California Forever's East Solano Plan

Allison Costelow
2 days ago
6 min read

What Solano County Homeowners Need to Know

If you've been following local news, you've probably heard the name California Forever. It's been generating a lot of buzz - and a fair amount of questions - from homeowners, buyers, and community members across Solano County.

So let's cut through the noise. Here's a clear, fact-based overview of what the California Forever East Solano Plan actually proposes, where things stand right now, and what it could mean for people who own - or want to own - a home in this region.

What Is California Forever?

California Forever is a real estate development company backed by a group of Silicon Valley investors - including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, and Emerson Collective founder Laurene Powell Jobs, among others.

Through its subsidiary Flannery Associates, the company quietly purchased over 60,000 acres of agricultural and rural land in eastern Solano County over several years - specifically in an area between Fairfield, Vacaville, and Rio Vista - spending an estimated $900 million in the process.

Their stated goal: build an entirely new city from the ground up.

In July 2024, California Forever had planned to put a ballot measure before Solano County voters that would have amended the county's general plan to allow for urban development on this land. However, the company withdrew the measure from the November 2024 ballot before it ever went to voters - citing a need for more time to complete a full Environmental Impact Report and Development Agreement. There was no public vote.

Since then, California Forever has shifted its strategy significantly. Rather than returning to a county-wide ballot, the company is now pursuing annexation through the City of Suisun City - a move that changes the approval pathway entirely.

What Does the East Solano Plan Actually Propose?

At its core, the East Solano Plan envisions a master-planned city with the following key components:

• Up to 400,000 new residents at full buildout

• Tens of thousands of new homes across a range of price points

• Mixed-use commercial and retail development

• A new downtown core with walkable neighborhoods

• Dedicated green space and agricultural preservation areas

• A proposed clean energy infrastructure and sustainability focus

• New schools, civic infrastructure, and community amenities

• The Solano Foundry — a proposed advanced manufacturing and R&D campus

• A proposed shipbuilding facility near Collinsville

The plan is being positioned as a solution to California's housing shortage — particularly the need for more affordable homeownership opportunities in the greater Bay Area region.

Where Does the Project Stand Today?

This is the part that has changed significantly — and why staying current matters.

The Suisun City Annexation Path

In October 2025, California Forever submitted a formal annexation application to the City of Suisun City — covering approximately 22,873 acres of California Forever-owned land. Suisun City accepted the application, and the city is now conducting an environmental review process, including a full Draft Environmental Impact Report expected before Summer 2026.

Local Opposition Remains Strong

Opinions in Solano County are genuinely divided. A poll conducted in late 2025 found that fewer than 1 in 5 Suisun City voters support the annexation project, with nearly half of respondents strongly opposing it. Opposition groups including Solano Together and others have raised concerns about traffic, water resources, environmental impact, loss of agricultural land, and the bypassing of a county-wide public vote.

County Fiscal Concerns on Record

A July 2024 Solano County report estimated that full buildout of the project would lead to annual fiscal deficits of over $103 million for the county and $88 million for the fire district. These figures have not been updated or resolved as of this writing.

California Forever Still Owns the Land

Regardless of approval timelines, California Forever retains ownership of over 60,000 acres in eastern Solano County. The company continues to invest in planning, community outreach, and project development.

Bottom line: The East Solano Plan is very much alive — and more active than many people realize. The project has found a new legal path forward through Suisun City annexation, bypassing the county-wide vote that was originally required.

What Could This Mean for Solano County Homeowners?

What California Forever Could Mean for Solano County Homeowners?

As a real estate professional serving Solano County families, I want to be straightforward with you: no one can predict with certainty how a project of this scale will affect home values, community character, or market dynamics — especially while it remains in the approval process.

That said, here are the key factors worth watching:

Potential Upside for Homeowners

• Increased regional job creation could drive demand for existing homes in Benicia, Fairfield, Vacaville, and surrounding areas

• Infrastructure investments across the county could benefit established communities

• Growing population in eastern Solano could support appreciation in existing neighborhoods

• New buyers priced out of the new development could look to existing Solano communities

• The proposed Solano Foundry and shipyard could bring significant long-term employment to the region

Potential Concerns for Homeowners

• A large influx of new housing inventory could create market competition over time

• Infrastructure strain during a multi-decade buildout

• Uncertainty itself can create hesitancy in buyers and sellers

• Agricultural and rural character of eastern Solano could change significantly

• Fiscal deficits flagged by the county could eventually affect taxes and services

The honest truth? The long-term impact depends heavily on execution, timing, public infrastructure investment, and market conditions that no one can fully predict today.

Key Questions Still Unanswered

As community members and as homeowners, here are the big questions that remain open:

• Will Suisun City's annexation process ultimately be approved by LAFCo and move forward?

• How will water rights and a comprehensive water supply be secured for a city of this scale?

• What does the county's fiscal deficit analysis mean for existing taxpayers?

• How will regional transportation infrastructure keep pace with a population of this size?

• What workforce and affordable housing commitments will be binding vs. aspirational?

• What does a multi-decade buildout timeline really mean for current residents?

These are important questions — and the answers will shape what this project ultimately becomes for our community.

Why This Matters to You as a Solano County Homeowner

Whether you're thinking about selling in the next year or planning to stay put for a decade, understanding what's happening in your county is part of being an informed homeowner.

Big development proposals like California Forever don't just change skylines — they shape commute patterns, school enrollment, tax bases, and neighborhood demand over time. And this one is moving faster than most people realize.

My job is to make sure you have the information you need to make smart, confident decisions about one of your most important assets: your home.

If you're wondering what current market conditions look like in your specific neighborhood - or how buyers are thinking about Solano County right now - I'd love to have that conversation with you.

Let's Talk About What This Means for Your Home

I've been serving buyers and sellers across Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, and Napa Counties for years, and I specialize in helping families navigate complex, real-life transitions - including ones that come with a lot of unknowns.

If you're curious about your home's current value, how buyers are approaching this market, or simply want a grounded perspective on what's happening in Solano County real estate - reach out. No pressure, just a real conversation.

🏡 Need practical tools to help you plan ahead?

If you’re not sure how to start, begin with one small step—download my Downsizing Checklist or Life & Legacy Planner. Or, if you’d rather talk it through, reach out anytime. I’m always happy to answer questions and help you create a plan that fits your lifestyle and your legacy.

Together, we’ll make sure your home supports both your lifestyle and your future plans.

Next Steps

Schedule a free consultation with us to to explore how your home can fit your evolving needs.
Get connected to our trusted network—financial planners, senior living advisors, and accessibility specialists.
Build a customized transition plan that keeps you comfortable, independent, and secure for years to come.

If you're considering a move or need guidance on your next steps, reach out to Legacy and Lifestyle Homes today. We're here to help you navigate this transition with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind.

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Have questions or just starting to explore?

Let’s talk—no pressure, just practical guidance for whatever comes next.

📞 Call or text me anytime: (707) 813-1643

📧 Or send a message here: allison@legacyandlifestylehomes.com

This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available information as of the date of publication. It does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Market conditions and project status may change. Always consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.