Year in review, new website, and moving to CaliforniaForever.com – read here
Plan overview
The California Forever project is proposing to build a new city in southeastern Solano County, with well-paid jobs in new industries, affordable homes in safe, walkable neighborhoods, and new sources of clean energy for the region.
A complete city with jobs, homes, and clean energy that serves all of Solano County.
Our design principles center on bringing well-paid jobs in new industries, affordable homes, and amenities together instead of building yet another bedroom community. With the inclusion of a Downtown, Industry & Technology, and Maker & Manufacturing zones, this plan can bring the best companies together in one place creating a jobs center not just for the new residents but all of Solano County.
Bringing the city to life
Designed by a world-class team
When selecting the collaborators who would work alongside our in-house team, we looked not only for people who were best in the world in what they did, but who also lived in Northern California and understood its values and culture. Many of our collaborators have been involved in multiple projects in Solano County over the last few decades.
SITELAB urban studio
Urban Design
SITELAB urban studio is a multi-disciplinary urban design and strategy firm. They are a woman-owned San Francisco-based practice using research and visualization to create great places, through big plans and small interventions. They are known for leading collaborations with developers, public agencies, and communities to create urban narratives, solve problems, design for shared vision, and gain entitlement for complex projects. In every community in which they work, they strive to connect directly with people and place. They draw on our broad experience in designing and implementing intricate urban projects in downtowns, historic districts, and innovation hubs, with a focus on placemaking and placekeeping.
Select project experience:
- Napa Pipe Design Guidelines (Napa, California)
- Hilltop Horizon (Richmond, California)
- Downtown West Mixed-Use Plan (San Jose, California)
- Pier 70 Waterfront Plan (San Francisco, California)
- Waterfront Resilience Program (San Francisco, California)
HPA
Industrial planning
HPA is an industrial design corporation that offers services in both architecture and planning to institutions, corporations, and developers throughout the United States. Partners Yong Nam, Bob Jacob, and Susan Littlefield have diverse backgrounds and expertise. Working together at HPA for over thirty years, they continue to enhance HPA’s reputation for creating value for its clients. The philosophy at HPA is that service is a keystone of working as an architect. We are committed to our client’s objectives and strive to provide services that save them time, save them money, provide them flexibility, functionality and provide them with facilities that are a valuable asset. As market requirements grow and change over time, HPA continues to be at the forefront, designing for increased clear heights and innovative EV Truck and auto charging.
Select project experience:
- Pacific Commons (Fremont, CA)
- Exchange 92 (Hayward, CA)
- Oaks Business Park (Livermore, CA)
- International Park of Commerce (Tracy, CA)
CMG
Landscape Architecture
CMG Landscape Architecture is a design studio that integrates landscape architecture, urban design, and planning to increase social and ecological wellbeing. They create places that bring communities together, invite connections, and restore environmental health. At the heart of the practice is attention to public space, how the built environment shapes human interaction and communities, and the way innovation can foster a thriving natural world. Their practice is focused on the health and vibrancy of the Bay Area. Sustainability through climate change mitigation, urban resiliency and ecology, strategies for sea level rise, drought-tolerant landscapes, habitat creation, and carbon sequestration initiatives shape their approach. Each project is distinct and designed to include, support, and sustain a specific place and community.
Select project experience:
- Treasure Island (San Francisco, California)
- Concord Naval Weapons Station (Concord, California)
- Bay Meadows (San Mateo, California)
- Mission Rock (San Francisco, California)
- Moffett Park Specific Plan (Sunnyvale, California)
Second Nature
Ecological science and planning
Second Nature Ecology + Design brings the science of urban ecology into planning and design. We work with developers, designers, and communities to create a positive ecological vision for a project that guides all dimensions of design, construction, and operations, bringing the benefits of high-quality nature to urban residents. Second Nature staff are leaders in both the science and practice of urban nature, having originated key publications in the field and excelling at working collaboratively with project teams to find the synergies between nature and housing, workplaces, mobility, and other elements of the built environment.
