California Forever is the controversial proposed city backed by Silicon Valley billionaires that caused an uproar in Solano County over the last year.
SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. — Suisun City is looking to expand after the city council recently voted 4-1 to approve the city manager to begin the process, but it hasn't come without concerns from residents and people in Solano County.
One of the concerns is who the city could partner with for the expansion, particularly the Silicon Valley billionaire backed California Forever.
Tom, who lives in Suisun City, was second to speak in person during public comment.
“Explore, take us forward, expand if you have to and protect Travis,” said Tom.
Nate with the Green Belt Alliance shares a concern had by many in the meeting.
“The proposal undoubtedly points to conversations in the future or may have already happened with California Forever, a very sensitive topic in Solano County. The fact they own the majority of land in the sphere of influence for the city should have been noted,” said Nate.
California Forever is the controversial proposed city backed by Silicon Valley billionaires that caused an uproar in Solano County over the last year. It's one of 10 landowners to the east that the city could partner with.
City manager Bret Prebula says he hasn’t spoken with California Forever since receiving the greenlight for expansion.
“I get the trepidation people have. I get that they started this on a very wrong foot — I don’t think anyone disagrees with that — but for me it’s not about them, it’s about us,” said Prebula.
Here is why people are concerned: If Suisun City annexes some of California Forever’s land for expansion, then it becomes city land. That only has to be approved by city council and go through the planning commission.
Doing so removes Solano County voters from having a say guaranteed through the California Orderly Growth initiative.
“It’s important then that we figure out how to hear those voices that would have otherwise been heard in a vote,” said Prebula.
Prebula says he's met with Orderly Growth to hear their concerns and he also wants to continue to hear from partners like the Green Belt Alliance. He's also open to meeting with other city managers in the county should other cities also be interested in expansion and taking a more regional approach.
California Forever pulled its initiative from the ballot last year but said they would try again. ABC10 asked about the Suisun City expansion and were provided this statement:
“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to build a stronger Solano County. If we receive an invitation to explore annexation by Suisun City, we would be open to a conversation."
ABC10 shared that information with Prebula. He says his interest in California Forever is the manufacturing jobs that could be created.
“I am definitely encouraged by that and I’m sure it’s a path they wish they did two years ago,” said Prebula.
He also promised if they partner with California Forever then they will create a protected zone around Travis Air Force Base through a land use agreement. Any annexation is three to five years away, and 10 years from building.
Prebula says the economic report should be ready in the first week in March and then they can discuss next steps with city council. He adds any conversation with California Forever would have to first be approved by city council.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10 | California Forever: Plans for a new city on hold as initiative pulled from 2024 ballot
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