more housing for more Californians is for its government, state and local, to remove the self-imposed impediments to building. We call on government to be part of the solution and no longer the reason why we have a housing policy crisis."
President and CEO
California Building Industry Association (CBIA)
Jermaine Dowdell
"As a carpenter living right here in Fairfield, this project is personal. It means, Carpenters..." "As a carpenter living right here in Fairfield, this project is personal. It means, Carpenters like me can put their skills to work building the future of our community instead of driving hours away every morning. This is more than just a paycheck; it’s the pride of knowing that local union carpenter hands helped build the homes and neighborhoods where my neighbors will live and grow. Let's get to work."
Local Carpenter Union Representative, and Fairfield Resident
Nor Cal Carpenters Union
Alicia Mijares
"This project represents an investment in opportunity—creating well-paid, stable careers in the trades for people..." "This project represents an investment in opportunity—creating well-paid, stable careers in the trades for people across our community. It means more local workers can build a solid middle-class life without having to drive hours away to earn a living wage, and it provides the kind of long-term, steady work that sustains families and communities. It’s a chance to change the trajectory of Fairfield, of Solano County, and of California, and I’m proud to be part of it."
Business Representative
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 (Fairfield)
Lance Hastings
"Manufacturing is critical to California’s economy from start to finish and throughout the entire value..." "Manufacturing is critical to California’s economy from start to finish and throughout the entire value chain. California Forever captures that sentiment and will ensure the state’s economic leadership position well into the future."
President/CEO
California Manufacturers & Technology Association
Ruth Forney
"This is our time in 2026. We need to utilize our skilled union brothers and..." "This is our time in 2026. We need to utilize our skilled union brothers and sisters. This also helps the communities they live and work in. Let's Go!"
Former Solano County Supervisor
Sudie M Smith Foundation
Terry Curtola
"California Forever’s plan is the Best thing to happen to Solano County since Marine World-..." "California Forever’s plan is the Best thing to happen to Solano County since Marine World- Africa USA came to Vallejo in 1984 , I can’t believe people in my native county are opposed to it 🤷♂️ Terry Curtola ( former Mayor of Vallejo 1978-1988)"
Former Mayor ( 1978 - 1988 )
City of Vallejo
Anecia Frias
President
Filipino Community Of Solano County Inc.
Rozzana Verder-Aliga
Former Vice Mayor
City of Vallejo
Anna Eaton
"I support efforts that expand opportunities and choices for the next generation. This initiative creates..." "I support efforts that expand opportunities and choices for the next generation. This initiative creates immediate career pathways within the growing trades industry while enabling individuals to remain local and strengthen their community."
CEO
The Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club
Bobby Winston
"I cheer on the California Forever Plan for creating well-paid, union careers and reviving vocational..." "I cheer on the California Forever Plan for creating well-paid, union careers and reviving vocational education."
Co-Founder
Working Waterfront Coalition, Mare Island
Bill Whitney
"As a former Building Trades Executive, I am happy to support the California Forever project..." "As a former Building Trades Executive, I am happy to support the California Forever project and the thousands of jobs it will provide to working men and women."
Former Benicia City Councilmember, Retired Building Trades Executive
Cynthia Murray
"The North Bay economy needs to stop lagging behind the rest of the Bay Area..." "The North Bay economy needs to stop lagging behind the rest of the Bay Area and this project will create good paying jobs that will give our region the boost it needs."
Former CEO, North Bay Leadership Council and Marin County Supervisor
Pippin Dew
"This is a bold, forward-looking vision that speaks directly to California’s legacy as a place..." "This is a bold, forward-looking vision that speaks directly to California’s legacy as a place that builds, innovates, and leads. At a moment when Solano County and our state need jobs, housing, and long-term economic stability, this proposal offers scale, ambition, and opportunity. Thoughtful planning and collaboration can help ensure this moment truly benefits workers, families, and future generations."
Chair of the Public Policy Forum and State Director for C.A.R.
Ana Petero
"Our school districts have and continue to educate, train, and prepare a diverse workforce who..." "Our school districts have and continue to educate, train, and prepare a diverse workforce who are ready to catapult Solano County into a prosperous, thriving future with progressive partners like California Forever."
Former Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Governing Board President, Trustee, Area 6
Julian Canete
President & CEO
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Solano County
Mike Ghilotti
"California Forever is a generational investment in union-built infrastructure and long-term economic growth for Solano..." "California Forever is a generational investment in union-built infrastructure and long-term economic growth for Solano County and California. Ghilotti Bros., Inc. supports projects that strengthen communities through safe, high-quality heavy civil construction."
