In 2018, California Forever quietly acquired approximately $900 million worth of land from farmers in Solano County, California, just north of the Bay Area. The company’s actions raised speculation and unease as they accumulated over 60,000 acres of land, with their intentions remaining a mystery at the time.
It was later revealed that the land was slated to become a new eco-friendly city, supported by Silicon Valley billionaires and led by California Forever, headed by CEO Jan Sramek. The ambitious project aimed to address the California housing crisis, create a sustainable metropolitan area with a high quality of life and low carbon footprint, and serve as an economic hub for Solano County.
As the company presented its East Solano Plan for approval from the local community, concerns grew over potential ecological damage and the impact on existing residents. Despite a costly campaign to sway public opinion leading up to the November election, opposition mounted among elected officials and a coalition formed against the project.
In July, a joint decision was made to retract the proposal on the eve of the county board’s vote, citing the need for further environmental assessments before potentially revisiting the initiative in two years. Similar grand-scale development projects around the world, like Masdar, Neom, and Forest City, have faced challenges in meeting their objectives despite significant investment.
Critics argue that building new cities from scratch may not be the most effective solution to address housing and environmental concerns, urging for more focus on existing communities. Organizations like the Greenbelt Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity have opposed California Forever’s plans, citing potential threats to carbon storage, biodiversity, and water resources.
Although California Forever touts its commitment to sustainability and low carbon emissions, skeptics question the feasibility of such claims until the project is operational. With prominent backers and significant financial backing, the company continues to strive for community support in future endeavors while emphasizing the transformative potential of their vision.
