The idea of a new, environmentally-friendly city between San Francisco and Sacramento, which was quietly purchased over the years by a company supported by wealthy individuals from Silicon Valley, now requires the approval of voters in order to move forward.

Jan Sramek, who previously worked as a trader at Goldman Sachs, discussed his plans for developing a community on land that is currently primarily used for farming during a meeting with reporters and supporters on Wednesday.

In November, Solano County voters must approve the request of his company, California Forever, to override the safeguards implemented in 1984 that prevent farmland from being converted into urban areas.

Sramek, a resident of Solano County who was born in the Czech Republic, believes that Solano County has the potential to become a remarkable success in California. This could be a much-needed victory for California, allowing them to surpass other states.

The campaign intends to publish the ballot proposition on their website by Wednesday afternoon. The county’s election authorities must create a title and summary for the ballot before the campaign can gather signatures. They require 13,000 signatures from county residents in order to have the proposal included on the November ballot.

The presentation on Wednesday provided the most comprehensive insight so far into the community that Sramek and his billionaire supporters, including philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, have in mind.

They picture 20,000 homes for 50,000 residents between Travis Air Force Base and the tiny city of Rio Vista, with rowhouses and apartment buildings between three and six stories high within walking distance to jobs, schools, bars, restaurants and grocery stores.

The group predicts that the city could expand to a population of 400,000. However, this will only be possible if 15,000 jobs with higher-than-average salaries are created. To support the growth, $400 million will be allocated for various investments, including assisting Solano County residents and air force base families in purchasing homes in the new community.

According to experienced Democratic strategist Bill Carrick, the organization will have a difficult task in gaining the support of local citizens, given the current climate of voter skepticism, animosity between political groups, and anticipated concerns about affluent individuals entering the area.

Carrick stated that individuals are cautious about things they are not familiar with. Those advocating for the measure must convince Solano County voters that it is more beneficial for them compared to the current situation. People tend to be skeptical of ballot measures, which is evident in the low success rate of such measures.

The group will not struggle to pay for advertising their ballot proposal. Carrick estimated it may require a minimum of $10 million. Sramek did not reveal his budget for the campaign. He stated that the focus was not on money, but on harnessing the genuine interest of local officials and residents in creating a sustainable community.

He declared to reporters during the presentation that he will ensure this occurs, regardless of any obstacles.

Created in 2017, California Forever has purchased more than 78 square miles (202 square kilometers) of farmland in Solano County. Sramek made his pitch at town halls around the county last month. But the new wave of transparency has not quieted critics who have been skeptical of the project since the mysterious land-buying spree began years ago.

Critics of the project gathered on Wednesday outside a veterans memorial building, displaying signs to express their exclusion. They discussed with journalists their concerns that Solano County lacks the necessary roads and infrastructure to support the projected growth.

Roxanne Stiles-Donnelly, a retired nurse from Rio Vista, expressed her belief that the company is targeting the younger population and using various financial rewards to entice them.

However, Radhika Lynette, an artist and musician, found herself drawn to the artwork showcased by the campaign. As a Vallejo resident who moved away from San Francisco 17 years ago in pursuit of lower rent and Victorian homes, she appreciates the dedication behind the project.

She stated, “It’s a common dream to have a more sustainable place. In America, we seem to be lagging behind in that aspect. The idea of having a walkable environment is significant.”

California Forever is focused on obtaining land not only for farming purposes, but also in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region. This area is home to a delicate estuary and a variety of aquatic and land animals. Furthermore, the Delta is a crucial part of California’s water supply system, which is already under strain. Some individuals who oppose the project are concerned that increased development in this area will worsen the already vulnerable ecosystem.

Sramek explained that he chose to start from the beginning because the demand for housing is too high to rely on existing cities, despite criticism from some. He mentioned that building expenses are too expensive to create affordable housing and there is not enough available land to satisfy the need for both employment and housing.

According to supporters, Solano County is the ideal spot for construction in an area that is in need of additional housing, particularly budget-friendly residences for essential city employees such as educators, firefighters, and law enforcement officials who keep the city functioning.

According to Gabriel Metcalf, who is in charge of planning for California Forever, the area is also appealing to businesses in the military contracting, agricultural technology, and construction technology industries looking to push boundaries and bring new ideas.

According to Metcalf, if we can offer businesses a means for expansion, we believe that we will attract significant employers who would otherwise relocate to other states, such as Texas, and create jobs here.

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This report was contributed to by Terry Chea in Rio Vista and Michael R. Blood in Los Angeles, both of whom are Associated Press employees.

Source: wral.com