Another Solano County city is considering a partnership with the investors behind the ambitious California Forever project.
Last week, the Rio Vista City Council directed staff to explore the possibility of expansion through annexation of California Forever-owned land. The vote was unanimous and followed a similar move by Suisun City.
“This decision is about just getting to the table,” said Rio Vista Mayor Edwin Okamura. “Many of us were content waiting for further studies on the original impacts of the California Forever project before weighing in. Suisun’s bold move requires Rio Vista to take steps to protect our interests.”
The billionaires behind the California Forever project were forced to pull their county ballot initiative last year because of resistance from residents and local leaders. Opponents of the project have expressed concerns that city expansion could serve as a “back door” for the project. Voter approval is required for any significant developments in unincorporated Solano. But if cities like Suisun City and Rio Vista were to annex the land, development approvals would fall under their jurisdiction, potentially facilitating the project.
Rio Vista and Suisun City are the smallest municipalities in the county. Suisun is facing budgetary challenges, and has eyed expansion as a way to increase its tax base to raise more revenue.
Read more about the cities’ potential next moves here.