Select project experience:
- North Bayshore Master Plan (Mountain View, California)
- St. John’s Terminal (New York, New York)
- San Francisco Urban Biodiversity (San Francisco, California)
- Biodiversity Standards for Buildings (global review for the IUCN)
Fehr & Peers
Transportation
Fehr & Peers is passionate about transforming transportation consulting through innovation and creativity. The firm derives inspiration by partnering with communities to understand and shape local transportation futures objectively tailored to diverse needs. As the firm grows, a steadfast commitment to inclusive, local, and long-term community relationships remains central to the core philosophy. Many of the company’s client relationships are decades long, built on years of listening, understanding, collaboration, and successful outcomes. Clients of Fehr & Peers have appreciated the firm’s long-term commitments to local communities, trusting the team as their objective partner in transportation since 1985.
Select project experience:
- Candlestick Point and Hunter’s Point Shipyard (San Francisco, California)
- Newhall Ranch (Valencia, California)
- Point of the Mountain (Draper, Utah)
- Stapleton (Denver, Colorado)
- Hensley Field (Dallas, Texas)
Mark Thomas
Transportation
Mark Thomas provides transportation planning, civil and structures engineering, construction management, surveying, and landscape architectural services that have set the stage for transportation improvement projects. We are known as a premier interchange and highway design firm with an unequaled ability to develop creative solutions, having planned and/or delivered more than 200 projects on Caltrans facilities, totaling more than $15 billion in improvements. We strive to develop ideas and alternatives that other firms might not, and be a true partner with our clients – developing solutions that are supported by the community and decision-makers, are context-sensitive, and are technically sound.
Select project experience:
- I-80/I-680/SR 12 Interchange Complex (Solano County, California)
- SR 12 Jameson Canyon Widening (Solano County, California)
- SR 4 Widening and Interchange Improvements (Contra Costa County, California)
- SR 4 Bypass (Contra Costa County, California)
- I-80/North Texas Street Interchange (Fairfield, California)
Steinberg Hart
Parking design
For 70 years, Steinberg Hart has shaped environments and created inspiring places, remaining authentic to our values of design, relationships, and change. Since the firm’s beginnings in 1953 in Silicon Valley, Steinberg Hart has been invested in the future of the region, designing buildings and communities across Northern California and beyond. The firm’s portfolio spans education, arts, residential, urban mixed-use, hospitality, civic, and commercial sectors, maintaining a focus on honoring people, place, and environment. The firm’s team of architects, designers, planners, and sustainability experts share the belief that design can create profound and unexpected connections between people and place, and that together, we can create the world we want.
Select project exprience:
- Miro Towers (San Jose, CA)
- Tasman East Residential & Ellore Senior Living (Santa Clara, CA)
- Santa Clara Agrihood (San Jose, CA)
- Taube Koret Center for Jewish Life (Palo Alto, CA)
- San Diego International Airport T2 Parking (San Diego, CA)
CBG
Civil Engineering
Since 1989, Carlson, Barbee & Gibson, Inc. (CBG) has provided Northern California with top-tier civil engineering, surveying, and land planning services for private and public land development firms and public agencies. Our familiarity with the region, market, and agency requirements, coupled with our expansive design experience has helped to build a reputation of timely solutions that add value to the most challenging projects. CBG is known for providing cost effective designs, reducing construction costs, meeting aggressive deadlines, and navigating California’s increasingly complicated entitlement and permitting processes.
Select project experience:
- One Lake / Cannon Station (Fairfield, California)
- Alameda Point (Alameda, California)
- Concord Naval Weapons Station (Concord, California)
- Mountain House (Mountain House, California)
- Windemere / Dougherty Valley (San Ramon, California)
EKI
Water Supply Planning
EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned company that provides comprehensive water resources and engineering services to public and private sector clients since our founding in 1989. Our staff includes over 100 civil engineers, environmental engineers, chemical engineers, chemists, geologists, hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, computer-aided designers, geographic information system (GIS) and database specialists, and support staff. With nine offices in California and the United States, our multidisciplinary team brings experience in a wide range of water resources services, including the assessment, development, and management of groundwater, surface water, and recycled water supplies.
