East Solano Plan

America has proven it can build with speed and purpose. The Hoover Dam, a feat of engineering, was completed in just five years during the Great Depression, demonstrating what we can achieve when urgency meets determination. Today, we face critical challenges in defense and advanced manufacturing: supply chain vulnerabilities, a shrinking skilled workforce, and rising global competition. If we could build the Hoover Dam in five years, surely we can revitalize America’s industrial base with the same resolve. It’s time for America to build again. Solano County has the opportunity to lead this charge—let’s act boldly and urgently to reclaim our legacy of progress.

California is losing well-paying jobs to other states, the housing crisis is worsening, and the state is falling short on clean energy goals. These challenges are mirrored here in Solano County. Last spring, we announced 12 fast-growing employers that were ready to bring jobs to Solano if our plan was approved—marking the most significant interest in local job creation in decades. In the 14 months since our plan was introduced, these are not just the most prominent employers interested in coming to the county; they are the only ones. Despite America experiencing its largest manufacturing renaissance in 50 years, Solano County has not gained from it. For these job commitments to become a reality, we need to be allowed to build. Facing a $50M budget deficit, the county can’t afford to lose out on this opportunity.

“Cities are the solution for so many of the problems that humans face.” —California Forever’s Head of Planning, Gabe Metcalf

More than 50% of Solano’s residents commute to jobs outside of the county. By bringing new industries like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and agricultural technologies to East Solano, we can bring good jobs to us, rather than having to go to them!

Our county is at a crossroads. Solano County has an annual $50 million budget deficit, and the situation has just gotten worse over the last decade. To close the deficit, we need bold, new solutions. It’s time for the county to break free from outdated policies from the 1980s, and instead: ? Embrace policies that support smart development, bring jobs, and boost revenue. ? Prioritize solutions with urgency that reflects the magnitude of our challenges. ? Move beyond “business as usual” to secure a sustainable future. Let’s rethink and build a stronger, more resilient future.

America is at the beginning of an industrial renaissance, with careers in skilled trades offering a path to success for many Americans. Our plan embraces investment and innovation to create a compelling opportunity for Solano County to benefit from this momentum. By vastly increasing the number local jobs in skilled trades, and bringing highly skilled manufacturing jobs to Solano County, in industries like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and agricultural technologies, the California Forever project ensures that Solano County will be at the forefront of the renaissance.

California’s approach to development has failed our state. In a sit-down with urbanist vlogger, Alexander Rotmensz, our Head of Planning, Gabe Metcalf, talks about the need for infill AND greenfield development. We cannot solve our job creation, energy, and housing crises without building!

The “college-for-all” model needn’t be the only pathway to economic stability and success. Rising student debt, underemployment among degree holders, and a disconnect between university offerings and job market needs has many Americans seeking alternatives. These alternatives include a shift toward apprenticeships and skills-based hiring, which can lead directly to well-paying, in-demand jobs without the financial strain of a four-year degree. Gov. Newsom’s goal of bringing 500,000 new apprenticeships to California by 2029 is an opportunity Solano County can’t afford to miss. We aim to create pathways for meaningful work and sustainable futures by working to rebuild America’s industrial base right here in Solano County.

The East Solano Plan is not single-family suburbia, and it’s not Manhattan. It’s in-between: medium-density.

With Solano's rich military history, the county deserves to be at the forefront of America's industrial and defense renaissance. This is one way we can continue to support our military, their families, and the greater county for generations to come.