East Solano Plan

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 It’s time for the county to break free from outdated policies from the 1980s, and instead: ?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.

On this Veterans Day, we honor those who’ve dedicated their lives to serving our country.

“We have a plan for medium-density— it’s not Manhattan but it’s not traditional suburbia.” Urbanist vlogger, Alexander Rotmensz, continued exploring the East Solano Plan through an interview with our Head of Planning, Gabe Metcalf! Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gcC_JCJP

Historically, California and the Bay Area have set the pace for the country in opportunity and innovation. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, for example, began construction in 1933 and opened ahead of schedule in 1937. There are six years between 2023 and 2028. If we can build a bridge spanning the Golden Gate in under four years, then surely we can plan a new community in less than six. It’s time for California to start building again, and Solano County can’t afford to miss out! Let’s act with the urgency our situation demands and show California and America that Solano County is a place of opportunity, a place that reignites our spirit of innovation and optimism, a place that can build.