Select project experience:
- Water Supply Assessments for over 50 developments throughout California
- 2020 Urban Water Management Plans for 43 entities throughout California
- Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency Long-Term Reliable Water Supply Strategy, San Mateo, California
- Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance throughout California
- Water Supply Evaluation and Alternative Groundwater Sustainability Plan, Livermore, California
ENGEO
Geotechnical, Hydrology, GIS, and Hazmat
ENGEO is an award-winning, employee-owned California Corporation of more than 400 geotechnical and civil engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, water resources experts, field quality-control representatives, laboratory testing specialists, and supporting staff. With 22 locations worldwide, our professionals are dedicated to delivering practical and constructible solutions based on advanced engineering. We assist in every phase of projects, from due diligence for land acquisition and planning through entitlement, permitting, engineering design, construction, and project build-out. With our knowledge of regional funding mechanisms, public-agency funding processes, political realities, and regulatory negotiation and compliance, we will provide vital expertise and guidance.
Select project experience:
- Great Park Neighborhoods (Irvine, California)
- Tejon Mountain Village (Kern County, California)
- Brooklyn Basin Redevelopment (Oakland, California)
- Newhall Ranch (Valencia, California)
- Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island (San Francisco, California)
NEXT Infrastructure
Infrastructure Consultant
As a leader in sustainable infrastructure consulting across North America, NEXT specializes in district-scale development for smart urban growth. NEXT navigates every stage of the project lifecycle, starting from initial visioning and feasibility studies, through design and partnership formation, to final implementation, all while ensuring cohesive and effective project management at each step. Leveraging our interdisciplinary expertise in real estate, planning, engineering, technology, and economics, we transform ambitious visions into tangible realities. Our focus is on driving extraordinary sustainability and innovation in large-scale projects, using digital tools and a global network of partners to deliver holistic, commercially viable solutions.
Select project experience:
- Woodbine Communities (Toronto, Ontario)
- Michigan Central (Detroit, Michigan)
- Brodie Oaks (Austin, Texas)
- Point of the Mountain Proposal (Draper, Utah)
Power Systems Design
Electrical Engineering & Design
Power Systems Design (PSD) was formed in June of 1985. This year, we celebrate our 39th year providing high and medium voltage electrical power engineering and design services to public, private and municipal utilities; and many successful land developers. PSD’s range of expertise includes but is not limited to substation design, high voltage transmission line design, medium voltage distribution planning and design of residential, commercial and industrial power systems, and dry utility planning and design. Dry utility planning and design capabilities include coordination of multiple party joint utility respondents for trench and substructure installations. PSD also provides planning and design for master planned communities, and renewable resource interconnection studies and design. PSD’s portfolio includes many mixed-use developments in San Francisco, commercial campus projects in the Silicon Valley, and master planned communities in the central valley.
Select project experience:
- River Islands at Lathrop
- Mountain House
- Treasure Island
- Candlestick Point
- Hunters Point Shipyard
- Pier 70
- Mission Rock
Dudek
Fire & safety
Dudek is a leading environmental, planning, and engineering consulting firm that partners with clients to deliver impactful projects that create thriving built and natural environments. Leveraging 45 years of experience, our experts guide projects nationwide from concept to completion. We support every project phase, from initial planning and design to permitting through construction and monitoring. With a science-backed and forward-thinking approach, we deliver energy, water, and transportation projects for federal, municipal, and private clients.
Select project experience:
- Tejon Ranch Master Planned Communities Fire Protection and Evacuation Planning (Los Angeles County, California)
- Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (Mojave and Colorado Deserts, California)
- Brightline West High-Speed Rail (San Bernardino County, California to Las Vegas, Nevada)
- Napa County Wildfire Mitigation Program (Napa County, California)
- First Step to an Urban Forest Management Plan for Los Angeles (Los Angeles, California)
- Carlsbad Desalination Plant (Carlsbad, California)
JLL
Advanced manufacturing
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company. With operations in over 80 countries and a workforce of more than 108,000 employees, JLL combines global reach with local expertise to deliver innovative solutions and shape the future of real estate for a better world. JLL’s advanced manufacturing team is a vertical integrated group who delivers an integrated approach to clients at each phase of their business. With services including supply chain analytics, labor and location intelligence, business and economic incentives, real estate advisory, and project and development services, JLL has deep experience in developing, identifying, and executing the optimal location strategy for their clients.