Chief Executive Officer
Ghilotti Bros., Inc.
Nancy Rogers
CEO/President
North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce
Bill T. Dutra
Executive Chairman
The Dutra Group
Jacob Elliott
Apprentice
Local 343
Jigar Majmundar
Citizen
None
Noah Lowry
"I support California Forever because investing locally at this scale means real opportunity for families..." "I support California Forever because investing locally at this scale means real opportunity for families and small businesses, stronger communities, and a future where economic growth and quality of life rise together."
Technology Consultant
UBEO Business Services
Cindy Eliahu
Steve Kirnig
BRE Manager
Solano EDC
Nestor Aliga
Member
Vallejo Navy League
Ron Rowlett
"On average, the construction phase alone will support 7,673 union jobs every year over the..." "On average, the construction phase alone will support 7,673 union jobs every year over the 43-year build-out. This is a project where a worker can start as an apprentice, work their entire career, and retire—all while living in the community they helped build. This agreement sets a new national gold standard for how private investment and organized labor can work together to build a better future."
Director of Governmental Affairs
Nor Cal Carpenters Union
Jesse Lee
President
Emphasis Consulting
Mervin Agapay
"I want my city to grow , create new jobs to help people"
None
Annie Vogelpohl
"Ann incredible undertaking. So needed. Thank you California Forever."
Owner
Annie Vogelpohl Real Estate LLC
Michael Esposito
Associate Principal
Introba
Cynthia Harlin
"Union jobs provide more than just a job. It provides financial stability, benefits and worker..." "Union jobs provide more than just a job. It provides financial stability, benefits and worker protection in the workplace."
Union Worker Retiree
AFSCME
Andrew Wyndham
Director of Product
OneValley
Deandre Dotson
"Looking for a new job"
Sean Mills
Partner
Archetype
Gilbert Nolly Arcilla
"My name is Gilbert Arcilla, I been commuting from Suisun city to Hayward and San..." "My name is Gilbert Arcilla, I been commuting from Suisun city to Hayward and San Francisco for work and it’s been very frustrating for me and very expensive. From both toll bridges and the price of Gasoline and car maintenance, With this expansion plan it will create jobs at home and help a lot of people like me. Thank you Gilbert Arcilla"
Desktop support, computer technician
Information Technology
Brian Volpe
Sheet metal journeyman
Local 104
Jason Diavatis
Chris Palomo
Nor Cal Carpenters Union
Glen Rushing
Retired
UA Local 343
Tracey Belton
Economic Development Consultant
AFGM Consultants
Jose Rodriguez
Sprinkler fitter
Western States Fire Protection
Steve Buford
President
Buford & Associates
Trevor Skivington
Journeyman
Sheet metal workers local 104
William Cawley
President
Benicia Plumbing Inc
Matt Russo
Business Manager
Elevator Constructors, Local 8
Timothy ONeill
William Strassburger
Flight attendant
United Airlines AFA
Reina Robinson
Founder and CEO
Center for Urban Excellence
Diana Megary
Michael Maxson
"Let's promote intelligent growth to inspire hope in our younger generations."
IT Manager
Ghilotti Bros Inc
Stanley Moody
Lucas Goncalves
"Because I believe in the project, I love Cali, and I have big dreams, ready..." "Because I believe in the project, I love Cali, and I have big dreams, ready to rumble, and to help with whatever u guys need! I am from Brazil, I am a artist and Graphic Designer, with vast knownledge on AI and I am a fast learner! call me! I am ready to go! Much love! God bless u all! Lucas."
Artist, Graphic Designer, Fast Learner
Jennifer Torres
Jasmine Perez
UA local 343
Nathaniel Hartley
General Partner
Novatus Capital
Blake Stevens
"Bring work back to Solano"
Apprentice plumber
Ua local 343
Michael Hatcher
Connor Doyle
"Economic growth with accountability."
Project Manager
Ghilotti Bros
Alfredo Zecena
JM PLUMBER
Local 343
Ada Brown
CEO
Lady Echelon Project, Inc
Anthony Calvo
Apprentice
Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104
Ernest Brown
"We can design and build small cities with great jobs that meet our family and..." "We can design and build small cities with great jobs that meet our family and cultural needs, not another sprawling residential suburb where residents are dependent on distant jobs."
