California Forever Development Looms Over Suisun City Local Elections

The upcoming municipal election in Suisun City will determine city leadership's stance on annexing land for a massive developer-backed project designed to house over 100,000 people, which could drastically alter the small town's geography, municipal budget, and local infrastructure.

• •Suisun City leaders have spent two years exploring the potential annexation of land owned by the developer California Forever.
• •Annexation would expand Suisun City's geographic boundaries by approximately nine times.
• •The California Forever project proposes building homes and apartments for over 100,000 people, along with retail, offices, and an advanced manufacturing center.
• •Suisun City currently faces a chronic budget deficit, empty waterfront stores, and limited city staff.
• •Mayor Alma Hernandez estimates that about 40% of residents have made up their minds on the project, while roughly 60% want leaders to gather more information.
• •Candidate Michael Jefferson previously ran an unsuccessful attempt to recall the entire City Council over their willingness to consider annexation.
• •Some candidates and residents advocate for putting any annexation deal to a vote by Suisun City residents rather than relying solely on county regulatory agencies.
• •Local concerns regarding the development include traffic congestion on Highway 12, strain on water supplies, and impacts on the town's small-town character.