Visit websiteDPFG
Financial planning
DPFG is a transaction oriented real estate consulting firm with a focus on a public finance and the fiscal, economic, and financial impacts of development.
The consultants of DPFG have designed, developed, and implemented innovative and cost-effective financing programs for clients throughout the country. DPFG is an industry leader with expertise in California. Project range from in-fill redevelopment to large master planned communities/new towns. Financing programs include CFDs and IFDs (EIFDs and IRFDs) for infrastructure and ongoing services. DPFG is unique in its involvement from pre-entitlement/planning to project buildout, ensuring proper implementation and execution. Our core competencies and strong working relationships with local government and financing teams ensure successful outcomes.
Select project experience:
- Selected active California master plan projects include, but are not limited to:
- Valencia, Los Angeles County (services CFD cost analysis, fiscal impact review, public financing and reimbursements)
- Great Park, Irvine (services cost analysis, fiscal impact review, public financing and
reimbursement) - Ontario Ranch, Ontario (services CFD cost analysis, public financing, fee credits and reimbursements)
- Treasure Island, San Francisco (cash flows, public financing and reimbursement)
- Tracy Hills, Tracy (services cost analysis, fiscal impact analysis, school mitigation analysis, and public financing)
Holland & Knight
Land Use and Environmental Law
Holland & Knight is among the nation’s largest law firms, with over 2,000 lawyers practicing in more than 30 offices in the United States, Central and Latin America, and Europe. The firm’s land use, government, environmental, and real estate practices have been ranked as top tier for both the United States and California.
Holland & Knight’s California Forever team is led by partner Jennifer Hernandez, who chairs the firm’s West Coast Land Use and Environmental group. Jennifer has decades of experience in successfully completing the environmental review, local entitlement, and federal/state agency permit process for complex projects, and in successfully defending these approvals in court.
Other key team members include the chair of the firm’s West Coast Real Estate practice group, Doug Praw, and partners Nicholas Targ, David Preiss, and Alexis Alonso.
Visit websiteBest Best & Krieger
Water use law
Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) is a leading force in water law, adeptly managing the intricate and evolving landscape of water rights, quality, and infrastructure. The firm’s water practice is distinguished by its profound understanding of both regulatory frameworks and practical applications, which include federal and state regulations such as the Clean Water Act and state water laws. BBK’s strong relationships with governmental agencies streamline the permitting process and facilitate efficient resolution of complex water issues. BBK’s water practice provides a broad spectrum of services, addressing key areas such as water rights acquisition, water quality compliance, and infrastructure development. The firm’s expertise in navigating the complex terrain of water use and allocation supports clients in securing and protecting water rights. BBK also excels in managing compliance with environmental regulations affecting water quality, from federal standards to state-specific requirements. Additionally, the practice offers critical legal support for the development and maintenance of vital water infrastructure projects.
Recent growth in BBK’s water practice is notably marked by a focus on sustainability and innovation. The firm has embraced emerging trends such as water recycling and conservation, reflecting its commitment to creative problem solving and addressing contemporary environmental challenges. BBK is also at the forefront of adapting to new regulatory developments related to climate change and its impact on water resources, positioning the firm as a strategic advisor in these dynamic areas. BBK’s leadership in water law is underscored by its role in high-profile cases and projects, including its work with public agencies serving significant portions of California’s population. The firm’s proactive and strategic approach ensures effective management of water resources and successful navigation of regulatory landscapes.
