Silicon Valley Billionaires Buying 55,000 Acres of Land to Build City in Solano County

The enigmatic acquisition of vast swaths of farmland in Solano County, California, has recently grabbed public attention, uncovering a mysterious venture led by a group known as Flannery Associates. This entity, backed by influential figures from Silicon Valley, has invested over $800 million to procure 55,000 acres of land with ambitious plans to establish one or more entire cities in the area.

Recent reports, including coverage by the Los Angeles Times, have revealed that local residents were presented with surveys seeking their opinions on an extensive development proposal. This includes the creation of "a new city with tens of thousands of new homes, a substantial solar energy farm, orchards with over a million new trees, and over ten thousand acres of new parks and open space." Intriguingly, the proposed city's location is adjacent to Travis Air Force Base, a fact that has raised eyebrows due to its proximity to this strategically significant military facility.

What adds a layer of complexity to this endeavor is that much of the land under consideration was originally designated for open space and agricultural purposes as part of a state conservation program. Flannery Associates now seeks to rezone this land to accommodate their urban development aspirations. However, it is crucial to understand that this process won't be straightforward, as it necessitates approvals from various state and county agencies. Unlike simpler matters that can be decided through local resident votes, officials familiar with the regulatory process have clarified that this will be a far more complex undertaking.

The enigma surrounding the true identities of the backers behind Flannery Associates, who have quietly amassed this significant land portfolio, has persisted for an extended period. Even U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, who represents the region, along with other officials, had previously struggled to identify the individuals or entities responsible for this massive land acquisition. Only recently, when representatives from Flannery Associates reached out to arrange meetings with Congressman Garamendi and U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, did some clarity emerge about this cryptic project. Additionally, the distribution of the survey to local residents has now unveiled the ambitious plans that could profoundly reshape Solano County's landscape.

As the story continues to develop, it raises pertinent questions about its potential environmental, social, and regional impacts. In the coming months, we can expect increased scrutiny and discussions surrounding Flannery Associates' quest for the necessary approvals for their groundbreaking project in Solano County.