California Forever, Forever

California Forever, the development company behind a proposed 17,500-acre community in Solano County, has announced a strategic shift in its approach to securing necessary government approvals. Initially planning to seek voter approval for zoning changes this year, the company will now collaborate with county officials to obtain the required zoning and complete an environmental review before presenting the proposal to voters in 2026. This decision aims to provide a clearer picture of the project to the public and streamline the approval process. The company’s revised plan involves working with the Solano County Board of Supervisors to finalize zoning changes and produce a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental impact report. By prioritizing these steps, California Forever hopes to mitigate the risks associated with a failed ballot initiative and gain more comprehensive input from county officials, which could expedite the approval process. Solano Board of Supervisor Chair Mitch Mashburn expressed support for this collaborative approach. However, this shift raises concerns about potential alterations to the project. By seeking county approval first, there is a possibility that officials may impose restrictions that could dilute the urbanist vision of a walkable community that California Forever advocates. Additionally, expediting the environmental review process may lead to prolonged legal challenges, as environmental litigation is a common hurdle for large developments. Despite these challenges, California Forever remains committed to its vision of a pro-growth, urban California, navigating the complex landscape of regulatory approvals in pursuit of its ambitious project.