Suisun City, California, October 15, 2025
News Summary
California Forever has submitted a final annexation plan to create a new city in Solano County, which aims to accommodate 400,000 residents. The ambitious project includes a 2,100-acre manufacturing park and the nation’s largest shipbuilding operation. A public meeting is scheduled for October 27, while the city manager expresses optimism about the proposal. A 20-year growth strategy has been outlined to guide this significant urban development, which could increase Suisun City’s size more than tenfold and retain local job opportunities.
California is set to see the ambitious expansion plans put forth by California Forever, which aims to construct a new city in Solano County designed to accommodate 400,000 residents. The project incorporates a significant 2,100-acre manufacturing park and proposes the establishment of the nation’s largest shipbuilding operation.
California Forever has submitted its final annexation plan to Suisun City, consisting of over 250 pages that outline a detailed 20-year growth strategy. This comprehensive plan includes a fire protection strategy and suggested amendments to Suisun City’s general plan and municipal code to facilitate the annexation process.
Suisun City Manager Bret Prebula expressed satisfaction with the application from California Forever, noting that the city staff will conduct necessary evaluations. This will include environmental reviews and technical and financial analyses of the proposal.
The proposed project has been dubbed “the next great American city,” intending to create a walkable community featuring a downtown and entertainment district. Moreover, the manufacturing hub aims to promote local job retention, with a focus on reducing the outsourcing of employment opportunities to states like Texas and Florida. The prospective annexation would expand Suisun City’s size more than tenfold.
While the initial steps towards the annexation were met with some resistance during the Suisun City Council’s approval to explore the proposal, California Forever has committed to funding all costs associated with the annexation process. The evaluation phase for the proposal could take several weeks or months before a decision is reached.
In the initial development phase, a population cap of 150,000 residents will be established to trigger additional approvals after a 20-year period. A committee will be formed to ensure that the project adequately addresses the needs of existing Suisun City residents. The updated land use plan, while similar to their original 2024 plan, has been made more detailed in response to community feedback, aiming to prevent the need for referendums by focusing on city council approvals.
California Forever aims to create a substantial urban area in unincorporated land adjacent to Suisun City, linking existing urban landscapes with new growth areas. This project has the potential to revitalize Suisun City while enhancing economic opportunities within the local community.
A public meeting concerning the expansion project is scheduled for October 27. In June 2024, California Forever withdrew its proposed ballot measure that would have allowed them to bypass zoning restrictions, amid some local opposition questioning community consensus and the annexation approach taken. If the annexation is approved, California Forever has pledged to contribute $10 million to Suisun City.
Key Features of the California Forever Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Population Capacity | 400,000 residents |
| Manufacturing Park Size | 2,100 acres |
| New Shipbuilding Operation | Largest in the nation |
| Initial Population Cap | 150,000 residents for Stage One |
| Annexation Expansion | Increases Suisun City’s size by over tenfold |
| Funding Commitment | $10 million pledged to Suisun City upon approval |
FAQ
What is the main purpose of the California Forever project?
California Forever is pushing ahead with plans to construct a new city for 400,000 residents in Solano County.
What does the project include?
The project’s scope includes a 2,100-acre manufacturing park and the nation’s largest shipbuilding operation.
What is included in the annexation plan?
The final annexation plan submitted to Suisun City comprises over 250 pages and includes a 20-year growth strategy.
What does the city manager think about the proposal?
Suisun City Manager Bret Prebula expressed satisfaction with California Forever’s application.
What will happen next with the proposal?
The city staff will evaluate the proposal, conduct environmental reviews, and perform technical and financial analyses.
What does the project aim to achieve?
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.
How will the manufacturing hub benefit the local economy?
The manufacturing hub is intended to keep jobs within California, reducing the outsourcing of jobs to states like Texas and Florida.
How will the proposed annexation affect Suisun City?
The proposed annexation would increase Suisun City’s size by more than tenfold.
What was the initial reaction to the annexation proposal?
Initial pushback against the annexation was noted when the Suisun City Council approved exploring the proposal.
What are the funding details for the annexation process?
California Forever intends to fund all associated costs for the annexation process.
What is the timeline for the evaluation process?
The evaluation process for the proposal could take weeks or months.
What are the goals for Stage One of the development?
Stage one of the development includes a population cap of 150,000 residents to trigger further approvals after 20 years.
What considerations are being made for existing residents?
The committee will ensure the project addresses the needs of Suisun City and its existing residents.
What changes have been made in response to community feedback?
Jan Sramek, CEO of California Forever, stated that the land use plan remains similar to their original 2024 plan while being more detailed.
What is the public engagement process for the project?
A public meeting concerning the expansion project is scheduled for October 27.
What were the events leading up to this project?
In June 2024, California Forever withdrew its ballot measure that would have allowed them to bypass zoning restrictions.
What is the financial commitment if the annexation is approved?
If the annexation is approved, California Forever has pledged to pay Suisun City $10 million.
What is the overall vision of California Forever?
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 New City in Solano County
- Wikipedia: Urban Planning
- CBS News: California Forever Submits Final Application
- Google Search: California Forever Solano County
- SFist: California Forever’s Latest Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainable Development
- SFGate: New Bay Area City by California Forever
- Google News: California Forever Projects
- Architect’s Newspaper: California Forever and Solano Foundry
- Google Scholar: California Urban Development
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