CEO
Ernest Brown & Company
Charles Niemeier
Ho Kiu Leung
Alexander Hernandez
Operator
Ghilotti construction
Wayne Fisher
Blake Courtney
Sr Project Manager
Mace Group
James Johnson
"Innovate or Die, California. Stop trying to densify existing cities, build new ones"
CEO
AUTOMO LLC
Shirley Telebrico
"I support the California Forever project because Solano County needs a thoughtful, long-term solution to..." "I support the California Forever project because Solano County needs a thoughtful, long-term solution to California’s housing crisis. This project focuses on smart, planned growth that can create housing for working families, generate jobs, and strengthen the local economy while being intentional about infrastructure and sustainability. I believe proactive planning like this is better than unplanned sprawl and helps set up Solano County for a stronger future."
Cecily Kaluza
Ironworker
Local 378
Demos Punsalan
"As a Rio Vista resident and lifetime CWA member, I know that good jobs are..." "As a Rio Vista resident and lifetime CWA member, I know that good jobs are the backbone of our community. I’m thrilled to congratulate Jan Sramek and the California Forever team for their tenacity and commitment to the California Dream. This project lays a foundation for the next 100 years of promise right here in Solano County! 👏👏""
Co-Founder and Executive Director
California Technological Care
Kindra pedro
Mechanic
Otis
Jose Diaz
President and CEO
Ample Electric, Inc
Kurt Erickson
Journeyman
Troy
Manjula Talwar
David Weinberg
"We need new housing in California and I’m glad a project this ambitious is occurring..." "We need new housing in California and I’m glad a project this ambitious is occurring in a state so closed off to new development."
Linda Michelman
Anthony Rosell
Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet Metal Workers Union 104
Michelle King
"Very excited to support this opportunity to bring jobs to Solano County."
President
EKI Environment & Water, Inc.
Sal Vaca
"I am enthusiastic about what California Forever means for career training opportunities and family-sustaining jobs..." "I am enthusiastic about what California Forever means for career training opportunities and family-sustaining jobs for residents of Solano county and the greater north bay."
Program Director
Working Waterfront Coalition
Tyler Gilmore
None
None
Patrick Stewart
"Step up, show up, and let's get this done!"
CEO
Grand Welcome Franchising LLC
Brandon Gorrell
Head of Distribution
TBPN
Michelle Harvey
Managing partner
Izonia Ventures LLC
Monet Houston
Apprentice
U.A local 343
Royce Spencer
Key Account - Customer Success Management
PitchBook Data
Maria Flores
Alberto Silva
Tiffanie Bidou
"More jobs and affordable living"
Parisa Samadi
"This is super cool! Looking forward to seeing how this project unfolds!"
Lisa Bonnington
President & CEO
Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce
Angel Palacios
Foreman
Local 378
Marco Salgado
Building trades journeyman
SML 104
Wayne Eddy
"If we don’t keep building and improving California, who will?"
Regional Safety Advisor
Calpine
Jorge Polo Tomas
Nor Cal Carpenters Union
Manuel Esquer
Vinicio Escobar
Local 343
Vanessa Flores
Ua343
Charlenee Ott
"I am a plumbing apprentice with Local 343"
Local 343
John M Noriega
"There are two kind of guys. Guys like us and guys that want to be..." "There are two kind of guys. Guys like us and guys that want to be like us…… The unknown IRONWORKER"
Retired
Union and ironworker Local 378
Mark Rolen
Retired
Sheet metal local 104
Angela Grigas
Anthony Summers
"My Father worked as a Painter/Sandblaster in the Mare Island shipyard. Remarkably nine children were..." "My Father worked as a Painter/Sandblaster in the Mare Island shipyard. Remarkably nine children were raised on a one income family. We need ship building back in this area and I'm proud to fully support this effort! Welcome Back Ship Building!"
Executive Director of Healthy Vallejo Community Support Services, Inc
Reina Robinson
Founder & CEO
Center for Urban Excellence
David Petker
"Dinosours are trying to stop progress."
Pipefitter
U.a. local343
Eric Partridge
retired
JD Heckaman
"Yes, to new jobs! Yes, to new development! Yes, to new revenues!..." "Yes, to new jobs! Yes, to new development! Yes, to new revenues!"
CEO
SPEC
Katie Aalerud
VP of Operations
Ample Electric, Inc.
Marco Ramírez
Sole Proprietor- PostProduction Artist
MarcoramFilms.com
Joey Lafon
"Bringing more housing opportunities to the community of Solano County. More jobs and more potential..." "Bringing more housing opportunities to the community of Solano County. More jobs and more potential homeowners are desired, and I think this is a start to leading the way to get these things."
Division President
Placer Title Company
joseph lostrie
journeyman
local 104 sheet metal workers