Select project experience:
- Las Posas, Indian Wells Valley, Oxnard/Pleasant Valley, Cuyama, and Ventura River Comprehensive Groundwater Adjudications (California)
- Pure Water Soquel Project (Santa Cruz, California)
- Los Angeles River Master Plan (Los Angeles, California)
- Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery, and Storage Project (San Bernardino County, California)
Creating a new economic engine in Solano creates jobs and reduces commutes for everyone
Solano County is at the crossroads of the Northern California mega region, yet it has the lowest jobs-to-population ratio in the Bay Area at 39%, compared to 102% in San Francisco. (Source: Bay Area Council). By creating dedicated industrial and manufacturing spaces as well as a downtown, we can create a new center of economic activity in Solano that can provide thousands of jobs.
Mixed-use neighborhoods that welcome everyone, at every stage and walk of life.
Inspired by many historic cities that put community and connectivity first, most neighborhoods will be small blocks of row houses and small apartment buildings anchored by a local shopping street and schools. Each family will live within a short walk of most daily needs, including schools and jobs. There will be public transit stops every 1/2 mile in all directions, as well as bike lanes on nearly every street. The design framework intentionally enables modularity that allows variety over time. Residents will have a range of transportation alternatives to cars, including walking, biking, and frequent transit service. Above all we want to support public places as the platform for culture and community.
Starter homes make homeownership accessible and affordable by design.
Homeownership is the foundation of the California Dream, creating a path to the middle class and financial security during difficult times. For much of the 20th Century, homeownership was widely attainable in California. Today, that is simply not the case, pushing many working families out of California. 54% of renters and 29% of homeowners in Solano County are cost burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing, and the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment increased by 24% from 2018 to 2024. (Source: Bay Area Council)
Compact development and open space ensures sustainable growth.
By prioritizing walkable, medium-density neighborhoods built on modern infrastructure, our ecological footprint is sustainable from the start and reduces our climate impact.
Our plan also includes a requirement that at least 4,000 acres (over 20% of the proposed city) be used for parks, trails, urban ecological habitat, community gardens, and other types of open space. This includes a defined boundary and greenbelt that ensures we are not creating sprawl in eastern Solano.
A city that benefits all of Solano County.
This proposal would create a new economic engine for Solano County as a whole. That means more good paying jobs, so people can live and work here, and county revenue to improve services like schools, public safety, and homelessness.
Protecting and strengthening Travis Air Force Base
By locating the new city more than 5 miles away from the base (compared to about 1 mile for Suisun City and Fairfield), and by bringing advanced manufacturing, new housing, and jobs for spouses to the area, the California Forever project makes Travis AFB stronger. On February 15, 2024, Travis AFB issued the following statement:
Thoughtfully located to preserve Solano’s agricultural heritage and ecological habitats.
The new city covers about 17,500 acres – less than 30% of the land owned by California Forever and smaller than Fairfield, Vacaville, and Vallejo.
The current pasture land is rated as being the worst for agriculture and least ecologically valuable in all of Solano County. The new community intentionally avoids sensitive habitats, including Jepson Prairie, Suisun Marsh, and Cache Slough. Due to poor soils, all 17,500 acres only produce $6 million worth of agriculture a year – only 1.6% of Solano County’s total of $385 million.
A public process with community input along every step of the way.
Hundreds of meetings, large town halls, mail and phone surveys, and thousands of conversations at the door led to this point. These community engagement efforts enabled Solano residents to shape the types of community features and guarantees for the plan. We will continue to engage the community throughout the decades-long buildout.
Building opportunity for all
Explore more details about the project
Your Life Here
A look inside to how the city will serve residents from all walks of life.
Economic Impact
Experts project $16.1 billion in economic impact with 50,000 residents by 2040.
Solano County has been boring for decades. Glad to see California Forever has such a grand vision and plan to build something great for generations to enjoy.
In my journey, I’ve discovered a deep passion for agriculture and preserving our land. Yet, I’ve also come to realize the importance of balancing this passion with the pressing need to serve our communities. Through organizations like California Forever, I’ve found a way to merge these two passions seamlessly. By advocating for sustainable agriculture and land preservation that benefit our communities, I believe we can create a future where both our environment and our neighborhoods thrive.
As a mother to one young adult and two high schoolers, I appreciate the prospect of establishing a new community adjacent to Rio Vista, providing opportunities for our children. Currently, Rio Vista lacks many amenities, but this initiative promises to introduce valuable options for work, healthcare, shopping, and recreation—essential elements for a brighter future for our children!
I’ve been living in Fairfield and Suisun since 1963. When I heard about a project called California Forever, a new city being proposed to be built in our area, I was happy and excited! Not only is it going to be an environmentally friendly community, but it’s also going to bring thousands of new high-paying jobs to our community. Let’s support this project and leap together into the future!
A ray of hope. More than the promises that traditional politicians make to improve Solano that have come to naught, the plans presented by California Forever have hit the right buttons for us. They make sense in many aspects for the county. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
I want to help support future generations to achieve the American Dream. Too many Californians are currently giving up hope and leaving our state for a variety of reasons. The proposed city in Solano might help them find reasons to not only stay in CA but also become involved in the overall development plus find their future new home. It appears almost everyone in Solano will benefit from this development and then have a new community to be proud of forever.
California Forever represents our commitment to building a better future for Solano County. Let’s support this initiative and pave the way for a more resilient, prosperous community.
I think it’s a great opportunity for young adults and families to purchase their first…
I think it’s a great opportunity for young adults and families to purchase their first homes.
Establishing well-paying job opportunities in close proximity to our community will not only benefit local residents but also have a positive ripple effect on neighboring businesses. Individuals from the new community will be inclined to spend their money in our local establishments, fueling economic growth and vitality in our area for the long term.
Me gustari la nueva cuidad para beneficio de todos, notendriamos que salir abuscar trabajo tan…
Me gustari la nueva cuidad para beneficio de todos, notendriamos que salir abuscar trabajo tan lejos y nos daria tiempo para aser muchas cosas. Mi nombre es Pedro y a mi me encantaria que se bulba realidad.
It is my hope that California Forever will stimulate economic growth, attract businesses, and create job opportunities for future generations. Improved infrastructure, especially roadways, can enhance connectivity, making the area more accessible. The new city could also contribute to the diversification of local amenities, services, and cultural offerings. Ultimately, supporting this growth may lead to an improved quality of life and increased prosperity for both Rio Vista and the new city.
As a twenty-year resident of Vallejo in Solano County and former Chair of the Vallejo Economic Development Commission, I have reviewed quite a few development proposals including a waterfront cement plant and liquid natural gas (LNG) facility on Mare Island. Imagine my excitement when I reviewed this truly innovative concept for Solano County investment. The promise of California Forever is aligned with my future vision for us and I look forward to seeing its promise realized for our community.
I am a lover of California and Solano County. We desperately need affordable housing and more jobs and I believe that California Forever will help with both of these much needed items. This is why I support California Forever and hope that this project is approved and moves forward.
As a Vallejo native, I support the growth and development of my community. Clean energy and sufficient jobs are what we need to advance further for a better future.
My community and I struggle to find somewhere that feels like home. In my stage…
My community and I struggle to find somewhere that feels like home. In my stage of life, a walkable, sustainable community is ideal. Solano has fallen behind other Bay Area counties. It is time to celebrate our potential.
California Forever offers the forward thinking perspective our County needs. Residents need more housing and job opportunities.
This initiative embodies strength and resilience in community-building. I’m inspired by the commitments to build on our state’s vibrance and diversity.
Solano County desperately needs investments. Development in that area is going to happen and I’d rather see a thoughtful community instead of more warehousing. I support this investment in our community and it will be a good thing for most people who live here.
As a realtor, I see California Forever as a win-win. Offering a diverse array of housing options, it not only caters to individual preferences but also fuels real estate prosperity. This initiative isn’t just building homes; it’s constructing opportunities for Solano County to thrive, shaping a community where diversity in housing options enhances the tapestry of our collective progress.
Growth in housing and employment opportunities would be great for Solano County residents.
Growth in housing and employment opportunities would be great for Solano County residents.
I think this is the perfect location to build homes.
I think this is the perfect location to build homes.